Holidays
LIST: Ready to ring in 2026? Here are some New Year’s fireworks shows around Northeast Florida
Read full article: LIST: Ready to ring in 2026? Here are some New Year’s fireworks shows around Northeast FloridaAs we welcome 2026, if you’re considering heading out to see fireworks, here’s a list of local shows Wednesday night to ring in the New Year
‘You just learn how to carry it’: For some, holidays are tragic reminder of loved ones lost to gun violence
Read full article: ‘You just learn how to carry it’: For some, holidays are tragic reminder of loved ones lost to gun violenceThe mother of Jacquez Anlage, who was shot and killed a little more than five years ago, just before his 21st birthday, shared with News4JAX on Christmas Day how she and other survivors support each other during the holidays and other hard times.
With so many businesses closed on Christmas, many families make tradition of heading to the movie theater
Read full article: With so many businesses closed on Christmas, many families make tradition of heading to the movie theaterFamilies worldwide have started traditions of watching new movies on Christmas Day at the theater.
‘Beyond grateful’: Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire
Read full article: ‘Beyond grateful’: Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fireA Jacksonville mother and her two children, who lost everything in an apartment fire earlier this month, are celebrating a Christmas miracle, thanks to an outpouring of community support.
Important advice for safety and protection while last-minute holiday shopping and after returning home
Read full article: Important advice for safety and protection while last-minute holiday shopping and after returning homeWhile in the rush, you want to keep yourself and your newly purchased items safe from people who might be looking to ruin your holiday experience.
MORE HEADLINES
Need to make it a ‘Thriftmas’ this year? Consumer Reports experts share advice for second-hand gifts
Read full article: Need to make it a ‘Thriftmas’ this year? Consumer Reports experts share advice for second-hand giftsConsumer Reports’ experts share tips on thrifting for the best deals on home goods and electronics, and the inside scoop on which used items to skip.
Hidden holiday hazards: How you can keep your home safe
Read full article: Hidden holiday hazards: How you can keep your home safeFrom festive Christmas trees to cozy space heaters, common holiday fixtures can quickly become fire hazards if proper precautions aren’t taken, Jacksonville fire officials warned.
From tarmac to turnpike: How to navigate the holiday travel rush
Read full article: From tarmac to turnpike: How to navigate the holiday travel rushAs we move deeper into the holiday travel rush, airports across the country are preparing for record-breaking crowds, and AAA says this Christmas and New Year’s rush will bring record numbers of drivers onto the roads as well.
Out with the old after holiday shopping? St. Augustine electronics recycling event returns Jan. 7
Read full article: Out with the old after holiday shopping? St. Augustine electronics recycling event returns Jan. 7In conjunction with St. Johns County Utilities, the city of St. Augustine will host a special community recycling event from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
It’s OK. We all have them. Try this advice for dealing with difficult family members during the holidays
Read full article: It’s OK. We all have them. Try this advice for dealing with difficult family members during the holidaysHoliday gatherings are a good time to catch up with family. But how do you keep things joyful if there are relatives on the guest list you don’t always get along with?
Avoiding the ‘winter slide’: Tips for parents to keep kids learning during the holidays
Read full article: Avoiding the ‘winter slide’: Tips for parents to keep kids learning during the holidaysWinter break is a time for family and fun, but experts warn students can lose academic skills during the holidays. Learn simple, affordable ways to keep kids engaged and prevent the ‘winter slide.'
AAA offers ‘Tow to Go’ during year-end holidays to prevent impaired driving
Read full article: AAA offers ‘Tow to Go’ during year-end holidays to prevent impaired drivingWith alcohol-impaired driving involved in nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths, AAA is once again stepping up during the holidays to offer its "Tow to Go“ program.
‘It’s very rewarding’: Local charity, St. Johns County firefighters team up to give Christmas gifts to 205 families
Read full article: ‘It’s very rewarding’: Local charity, St. Johns County firefighters team up to give Christmas gifts to 205 familiesA local charity will be spreading holiday cheer across St. Johns County on Thursday.
How to make the best royal icing for your holiday cookies
Read full article: How to make the best royal icing for your holiday cookiesNo one wants to bring a plate of ugly cookies to a party, so to help you make the perfect cookie — and avoid some common mistakes — the owner of JaxCooking Studio, Shelbi MacDonald, and executive pastry chef Angela Tumey joined the Morning Show on Thursday.
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program brings holiday cheer to 2,000 children at annual toy distribution in Jacksonville
Read full article: Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program brings holiday cheer to 2,000 children at annual toy distribution in JacksonvilleThousands of toys, clothing and other items will be distributed to parents and guardians on Wednesday so their children can open a gift this Christmas.
FedEx, UPS and USPS: Here are the deadlines to have gifts arrive before Christmas
Read full article: FedEx, UPS and USPS: Here are the deadlines to have gifts arrive before ChristmasHoliday shopping is in full swing, but if you’re planning to ship a gift, it’s important to send it before the deadline.
Social media is one of the leading factors that fuel holiday loneliness, experts say
Read full article: Social media is one of the leading factors that fuel holiday loneliness, experts sayMental health counselors say social media, financial stress and unmet expectations are fueling depression during the holidays. AARP reports 40% of adults 45 and older feel lonely — up from previous years.
Buying the newest smart device or trendy gadget this holiday season? Beware of ongoing fees, subscriptions
Read full article: Buying the newest smart device or trendy gadget this holiday season? Beware of ongoing fees, subscriptionsConsumer Reports says many popular tech gifts from smartwatches to smart-home devices offer basic features for free but may keep their most useful tools behind paid plans. That’s why it’s worth considering if you’re you giving them a cool gift that’ll cost them later, and are you willing to cover those subscription fees, and if so for how long?
‘It brings joy’: Local biker community delivers hundreds of toys to Wolfson Children’s Hospital patients
Read full article: ‘It brings joy’: Local biker community delivers hundreds of toys to Wolfson Children’s Hospital patientsClose to 200 children who will be spending Christmas in a Jacksonville hospital are going to have presents to open that morning, thanks to a local group.
Psychology of the deal: How to swipe smarter and spend less this holiday season
Read full article: Psychology of the deal: How to swipe smarter and spend less this holiday seasonThe National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to hit a record $900 per person this year. Research shows the “thrill of the deal” can lead to emotional spending and regret. From “buy now, pay later” plans that can hurt your credit to “limited-time offers” that are hard to resist. How do you shop smarter, not spend harder?
New affordable housing complex opens on Jacksonville’s Westside, offering income-based units starting at $500 a month
Read full article: New affordable housing complex opens on Jacksonville’s Westside, offering income-based units starting at $500 a monthAbility Housing and partners on Tuesday opened the Village at Cedar Hills, a Jacksonville affordable housing community where 90 families will move in just in time for the holidays.
Looking for the best beachy gift? Hang Loose Bands in Jax Beach has the best options for beach lovers
Read full article: Looking for the best beachy gift? Hang Loose Bands in Jax Beach has the best options for beach loversIf you’re looking for some cool coastal gifts or stocking stuffers for the beach lover in your life, the folks from Hang Loose Bands in Jacksonville Beach have some great gift ideas for you.
Northside Jacksonville nonprofit accepts toys, money donations for its 10th annual Community Christmas Party
Read full article: Northside Jacksonville nonprofit accepts toys, money donations for its 10th annual Community Christmas PartyA Jacksonville nonprofit is accepting toys and monetary donations for its 10th annual Community Christmas Party on Dec. 14.
Holiday gatherings can spread germs. Here are a few tips to stay healthy
Read full article: Holiday gatherings can spread germs. Here are a few tips to stay healthyThe holidays bring family and fun — but also a higher risk of illness. A pediatrician shares simple tips to stay healthy, from washing hands to getting your flu shot.
How to choose the right charity for holiday giving
Read full article: How to choose the right charity for holiday givingAfter the rush of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a day to give back. But before you open your wallet, how can you be sure your money is really helping those in need? Consumer Reports shows you how to find charities that truly make a difference and avoid the ones that don’t.
Holiday sales expected to top $1 trillion as retailers face rising crime, online scams
Read full article: Holiday sales expected to top $1 trillion as retailers face rising crime, online scamsThe National Retail Federation projects holiday sales will exceed $1 trillion for the first time in 2025, even as retailers combat rising theft and consumers face mounting financial pressures.
‘It was great’: Post-holiday rush in full swing at JAX as families return home
Read full article: ‘It was great’: Post-holiday rush in full swing at JAX as families return homeThe post-holiday rush to get home from holiday destinations was in full swing at the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Monday morning.
‘Prices of joy’: Trade war hits home for the holidays as artificial Christmas trees deal with tariffs
Read full article: ‘Prices of joy’: Trade war hits home for the holidays as artificial Christmas trees deal with tariffsTrade tariffs are driving up artificial Christmas tree costs by about 30%, affecting holiday traditions for millions of Americans. Industry leaders seek exemptions while retailers offer deeper Black Friday discounts.
Jacksonville’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink officially opens downtown for the holiday season
Read full article: Jacksonville’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink officially opens downtown for the holiday seasonJacksonville’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink opened Friday morning in downtown Jacksonville, near the Riverside Arts Market.
Toy guide: Tips to find safe, fun toys for your little ones this holiday season
Read full article: Toy guide: Tips to find safe, fun toys for your little ones this holiday seasonToy season is upon us… and the gift-giving excitement can sometimes overshadow the importance of quality and safety, especially when it comes to toys for children.
The top-tested kitchen appliances to make baking easier, faster and fun this holiday season
Read full article: The top-tested kitchen appliances to make baking easier, faster and fun this holiday seasonThe holiday baking season is in full swing. Before you plug in that mixer or preheat the toaster oven, Consumer Reports reveals its list of top-tested kitchen helpers that make baking easier, faster, and a lot more fun.
Consumers are cutting back on holiday spending this year. An analyst explains why
Read full article: Consumers are cutting back on holiday spending this year. An analyst explains whyJustin Begley, an economic analyst for Moody’s, joined News4JAX Anchor Bruce Hamilton on The Morning Show. They discussed the things that have people keeping a tighter grip on their wallets and focusing on affording necessities rather than buying gifts.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with The Morning Show: A complete meal cooked live, featuring tips from our expert chef
Read full article: Celebrate Thanksgiving with The Morning Show: A complete meal cooked live, featuring tips from our expert chefOur annual Thanksgiving tradition continued on Friday on The Morning Show as we made Thanksgiving dinner from beginning to end live throughout the morning.
Where you can get help putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table this year
Read full article: Where you can get help putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table this yearHaving a meal on the table means everything to families during the holiday season, but there is some hope, thanks to local food drives happening across the area.
Donate Shoeboxes of Love to help those who are homeless in Jacksonville
Read full article: Donate Shoeboxes of Love to help those who are homeless in JacksonvilleYou can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by donating to the City Rescue Mission’s Annual Shoeboxes of Love project through Nov. 25.
Turn your fall finances into festive funds and plan ahead for holiday shopping
Read full article: Turn your fall finances into festive funds and plan ahead for holiday shoppingIt might feel too early to start holiday shopping, but actually, this is the perfect time to get your finances in order, and we've got some advice from the experts that could help you save big!
St. Augustine seeks more funding after massive crowds for Nights of Lights cause traffic, safety concerns
Read full article: St. Augustine seeks more funding after massive crowds for Nights of Lights cause traffic, safety concernsThe wildly popular Nights of Lights holiday light display overwhelmed some parts of St. Augustine last season and sent the city into a deficit of more than $300,000.
St. Johns County Clerk add vow renewals to annual Valentine’s Day wedding event
Read full article: St. Johns County Clerk add vow renewals to annual Valentine’s Day wedding eventThe St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office is set to host its third annual Valentine’s Day group wedding and vow renewal event.
Farah & Farah’s ‘Safe Ride Home Program’ returns to provide free Uber, taxi rides on New Year’s Eve
Read full article: Farah & Farah’s ‘Safe Ride Home Program’ returns to provide free Uber, taxi rides on New Year’s EveFarah & Farah, a personal injury law firm based in Jacksonville, is continuing its annual tradition of offering free rides on New Year’s Eve to promote safety.
TSA warns of long lines as Thursday & Friday expected to be busiest travel days leading to New Year’s Day
Read full article: TSA warns of long lines as Thursday & Friday expected to be busiest travel days leading to New Year’s DayThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says Thursday and Friday will be the busiest days to travel leading up to New Year’s Day. The roads will also be busy as people head home after Christmas.
7-year-old boy seriously injured after drones fall from sky during Florida holiday show
Read full article: 7-year-old boy seriously injured after drones fall from sky during Florida holiday showThe Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into why several drones collided and fell from the sky during a holiday show over the weekend in downtown Orlando, Florida.
AAA activates ‘Tow to Go’ program on Tuesday for year-end holidays
Read full article: AAA activates ‘Tow to Go’ program on Tuesday for year-end holidaysAAA will work to help stranded motorists while also keeping impaired drivers off the road this holiday season. Tuesday night, the Auto Club Group will activate its Tow to Go program in Florida and other select states.
How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond
Read full article: How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyondThis holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
SnapJAX Sweaters: Show us your ugly, and not so ugly, Christmas sweaters on SnapJAX 📸
Read full article: SnapJAX Sweaters: Show us your ugly, and not so ugly, Christmas sweaters on SnapJAX 📸The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace all things festive, including the beloved tradition of donning “ugly” sweaters.
FAA investigating after drones collide, fall into crowd during downtown Orlando holiday show
Read full article: FAA investigating after drones collide, fall into crowd during downtown Orlando holiday showThe Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after drones collided and fell into a crowd during a holiday show Saturday evening in downtown Orlando, according to the agency.
Camden County couple uses local cemetery as hub for holiday cheer
Read full article: Camden County couple uses local cemetery as hub for holiday cheerThis holiday season, a couple from St. Mary’s has taken on a unique mission: spreading cheer by visiting local cemeteries and decorating gravesites that appear neglected.
Keep the cheer flowing by protecting your plumbing during holiday celebrations
Read full article: Keep the cheer flowing by protecting your plumbing during holiday celebrationsCleaning up after a holiday meal with family and friends is no easy task. It can be tempting to dump food left on plates down the drain. But plumbers say that will lead to problems.
How to avoid risky behavior of overindulging this holiday season
Read full article: How to avoid risky behavior of overindulging this holiday seasonMany of us know it can be easy to overindulge at holiday parties, especially when you’re catching up with family and friends, eating all kinds of delicious food, and the alcohol may be flowing freely too.
Pastry chef Angela Tumey shares cookie baking ‘doughs’ & don’ts for success
Read full article: Pastry chef Angela Tumey shares cookie baking ‘doughs’ & don’ts for successBaking during the holidays can often feel overwhelming, but with the right techniques, you can create delicious treats without the stress.
Tech gift guide: Finding the perfect gift for the techie in your life
Read full article: Tech gift guide: Finding the perfect gift for the techie in your lifeIf you haven’t finished your shopping yet, you’re in luck — the tech experts at Consumer Reports are sharing some advice for gifting gadgets and their favorite tech picks this holiday season.
Consumer Reports staff shares kitchen gift guide
Read full article: Consumer Reports staff shares kitchen gift guideThe experts at Consumer Reports culled together a list of some of their favorite cooking and kitchen gadgets — just in time for gifting or rounding out your own kitchen for the holidays.

