Jacksonville is home to many of us, so what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving and kick off the holiday season than by spending time in the heart of Jacksonville? Get all the juicy info on Thanksgiving meal specials and unforgettable events in #DTJax.
Thanksgiving Take-out
Want to host a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner but shudder at the thought of cooking it all yourself? Don’t stress! These great Downtown restaurants take all the legwork out so you just have to decide who gets the drumsticks…
bb’s Restaurant & Bar — 1019 Hendricks Avenue
Got the roasting down but a little iffy on your baking? Pick up a cake or three from bb’s and spoil your guests with a dessert course to remember. Their current seasonal offerings are: Bananas foster cheesecake with gingersnap crust, red velvet cake with a layer of vanilla cheesecake, and pumpkin mousse with pecan crust. Details.
Ruth’s Chris — 1201 Riverplace Boulevard
No one can ever get enough Ruth’s Chris, so it’s only natural that you’d want to invite them to your Thanksgiving feast. Order 24 hours in advance and bring home a tray of their creamed spinach or sweet potato casseroles, which feed 10-12 guests each, for $29.95! Details.
Restaurant Dining
Would you rather get out of the house for Thanksgiving and avoid the cooking altogether? These Downtown restaurants are offering scrumptious menus to get you in the spirit!
Juliette’s Bistro — 245 Water Street
Juliette’s is located in the stunning Omni Jacksonville Hotel and serves up excellent food and drinks to hotel patrons and theatergoers heading to the Times-Union Center for a show. Grab a reservation for their fabulous Thanksgiving brunch from 11-3 pm, which includes bottomless mimosas, three carving stations, a seafood station, traditional Thanksgiving sides, breakfast items, and a delectable dessert bar! Details.
River City Brewing Company — 835 Museum Circle
If you are a firm believer that Thanksgiving is a gustatorial challenge of personal honor, look no further than River City Brewing Co.’s Thanksgiving buffet. It’s not just Thanksgiving dinner, they’ve also included breakfast items, seafood, hot and cold sides, and a plethora of desserts. Get your grub on from 10am – 4pm and call (904) 398-2299 to make your reservation. Don’t forget to wear your stretchy pants. Details.
Ruth’s Chris — 1201 Riverplace Boulevard
If your Thanksgiving meal preferences lean more towards opulence and the refined, Ruth’s Chris’ three-course spread has you covered. Enjoy hot soup, crisp salad, herb stuffing, oven-roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and a sumptuous dessert duo. The best part? They’ll even send you home with some leftovers! Details.
Special Events
After a day of eating with friends and family, check out these events going on through the long weekend. Believe us, there’s something for everyone!
Myth Nightclub — 333 East Bay Street
11/22 — Dance off dinner at Myth from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.! RSVP for discounts on cover fees and drinks until 11 p.m. Details.
32nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting — 2 W. Independent Drive
11/23 — Kickoff the holiday season at The Jacksonville Landing from 7-9 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Bring your family and friends as The Landing lights their 56-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring over 78,000 L.E.D. lights and more than 150 ornaments! Synchronized lightings will be held nightly at 6pm until 12/31. Details.
Christmas Made in the South — 1000 Water Street
11/23-25 — As Christmas time approaches what better way to get ready for the holiday season than buying American-made treasures crafted with creativity. You’ll find pottery, jewelry, metal sculpture, woodworking, glass, Christmas ornaments, photography, fine art, delicious gourmet delights and so much more at The Prime Osborn Convention Center. P.S. Old Saint Nick will be there so bring your gift list! SHOW HOURS: Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Details.
Downtown Dazzle Light & Music Display— 225 E. Duval Street
11/23 to 12/31 — The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) is proud to present its fourth annual downtown holiday celebration by illuminating the outside of its downtown office, located at 225 East Duval Street (First United Methodist Church) with festive lights synchronized to recorded songs of the season performed by JCC. Holiday, Christmas and Hanukkah songs will be broadcast on 94.5 FM radio for onlookers to enjoy. Each night, 15-minute presentations will begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m. Details.
Small Business Saturday— Downtown Jacksonville
11/24 — This Nov. 24, celebrate Small Business Saturday® all day in Downtown Jacksonville! It’s a special holiday created so communities can show love for small businesses and it wouldn’t be a celebration without people like you joining us! Details.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade— St. Johns River Downtown
11/24 — Starting at 6:30, vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. John River. The evening then culminates with one of the best fireworks show on the First Coast featuring “waterfalls” off of the Main Street and Acosta Bridges at 9pm. Details.
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out our Events Calendar for everything going on in #DTJax as well as our Directory to learn more about all the restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots to enjoy. If you’re coming downtown and don’t know where to park (over 43,000 parking spots), don’t worry! Check out parkdtjax.com for helpful information.
We hope to see you and your family out and about in #DTJax this weekend. Downtown Vision wishes you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!