International Holocaust Remembrance Day
On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember those who lost their lives and use the lessons learned from these atrocities to strengthen the commitment to eliminate bigotry and hatred.
Category: Holidays and others
National Pie Day 2023
January 23rd Is National Pie Day, A Time To Celebrate The Day With PIE. Which Pie Should You Choose For Your National Pie Day Party? The Pie-Sibilities Are Endless! Will It Be One Of The 231 Varieties Of Apple Pie, The Favorite Of 36 Million Read More …
Friday the 13th 2023
January 13, 2023 falls on a Friday, which means we will once again be visited by Friday the 13th! Many associate the day with bad luck and superstitions. We’ve compiled a few facts about Friday the 13th. Just like the fear of the number 13, Read More …
Jacksonville’s 42nd annual MLK Day parade
Jacksonville’s 42nd annual MLK Day parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday on Water Street near the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The route proceeds to Laura and West Adams streets and finishes on Lee Street. Additional info here
The first ball drops were for ship captains, not Times Square
Whether at home on the couch or among the crowds in Times Square, watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop symbolizes a fresh start. But as the ball descends to mark another year gone by, it also harkens back to an era when knowing the Read More …
Kwanzaa
Happy Kwanzaa! Today in 1966, Kwanzaa was founded as an African American cultural holiday. It is centered around seven principles based on African culture to build and reinforce community. The holiday’s name comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” Each of Read More …
The Tree Farm: A Christmas story
For generations, the MacDowells had sold cut-your-own Christmas firs. But was it time to exit now? Or was there a little magic left? After a final pull of the twine, Clifton MacDowell tugged at the tree to make sure it was set, tapped the rooftop and Read More …
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl happenings
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the South Carolina Gamecocks meet in the 78th Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field at 3:30 p.m. Friday. But the game itself is just part of the fun. Gamecock fans get a pre-game bonus. South Carolina-based musicians Edwin McCain and Patrick Davis play Read More …
Origin of The Nutcracker
One of the most beloved holiday stories of our time is The Nutcracker — the musical scores, stunning ballet performances, and memorable set decorations are the epitome of holiday tradition glam at its finest, whether the performance is in a school auditorium or at a regal, highbrow Read More …
Origin of the Christmas Pickle
The Christmas pickle is an American tradition that was once believed to have originated in Germany, which seems plausible given that so many other holiday customs have found their way to the United States that way. In actuality, the Christmas pickle was most likely the result of Read More …
The origin of gingerbread houses
As with many Christmas-adjacent things, gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th century. Gingerbread itself had of course been around for much longer: Rhonda Massingham Hart, the author of Making Gingerbread Houses, noted that the first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in Read More …
36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
Tickets are now on sale for the 36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast presented by Florida Blue! Join the City of Jacksonville as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on January 13th. Get your tickets Read More …
Merry & Bright Movie Night
The Merry & Bright Movie Night Presented by Live Oak Contracting will feature two Christmas classics! Join us on the evening of December 16th at 6 p.m. for How the Grinch Stole Christmas and stay for the 8 p.m. showing of Jack Frost on the Read More …
City Council Holiday Celebration
Get in the holiday spirit next Wednesday, December 7th with the City Council Holiday Celebration. Join your elected leaders at City Hall (117 W. Duval St) starting at 6:15pm for a holiday program featuring Jacksonville Arts & Music School, Cathedral Arts Project, and the Cultural Read More …
Quilt Ceremony at City Hall in honor of World AIDS Day
In honor of World AIDS Day today, COJ proudly hosted the annual Quilt Ceremony at City Hall with the North Florida Quilt Chapter. With more than 10,000 people in Duval County living with AIDS, we are grateful to recognize and honor them today and everyday. Read More …
Santa’s address
Children have been sending letters to Santa for longer than the United States Postal Service has existed to deliver them, though today, they’re far more likely to get a response. In early America, children’s holiday wish lists were often written out and left by the Read More …
The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day
Lydia Maria Child wrote the poem titled “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day,” in 1845. It is best known for its opening lines “Over the river and through the wood, to grandfather’s house we go.” Her poem gained its lasting popularity in 1874 when Read More …
Jacksonville Historical Society’s 20th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza
The 20th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza, hosted by the Jacksonville Historical Society, will enthrall visitors of all ages as they ooh and aah over dozens of delectable gingerbread creations built by amateurs and professionals. The event includes decorated trees and a holiday shop. New this year: Read More …