What's Going On In Our Area The Week of Christmas

Wednesday

WinterFest

A Winter Wonderland is now at Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach location until January 13th! The second annual WinterFEST will feature a complete Alpine experience. From 2 pm- 10pm you will get to enjoy  ice skating and sliding, s'more roasting, Santa's workshop and an evening of snowfall. For more information and ticket pricing visit http://www.jaxwinterfest.com or call (904) 246-4386.

Festival of Lights

The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host a holiday celebration featuring more than five million lights. Today through Sunday, 6:30 pm to 9 pm come see a gingerbread village, candy cane forest, Santa 's runway and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and popcorn. For more information visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/StephenFoster

Thursday

Blood Drive

Schedule your appointments for the upcoming Blood Drive at the Bunnell Fire & Police Department Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. . If you have any questions about donating blood please contact Florida's Blood Centers at 1-888-936-6283 or visit www.floridasbloodcenters.org

Friday

JEA Recycling Drop-Off

JEA and Metro-Rooter Plumbing Service will be providing drop-off locations for anyone with used cooking oil to recycle Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the old Coggin Dealership on Atlantic and Southside Boulevard.  The goal is to keep the greases out of the sewer system so they can be used in exchange for cleaner biodiesel fuels.

The Ride

Want a night of live entertainment and great food? Friday night make your way to Whitey's Fish Camp at 9:30 p.m. as local classic rock band, The Ride, performs a tribute jam session. For directions call (904) 269-4198.

Saturday

Old Town Arts and Crafts Show

Unique original handmade art, crafts, paintings, jewelry and sculptures will be on display and judged Saturday through Sunday at Francis Field in St. Augustine. The show features artists and craftsmen from throughout northeast Florida and the U.S. . Admission is free, for more information call (904)794-0084 or visit www.oldtownartshow.com

Throwback Gives Back

Skate Station of Orange Park will be hosting a night of goodwill Saturday from 11:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.. Admission will be $5.00 and free for customers that bring winter clothing items for the homeless. All items collected will be donated to the Trinity Rescue Mission and Clay County Clothes Closet. The event is for ages 17 and up, if you have any questions call (904) 272-5600.

Chocolate Nutcracker

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Gamma Rho Omega Chapter, Inc. in partnership with Alpha Jax Foundation, Inc presents, Chocolate Nutcracker  a LaVerne Reed Production. This urban spin on the holiday classic The Nutcracker will include African dance, Ballet, Hip-hop, and Jazz  numbers from young local dancers. The production will be held Saturday evening at the Times Union Center for Performing Arts Moran Theater. Show times are 2:00pm and 7:30 pm. For ticket prices visit ticketmaster.com or call Johnetta Moore at (904) 768-2255.

Friday

The Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park

Willow Creek Band and Stonebranch Band will kick off 2013's Suwannee River Jam Friday and Saturday night beginning at 6 p.m.. Come out for a weekend of good ole country music and food  from SOSMP's SOS Cafe and Restaurant. Admission is free except during festival or special event evenings. To make reservations for RV parking, cabins, or campers call (386) 364-1683.

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

Tuesday

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