Christmas on the First Coast is truly magical, and it’s hands down my favorite time of year! Jacksonville, along with the charming small towns surrounding it, offers an endless array of holiday events that capture the spirit of the Christmas season. One tradition my family looks forward to every year is visiting the Green Cove Springs Parade of Trees and enjoying their festive nighttime holiday parade. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season and immerse ourselves in the joy and wonder that makes this time of year so special.
The Parade of Trees
The Parade of Trees features 225 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each one crafted by local families, businesses, and organizations. Every tree is a unique work of art, showcasing a wide range of styles and themes. Some trees serve as heartfelt memorials or dedications, while others raise awareness for local charities, and many are simply created for fun and festive cheer. Our family enjoys walking the path of trees each year, taking our time to admire the creativity and thoughtfulness behind each display. It’s always a fun tradition for us to choose our favorites, and it never gets old discovering new details that make each tree special. In addition to the Parade of Trees is the beautiful Green Cove Springs 45 foot Christmas tree.
Free Holiday Event
Step into a holiday wonderland at Spring Park in Green Cove Springs, where 225 beautifully lit Christmas trees create a magical display every night from December 1st to December 31st, until 10 p.m. The Parade of Trees is free to the public and offers a festive experience for all ages. Plus, there’s ample free parking available around Spring Park, making it easy to enjoy this seasonal tradition with family and friends.
The Green Cove Springs annual Christmas parade takes place the first Saturday in December at 6 p.m., and it’s truly a sight to behold! This night time parade is the largest one in North Florida with 70 floats. The floats are beautifully decorated and illuminated, adding an extra touch of magic to this festive procession. The parade serves as the official kickoff for both the Parade of Trees and the Green Cove Springs City Tree Lighting, making it a must-see event that brings the entire community together to celebrate the holiday season. Gather your family and head to Green Cove Springs early to grab a spot along the parade route.
A Perfect Holiday Celebration
If you’re looking for unique ways to celebrate the holidays close to Jacksonville the stunning Green Cove Springs Parade of Trees, with its 225 twinkling trees, and the Green Cove Springs dazzling nighttime parade that kicks off the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re admiring the beautifully crafted trees, watching the festive floats in the parade, or simply soaking in the holiday atmosphere in Spring Park, the season truly comes alive here. And with free admission and plenty of parking, these events are the perfect way to spend quality time with family and friends. So bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and make some memories at these unforgettable holiday celebrations in Green Cove Springs.
2024 Parade of Trees Information
Dates: December 1-31, 2024
Admission Cost: Free for All
Address: 106 St Johns Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
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Jillian is a New Englander at heart. Born in Jacksonville Beach, she grew up in Massachusetts but was beckoned back to Florida for a Disney World Internship. She returned to the beach in 2005 after graduating from Florida State. Ten years ago she opened her handmade & vintage collective shop, Sew Vicious, in Neptune Beach. Jillian raises chickens, is a passionate gardener, a DIYer, a thrift store junkie, a deal loving mama, and has several inspirational travel journals available on Amazon. She leads her daughters’ Girl Scout Troop, teaches sewing at a local Montessori School, and is a Parents Who Lead Alumni. She loves surprising her husband and daughters with mini-vacations around the Sunshine State.
