The annual holiday season kickoff will include performances by local students.

Join neighbors for a festive evening of luminaria kit-making, beverages and holiday cookies.

Dec. 8 – The Santa Claus

Dec. 15 – The Grinch

Dec. 22 – Elf

San Marco “Publix” Lot, 1532 Atlantic Blvd., 6-8:30 p.m.

Free, open to the public; food trucks, complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. Bring your own seating and blankets. Sponsored by Brightway Insurance, The Carlucci Agency

The event is free and open to the public, as the community is invited to join Virginia College for family-friendly activities and holiday cheer, including photos with Santa and writing thank you notes for military troops in partnership with Operation Gratitude. The event will feature campus tours, a breakfast with Santa, refreshments such as hot chocolate and cookies, a tacky sweater contest, crafts, giveaways and more. Attendees 18 and older can enter to win prizes such as Amazon gift cards.

The event is part of Virginia College parent company Education Corporation of America’s national Holiday Fest events being held at 64 other Virginia College, Brightwood College and Brightwood Career Institute locations throughout 17 states.

Enjoy dozens of delightful gingerbread creations at the annual show, sponsored by the Jacksonville Historical Society. For more information, call (904) 665-004.

The Gingerbread House Extravaganza runs through December 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sundays, at Jacksonville Historical Society’s Old St. Andrews, 317 A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, across from the Veterans Memorial Arena. It opens at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

A  donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children over three is suggested for this charity event. The Jacksonville Historical Society’s Merrill Museum House, highlighting 1903 Jacksonville life, is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the Extravaganza and is located on adjoining property. Parking for both events is free.

Celebrate the holidays by wearing your ugliest sweater and enjoying local beers from one of Jacksonville’s breweries.

The 11th annual Read & Romp for children up to age 10 includes games, crafts, entertainment and activities, as well as giving away books and stuffed animals.

This FREE diabetes class allows participants to discuss ways to prevent or delay diabetes complications,

discover tools to enhance nutrition and exercise choices, and learn new ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health.

Participants receive a FREE Healthy Living Book and other program-related materials.

Call Northeast Florida AHEC at 904-482-0189 for more information and registration.

The family-friendly event features a race, a tour of the Ronald McDonald House
and a Christmas Village in the parking lot. Register at 1stplacesports.com/races/
childrensway/

Christmas in Avondale is a treasured tradition going back over 30 years, when the Avondale Merchant Association shuts down the streets and transforms it into a magical holiday experience.