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WHAT TO DO | Ukrainian Holiday Market; Dickens on Centre; ‘Art + Politics’

Published on December 11, 2025 at 10:54 am
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A Ukrainian Holiday Market in Mandarin; a beloved holiday tradition in Fernandina Beach; and a new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Downtown are What to Do in the Jacksonville area this weekend.

VDOMA: Ukrainian Holiday Market

Saturday

Tommy Hazouri Sr. Park | Mandarin

Did you know Jacksonville has the largest Ukrainian population in Florida? And that means we get to enjoy events like the Ukrainian Holiday Market, organized by Ukraine Fest Jax, whose mission is to celebrate Ukrainian culture and foster connections with all of Jacksonville. At the market, you’ll find authentic homemade Ukrainian dishes and sweets and unique handmade crafts, live music and demonstrations, activities and games for kids, along with interactive programs and hands-on workshops for the adults. In the winter tradition of Ukraine, there will be lots of Christmas lights and cozy spaces for socializing while sipping hot uzvar. (Trust me, it’s so good on a cold night!) And pro tip: Enter the Coziest Christmas Market Snapshot Contest for a chance to win $100. Uh, challenge accepted!

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3 p.m.-8 p.m.; 14780 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville; Free and open to the public. More info.


Dickens on Centre | Deremer Studios Jacksonville Commercial Photography

Dickens on Centre

All Weekend

Multiple locations | Historic Fernandina Beach

Don’t be a Scrooge, unless it’s for fun at the annual Dickens on Centre Christmas Market and Holiday Festival. This beloved event transforms the Downtown of Amelia Island into a bustling scene reminiscent of Victorian London, designed to immerse you in the holiday spirit. Throughout the weekend, the area will be filled with Victorian-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages, including Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone (I heard Santa will be there), opportunities for festive shopping and food and drink to enjoy. This annual event is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique charm of Fernandina Beach.

5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; Multiple locations in Historic Fernandina Beach; Free and open to the public; More info.

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MOCA Jacksonville presents “Art and Politics.” | MOCA

Art + Politics

Saturday-Sunday

MOCA JAX | Downtown Jacksonville

This weekend, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville presents a compelling reason to visit Downtown: the Art + Politics exhibition. This new show features impressive, large-scale woodblock prints created by students from the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. The works on display resulted from a very cool artistic partnership, where students from both institutions came together to print their massive carvings using an actual steamroller. The prints explore universal feelings of fear, prejudice, depression and exclusion, as well as concerns about environmental instability, systemic biases and displacement. It’s an opportunity to see powerful local art and reflect on the dialogue it represents.

11 a.m.-5 p.m.; 333 N. Laura St.; Exhibit included with price of admission; Saturday admission is free thanks to VyStar; More info


author image Amy Garrett has called Northeast Florida home for 25 years. Born into a military family, she learned early how to be a tourist wherever she is — a mindset that keeps her curious about the Jacksonville area's hidden gems and new experiences. Amy loves festivals of all kinds, exploring nature trails and saying hello to every single dog she meets along the way.