Individuals and teams of walkers fundraise for the American Diabetes Association. (904) 730-7200

Sample more than 300 wines in the historic Riverside neighborhood. The charitable fall festival features food vendors, live entertainment and shopping. Limited one-way free transportation from 8-11 p.m.

For more information, visit http://riversidewinefest.com or call (904) 354-1001. Benefits Riverside Avondale Preservation.

Attendants may partake in cocktails, dancing, dinner, and a silent auction to benefit River Garden Hebrew Home and Wolfson Health and Aging Center. (904) 886-8431 or www.rivergarden.org

Topic is spring gardening; speaker is Terry DeValle, urban horticulture agent. Contact Donn Elliott, (904) 635-7318, [email protected]

Thurs., Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2105 Park Street, Suite D

Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Holiday Open House will host an open house with special discounts, product demonstrations, give-a-ways and a complimentary holiday latte bar.

A show themed “Boxwoods and Bow-ties” will feature vintage and postmodern art and antiques, along with lectures and workshops, all to benefit the Women’s board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. An opening night party will be held Dec. 5. (904) 202-2886

Sat., Dec. 6, 13, and 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., 1996 San Marco Blvd. in front of San Marco Theatre.

Donations for wrapping will provide veterinary care through St. Francis Animal Hospital for pets in need. For information, visit www.SaintFrancisAnimalHospital.org

Fun for all ages: photobooth, gingerbread houses, facepainting, silent disco, Christmas movies, live music and more. Sponsored by the Avondale Merchants

Christmas Performance

Sat., Dec. 6, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Shoppes of Avondale

St. John’s Presbyterian Church choir and praise band will perform on the street during the annual Christmas in Avondale

Luminaria 30th Anniversary Reception

Join us in celebrating the 30^th year of Riverside Avondale’s Luminaria. To commemorate this special season, Riverside Avondale Preservation will host a reception during Christmas in Avondale on Saturday, December 6^th.

During the reception, local artist Karen Kurycki will reveal her design of the 30^th annual Luminaria poster.

Only 75 commemorative copies, signed by the artist, are available for purchase. To reserve yours, contact [email protected]. Proceeds benefit Riverside Avondale Preservation Society.

4:00PM-9:00PM — Official Luminaria kits available for purchase

6:00PM — Reception begins. Meet local artist Karen Kurycki, as she reveals her design and signs commemorative posters. Members of RAP receive a complimentary glass of wine. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

For more information call Riverside Avondale Preservation at (904) 389-2449.

Experience the timeless tale of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express as the Jacksonville Symphony brings the book to life with an orchestra, chorus and vocalist. www.Jaxsympony.org

Dr. Timothy Snyder conducts the choirs of Jacksonville University in a glorious tapestry of favorite holiday motets, solos and Christmas Carols from around the world sung by the choir with a special audience sing-along as well. Reception follows in the Parish Hall. Free and open to public. Visit www.allsaintsjax.org for more information or call (904) 737-8488.