Jacksonville Winterfest

November 30-December 2, 2018 at two locations:
Riverwalk Crossing Park, December 1
Jacksonville Commons, Nov 30-Dec 2

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 1 from noon to 7:30PM.

December 1, Weather Update: As a result of today's rain, the Winterfest Tree Lighting ceremony for this evening has been rescheduled to 7PM, Tuesday.

The Winterfest Flotilla will still take place this evening on the New River by Riverwalk Crossing Park.

Staff will remain at Riverwalk Crossing Park for those who would like to play the games and take part in other activities. The sledding and skating activities will be cancelled.

The Artisan Market will continue with normal hours at the Jacksonville Commons.

Click to view the event flyer.

Winterfest at Riverwalk, 421 Court Street
December 1, 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 shop will be available at the Riverwalk Marina. Stick around for the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30PM and the holiday flotilla after dark! Winterfest is free and open to the public.

Entertainment Schedule for Winterfest 2018

1:15PM Onslow Winds
2PM ZECA
3:15PM Divine Divas
3:45PM White Oak High School Chorus

Free Admission & Parking!

Jacksonville Transit will provide a free shuttle service between Riverwalk Crossing Park and Jacksonville Commons on Saturday, December 1 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.

31st Annual Christmas Flotilla

In partnership with the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Winterfest, the Jacksonville Breakfast Rotary will be presenting their 31st annual Christmas Flotilla on the New River. Join us during the tree lighting ceremony to view the decorated boats as they travel towards Wilson Bay. Viewing locations are L.P. Willingham Park (at the end of Riverwalk Park) and the River Front Park.

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

Winterfest Artisan Market at Jacksonville Commons, 100 Recreation Lane
November 30, December 1 & December 2

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, Nov 30, 5-8PM - Avoid the rush and shop early!
Saturday, Dec 1, 10AM-6PM - Shop holiday treasures and shuttle to Riverwalk!
Sunday, Dec 2, 12-5PM - Find even more holiday treasures.

Interested in being a vendor at the Arts and Crafts Show? Vendor Application (PDF)

Vendor List for 2018

November 30, 2018
Santa's Arrival!

Will he arrive by air or land? Join us to find out how Santa makes his grand entrance at 5:30PM on Friday, November 30 at the Jacksonville Commons!

The Winterfest Artisan Market will be open from 5-8PM at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center.

December 1, 2018 10AM-6PM
Pet Photos with Santa

Back by popular demand! You can have your pet's photo taken with Santa on Saturday, December 1 (time TBD). 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.

December 2, 2018 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 1 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.