Jacksonville Winterfest

Winterfest activities at two locations:
December 7 - Family Festival at Riverwalk Crossing Park
December 6-8 - Artisan Market at Jacksonville Commons

Sledding, Ice Skating, Gingerbread Contest, The Olde Towne Candy Shoppe, Pet Photos with Santa, Santa's Workshop, Hay & Pony Rides, Flotilla, Entertainment, Arts & Crafts Show, Children's Games and Activities, and more!

Jacksonville Transit will provide free shuttle service between the two locations on Dec 7 from noon to 7:30PM.

Winterfest at Riverwalk Crossing Park, 421 Court Street
December 7, 1-6PM

Don't miss out on this festive family event! Enjoy sledding, ice skating, and snowball fights! Santa arrives at 1PM. Other activities will include a petting zoo, reindeer games, hay rides, pony rides, and train rides. An old fashioned candy shoppe will be available at the Kerr Street Rec Center. Stick around for the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30PM and the holiday flotilla after dark! Winterfest is free and open to the public.

Free Admission & Parking!

Jacksonville Transit will provide a free shuttle service between Riverwalk Crossing Park and Jacksonville Commons on Saturday, December 7 from 12-7:30PM. Park at one location and access both the Winterfest outdoor activities at Riverwalk and the Artisan Market at the Commons with the convenience of Jacksonville Transit's shuttle service. Overflow parking for Winterfest at Riverwalk Crossing Park includes New Bridge Middle School, New River Shopping Center, Jacksonville Public Safety Complex, the County Justice Complex, and the Onslow County Health Department on College Street. Free Admission and Parking will be available throughout the event.

33rd Annual Christmas Flotilla

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Breakfast Rotary will be presenting their annual Christmas Flotilla on the New River. Join us after the tree lighting ceremony to view the decorated boats as they travel past the Park.

Have a boat and want to join the flotilla? Boat Registration Form (PDF)

Winterfest Artisan Market at Jacksonville Commons, 100 Recreation Lane
December 6-8, 2019

Holiday Artisan Market

The show will feature artisans and crafters from all areas of North Carolina, providing you a chance to do some holiday shopping!

Friday, Dec 6, 5-8PM - Avoid the rush and shop early!
Saturday, Dec 7, 10AM-6PM - Shop holiday treasures and shuttle to Riverwalk!
Sunday, Dec 8, 12-5PM - Last chance to shop and discover unique holiday treasures.

Interested in being a vendor at the Arts and Crafts Show? Artisan Market Vendor Application

Winterfest Mini Trees

The 7th Annual Mini Trees contest will be held during the Winterfest Artisan Market this year. In years past, this was normally held during the November Festival of Trees and all proceeds will continue to go to Onslow Caregivers Inc, a non-profit organization working tohelp augment the services of Onslow County Home Health and Hospice patients. Everyone is invited to join the fun! For more information download the application.

Saturday, December 7
Pet Photos with Santa

Back by popular demand! You can have your pet's photo taken with Santa. Dress your pet in their finest holiday garb for a festive photo with the big guy. Proceeds benefit Back to Nature-Second Chance Animal Rescue in Jacksonville.

Sunday, December 8, 2-4PM
Gingerbread Workshops

Join us for a fun afternoon of creating your own gingerbread masterpiece. Professional chefs will be on hand to assist! Pre-registration is required. Cost is $5 per kit and registration is open to the first 50 people. All ages are welcome.

Thank you to American Dream Cakes for their expertise.

Christmas Cheer Drop-Off

This is a great opportunity to give back while having fun! There will be a donation station for Christmas Cheer at Riverwalk Crossing Park on December 7 from 1-6PM. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy for boys and girls ages 0-18. Donations will benefit local children.

Onslow Christmas Cheer began in the early 70’s and helps needy children and their families at Christmas. Through this drive, children are assisted with toys, families receive food donations, and the Onslow County community makes it all happen. Onslow Christmas Cheer

Event size in 2018 was 5,000+. Media & Food Vendors, contact 910 938-5314.

Jacksonville Winterfest

Winterfest activities at two locations:
December 7 - Family Festival at Riverwalk Crossing Park
December 6-8 - Artisan Market at Jacksonville Commons

Jacksonville Transit will provide free shuttle service between the two locations on Dec 7 from noon to 7:30PM.