What To Do in Jacksonville this Week: The St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular
You're Invited!
The 2019 St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular Begins Saturday at 2pm
Bring the whole family out to the St. Johns Town Center today for some holiday fun! - Events start Saturday at 2 pm. (Saturday, November 11, 2017)
Let the Holiday Season Begin!
I know, I know...it's not even Thanksgiving yet. If you feel that way about the holidays then you may want to navigate away from this page, because I am allowing none of that nonsense here. I. LOVE. THE. HOLIDAYS. Sorry, I'm not sorry. I like to celebrate for longer than 25 days. Or two weeks. Or whatever you grinches feel is an acceptable time frame for holiday shenanigans.
In my mind, the holiday season started November 1st, but this weekend is my official kick-off celebration!
Treat Every day Like Christmas
I’d love to throw a giant party each year to get a festive start on the season, but why do that when my buddies at the St. Johns Town Center do it for us all? My official holiday season begins after the BIG fancy tree at the St. Johns Town Center is all LIT up and ready for visitors. So as of this Saturday night, the holidays and the Town Center are OPEN AND READY FOR SHOPPING!
If you’re local to the North Florida area, make plans to attend the 2019 Holiday Spectacular this weekend at the St. Johns Town Center! The action starts at 2 pm EST and it's fun for the entire family.
Santa, I Know Him!
Although Elf himself has yet to make an appearance, each year we get to hang out with some pretty amazing people. The hostess with the mostess this year is none other than Catalina from 97.9 KISS FM and the headline musical act is MAX. Santa will, of course, make an appearance during the evening and you never know who else will be there!
If you're not familiar with this country group, click the image to visit their YouTube page and listen to some of their jams. Chances are you've heard some of their songs before today!
Buddy The Elf, What's Your Favorite Color?
My family and I attend this event every year and always have a blast. If you have young ones who can't stay out late for the headline entertainment and Santa’s arrival, no worries. Bring them for the afternoon to try out some of the fun festivities.
The all-day event will feature holiday-themed activities and family-friendly fun, culminating with a performance by MAX at 7 pm on the main stage and the lighting of the tree by Santa Claus and fireworks display at 8 p.m.
Family activities will include a silent DJ experience, holiday photo booth, games, giveaways, interactive hot chocolate station, and an ornament decorating station. The Kid’s Zone will feature letters to Santa, jugglers, caricature artists, costumed characters and more.
In addition, St. Johns Town Center retailers will offer holiday shopping opportunities, in-store promotions, and specials throughout the weekend. The 14th annual Holiday Spectacular is sponsored by Toyota, OneBlood, AVL Productions, and 97.9 KISS FM.
Please keep in mind, patience is a virtue. Yes, it will be busy. Yes, you'll have to spend more than .8 seconds to park. And yes, there will be a crowd of other festive folks. BUT. IT'S. SO. WORTH. IT.
How to Park Efficiently and Cost-Effectively
If parking and walking are an issue there are several easy solutions.
1) The Town Center has valet. Use it. They rock.
2) They also have shuttles. I'm dropping a link to the shuttle information here. If you feel like you've parked so far and can't walk to the middle area where the tree is located, then call them. They will come and pick you up. FOR FREE. I'm serious. Call 904.610.9182.
Light It Up
While you’re out with the family you should plan to visit some of my favorite town center spots. You’ll want to arrive early to secure your prime viewing location, but when you’re hungry my new favorite place to grab delicious, but healthy food is True Food Kitchen.
If you’re looking to grab a spirited holiday cocktail, your best bet is to visit the bar at Maggiano’s! It’s close to all the action and their team spends all year training for this one crazy night!
What to Wear
If you're into fashion and wondering about the attire for this weekend’s festive events...it's festive casual. I always dress up just a little because it's what I do, but wear what makes you happy and comfortable. Or arrive a few minutes early, survey the crowd and pop into your favorite Town Center store to grab something new to fit the vibe. (Listen, you're here. I'll show you how to spend money. No problem. Insert the cash money eye emoji here.)
Need More Details?
The schedule of events for the day is listed below, but I’ve also dropped a few links to their social pages and website so you can gather whatever additional information you need. If you have any questions for me, just leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to help you.
WHEN: Saturday, November 9 from 2 – 8 p.m.
2 p.m. – Family activities and Silent DJ begin
2 p.m. – Main Stage performances begin
7 p.m. – MAX performs
8 p.m. – Santa Arrives to light the tree
For full event information, visit the event page on Facebook, here. For location information and how to get to the St. Johns Town Center, click here.
Staff Shout Out
Remember to look for the fabulous Town Center and Simon team working their magic tonight. If you see them tell them you love them and thank you. (You can leave out the love part if you so desire, but it's the holiday season so spread some love and cheer.)
Happy Holidays, babes! We hope to see you this weekend!
XOXO,
Stephanie
