“Christmas! Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”~Washington Irving
Nowhere is that genial flame more joyfully felt than in Jacksonville during our festive Victorian Christmas. Once more, this merry old town will resonate with all things bright and captivating.
We begin the annual tradition according to custom with the heart-warming lighting of the town Christmas tree. Members of the community come together from near and far to sing carols and witness the official seasonal launch. It happens at the old county courthouse, now city hall, on 5th Street. The free festivities commence Saturday, November 25th at 5pm with plenty of room for all to fill the closed streets that surround the celebration. Who knows, there may even be a special guest!
Supporting locally-owned businesses is an important part of helping area families make it through what can be a long, cold, and quiet winter season. Jacksonville has some of the most diverse offerings in the area, with a wide variety of miscellaneous gifts, jewelry, clothing, toys, kitchenware, and books—ideal choices for everyone on the list.
From Saturday, November 25th through Sunday, December 17th, Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas will offer up all the small-town goodness we’ve come to expect. Grab your favorite viewing spot early for the popular Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd, at 10am.
Bring your wish list to Father Christmas who will take his throne inside historical Beekman Bank on weekends starting November 26th.
Businesses will be aglow with white lights and decked with greenery. Carolers in period attire will sing songs of old, and other musical acts plan to fill the air with sounds of the season. Warm your hands with a cup of free cider (donations welcome).
The Beekman House welcomes visitors on weekends with special Victorian Christmas Customs tours from November 25th through December 17th.
Sign up early to book your group for the Holiday Lights Trolley tours, which run during December, as these sold out quickly last year. They’re purchased as private tours only, with two trollies available this year! The one hour ride shuttles you around stunning displays in East Medford, freeing you from traffic hassles and allowing excellent viewing. Prices are online and may be booked beginning November first.
Jacksonville unites to bring genuine small-town charm to each and every visitor during this special time of year. Gather the clan and make this holiday truly one to remember.