Jacksonville Winterfest 2024 in North Carolina

One of the favorite winter events for Jacksonville, Winterfest is held annually at Riverwalk Crossing Park, 421 Court Street. Everyone can enjoy ice skating, sledding, snowball fights, and other games.

Festival Highlights

The culmination of the festival is the annual tree-lighting ceremony, followed by the holiday boat parade after dark. Most Winterfest activities are free for the public. Kids will be delighted to meet Santa. Visitors will also be treated to live entertainment.

Activities

Various outdoor family-friendly activities last from 1 to 6 pm. Annual children's favorites include a petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, reindeer games, and train rides. One of the Winterfest highlights is also a traditional candy shop at the Kerr Street Recreation Center. The Artisan Market, featuring artisans and crafters from all over the state showcasing their amazing work, offers an excellent opportunity to kickstart holiday shopping.

Schedule

Winterfest lasts for three days, with the Artisan Market on Friday, December 6, open from 5 to 8 pm at Jacksonville Commons, offering a chance to shop for holiday treasures. The festivities continue on Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, at Riverwalk Crossing Park, where guests can enjoy winter activities, a flotilla of boats, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa. The Artisan Market is also open at Jacksonville Commons on Sunday, December 8, from 12 to 5 pm.

Getting There

Jacksonville Transit will offer free shuttle service between Commons and Riverwalk from 1 pm to 6:30 pm.

Click here to read more about the Christmas lights displays across North Carolina.