Monday, December 31

5K Gator Bowl Run

Come run for a great cause right before the Gator Bowl Parade on Monday! Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Jacksonville Landing on Water Street. All benefits and proceeds will go to Wolfson's Children's Hospital.

2012 Noon Year's Eve

Join Jax4Kids Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for a family-friendly New Year's celebration. Countdown to 2013 with live entertainment, face painting , magic shows, free caricatures ,an apple juice toast and more! For more information call (904) 757-4463 or visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org

New Year's Eve Balloon Drop

Monday afternoon beginning at 11 a.m., The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will host a day of pizza, cookies, bubble wrap rooms, live music and of course a balloon drop at 12 noon. Members are free, non-members are $5/person. Space is limited, no pets or strollers allowed. For more information call (904) 280-0614.

The Avenues New Year's Eve Extravaganza

Bring your family to the Avenues Mall Monday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a  end of the year celebration. Face painting, bounce house, entertainment and more will be featured. Make sure you stick around to see the "special" ball drop, over 1500 beach balls will fall from Center Court! Admission is free.

Beach Blast Off 2013

The St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion  will feature ice sculptures, a chilli cook-off, fireworks and more from 4pm to 8pm Monday night. Admission is free but there is a charge for chili tasting. For more information visit beachblastoff.com

New Year's Day

First Day Hike

Little Talbot Island State Park celebrates New Year's Day with a free, guided two mile hike along the Dune Ridge Trail and picturesque beach. Meet at the Ranger Station at 1:00 p.m.  Water, snacks, insect repellant, layered clothing and a camera are recommended. For more information visit floridastateparks.org