Thursday:

Festival of Trees

The St. Johns County Festival of Trees returns to World Golf Village. The event will feature trees, wreaths, and other holiday items donated by the community. Visitors can donate on their favorite trees and wreaths with minimum $1 bid or purchase an entry through the silent auction. You can also enjoy free activities including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a short performance from “The Nutcracker” by dancers from the St. Augustine Ballet. This event is held at the St. Johns County Convention Center. It will end on Sunday. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. This event benefits the United Way of St. Johns County and the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund.

 Tree of Life and Candlelight Service of Remembrance

Community Hospice of Northeast Florida is hosting a tree of life and Candlelight Service of Remembrance on Thursday. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The lighting of the Tree of Life will include a special candlelight service to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died. This event will be held at the Center for caring on Sunbeam Road.

Friday:

The Nutcracker

A holiday tradition comes alive at the Florida Theatre this weekend. The 21st annual production of the Nutcracker will begin on Friday at the Florida Theatre. For tickets, call the Florida Theatre box office at 904-355-2787.

 A Very Merry Christmas

Enjoy a multi-cultural evening of holiday celebration at Stage Aurora Performance Hall beginning Friday. A Very Merry Christmas will feature holiday favorites in song, dance, and music in all genres. The show will begin Friday and last until Sunday. Tickets prices are all seats $15 in advance. Tickets may be purchased at Brothers 2000 at Gateway Town Center or online at www.ticketleap.com. You can also purchase tickets at the Stage Aurora box office at 904-765-7372.

The Florida Ballet

The Florida Ballet presents the holiday classic, the Nutcracker this weekend. It will be held at the Lazzara Performance Hall at UNF. Tickets are available for Friday’s show at 7:30 p.m., Saturday’s shows at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase tickets at the UNF Box Office by calling 904-620-2878 or at www.ticketreturn.com.

 Holiday at St. James

Join Mayor Alvin Brown on Friday for the first annual Holiday at St. James Celebration and Tree lighting. It will feature a holiday craft market in Hemming Plaza, carolers, crafts and plenty of fun. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will end with a tree lighting at 7 p.m. For more information, go to www.makeascenedowntown.com.

 Holiday Pops

Join the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for a holiday event beginning Friday. Holiday Pop will begin on Friday and last through Sunday at the Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at The Times Union Center for Performing Arts Center. Enjoy songs performed by guest Ashley Brown. Single tickets begin at $25. To purchase tickets, go to www.jaxsymphony.org or call 904-354-5547.

 Flashmob

The community outreach club of the ARC of the St. Johns invites you to join them in a caroling flashmob display on Friday. It will be held at various parts of the Plaza de la Consitucion and will begin at 5 p.m.

 Clowning Around

Local families can meet Dustin, the Boss Clown from the Greatest Show on Earth at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville on Friday. Dustin will read a book. All children will receive a clown nose and bookmarks. This event begins at 3:30 p.m.