A Few Minutes with the Mayor – December 2025 / January 2026

WORLDWIDE, in every culture and religion, holidays are a time to enjoy with the people we love. It’s a time to observe honored traditions and customs. A time to reflect on what is most meaningful for ourselves. For those of us lucky enough to live in Jacksonville, you have probably experienced the events we can participate in with our friends and family over the holiday season, while making lasting memories.

For both the folks who live in Jacksonville and our visitors, we kick off the holiday season with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on the grounds of City Hall, the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving. Festivities start at 5:00pm. You can appreciate Jacksonville at its finest. City Hall is alive with holiday spirit and sparkles with outdoor lighting. Entertainment from singers, caroling, the lighting ceremony itself, and the arrival of Father Christmas are all opportunities to engage with your friends and neighbors. Photos in front of the large holiday lawn sign are a time-honored tradition. Afterwards, moving on to one of our local establishments for a meal, a drink, or Christmas shopping, tops off a great evening.

The following Saturday, our Victorian Christmas Parade starts at 10:00am right down California Street. Local groups and clubs, marching bands, horses, classic cars, and one of our trolleys all participate. We have a very respectable turnout for our parade; it seems to grow each year, and it is exciting for all age groups. Afterwards, you have another chance to eat, drink, shop, and be merry.

What about the rest of the holiday season? Some of us have house guests or children home for winter break. It’s healthy and stimulating to spend time outdoors. Dress warmly, and hit the pavement. Jacksonville is beautiful during the holiday season, and walking through our historic city gives you an entirely different experience than simply driving through it.

There is an interesting “History in Time” stroll in front of City Hall. The Jacksonville Boosters researched and sponsored this entertaining look into our past. Another look back in time is inside City Hall, during regular business hours. Our main hallway is filled with photos of people and events that reflect our past. Councilor Ken Gregg and Jacksonville’s historical society are the talented folks who put this display together. Numerous school kids come through every year. It’s interesting to hear them when they come back in with family; they are spot-on when they give their own tour. Flip on the light switch to the right of the back door and peer up the steep “prisoners’ staircase” our jail occupants had to climb for trial.

Take the time to stroll down California Street and through the historic core of Jacksonville. Many of our buildings have a plaque near the front door with details about the building, previous owners, or historical events that happened there. Sit on a bench outside, with a hot beverage from one of our shops, eavesdrop on the conversations of people passing by, or just savor the historic atmosphere. It will set you up for your next round of shopping or exploring.

A little further afield, the historic Jacksonville Cemetery is another window into our past. It is a peaceful and poignant setting, with thoughtful, meaningful messages on the well-maintained headstones. You will find many of the names inscribed are also the names of folks featured in the photos in the City Hall Exhibit. Maybe they will speak to you!

Close to the cemetery, you’ll find a skateboard park and a dog park, for those of you with active dogs and children. Much of our Woodlands Trail system is navigable in winter, and a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. The Peter Britt Gardens and the old brewery site are beautiful places to visit and photograph during the winter. At the other end of town, Doc Griffin Park is waiting to welcome you and the children you are making memories with.

Don’t sit inside in December! Give yourself the gift of fresh air and exploration. You won’t regret it. I bet you will come home feeling energized and ready to face the rest of an always-busy holiday schedule. Happy Holidays to everyone—I hope it’s all you wish for. I will be back in February when the Jacksonville Review resumes, after its winter holiday break.