Kick-off New Year’s Eve in Northeast Florida cheering on your favorite football team
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– December 6, 2021—Visit Jacksonville welcomes dedicated Demon Deacon and Aggie fans, friends and family to start their New Year’s Eve celebration cheering on Wake Forest and Texas A&M at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field, Friday, December 31. Kick-off is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Football fans will find plenty of things to do in Jax. The Gator Bowl celebration starts Thursday, December 30, with team pep rallies at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. Afterwards, stay at the Pavilion and walk around one of the areas best holiday displays, Deck the Chairs, featuring dozens of lifeguard chairs uniquely decorated for the season.
Beyond football, Jacksonville offers a getaway that’s equal parts fun and relaxing for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, families and shoppers. Whether you spend time exploring the Jax Ale Trail, take a walk in the largest urban park system in the country or relax on 22 miles of oceanfront beaches, there’s plenty to do in Jacksonville while cheering on your favorite team.
Tour the Jax Ale Trail
For those looking for local craft beers, three stops on the city’s Jax Ale Trail are located Downtown near the stadium. Intuition Brewery is a two-story tap room with local craft beer and an in-house restaurant serving a full menu to pair with their beers. Bold City Brewery has a taproom just down East Bay Street and Ruby Beach Brewery is around the corner on East Forsyth Street, both within walking distance of the stadium. The Jax Ale Trail unites craft breweries around the city into a fun self-guided tour, complete with a passport to stamp in exchange for prizes upon completion.
Soak up the Sunshine State
To the adventure seeker, nature lover and golf fanatic alike, Jacksonville has something for anyone looking to enjoy some sunshine. Take a hike through 7 Creeks Recreation Area’s 30 miles of trails, or any of Jacksonville’s 80,000 acres of parks during your visit. Those looking to get on the greens, Jacksonville and its surrounding areas boast world-class golf courses for every level of play in beautiful ocean-side and riverfront settings.
Enjoy a Waterfront Weekend
For the fishing enthusiasts, Jacksonville has more than 1,110 miles of interior shorelines, convenient water access and a variety of fresh and saltwater fishing options. With more shoreline than any other city in the nation, Jacksonville is known for its scenic sunrises over its east coast beaches and sunsets going down among bridges across the longest stretch of the St. Johns River. Sink your toes into Jacksonville’s white sand beaches or jog along the Northbank Riverwalk – there is no shortage of beautiful waterfront views.
Bring the Family
Jacksonville’s natural beauty is accompanied by endless activities for visitors of all ages. Family-friendly to-dos include the city’s six museums (don’t forget your Museum Passport), the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens and the largest urban park system in the nation. Continue the holiday celebration with a visit to Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens. The magical light experience continuing through January 9. Downtown you’ll find one of the largest candy shops in the country, Sweet Pete’s, a fully functioning factory with an interactive gallery and treats for the whole family.
Seek out the Shops
Wherever you are in Jacksonville, you’ll find great shopping. St. Johns Town Center has anything you could be looking for in one place. Closer to Downtown, the Riverside Avondale area has antique shopping, trendy boutiques and an arts and farmers market every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. If you’re beachside, the Beaches Town Center offers boutique shopping and plenty of dining options.
Join your favorite football team in Jacksonville. Tickets are on sale now so start planning the ultimate TaxSlayer Gator Bowl getaway today at www.VisitJacksonville.com.
About Visit Jacksonville Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to http://www.VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.
