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 …

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 …

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 …