Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs opens its 14th season Wednesday, Nov. 25, at SeaWalk Pavilion and Latham Plaza, bringing five weeks of free holiday light displays, live performances and community activities to the oceanfront.

The event, presented by Publix, runs through Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. Decorated lifeguard chairs and musical holiday light displays will be featured throughout the season, with live entertainment on select dates.

Admission is free.

Deck The Chairs is the flagship program of the Students in the Arts Alliance, or SITAA. The organization has staged the holiday tradition since 2013, according to the event's official website. More than 50 organizations are participating in this year's displays and programming.

Opening week and stage performances

Opening night features the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida from 7 to 8 p.m. on the Pavilion Stage.

The Florida Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Saturday performances will showcase student musicians, dancers and community groups.

On Dec. 5, The Jacksonville Suzuki Strings will perform from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the Episcopal School of Jacksonville chorus and dance team from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

On Dec. 12, Tuba Christmas will perform from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by other groups throughout the afternoon and evening. The Fletcher High School Dance Team is scheduled for 3:40 to 3:55 p.m.

Fletcher Middle School will perform Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4:25 to 4:40 p.m.

Additional performances include dance ensembles, school choruses and local theater groups. Full lineups are available on the event's official stage schedule.

Student art displays and chair voting

Twenty-two student art programs are creating illuminated displays this season, exploring how people and wildlife can thrive together.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens provided educational guidance for the theme. Ten student displays will be exhibited at SeaWalk Pavilion, with another 12 at the zoo.

Each participating program receives a $500 decorating stipend, according to the event's student displays page.

Beaches-area schools participating at the pavilion include Fletcher High School, Fletcher Middle School, Discovery School, Beaches Chapel School, Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School and Seaside Charter School.

Visitors can also help select the People's Choice Awards by voting for three favorite community-decorated chairs from more than 30 entries.

Voting opens Nov. 25 and closes Friday, Dec. 18. Each visitor may submit one ballot.

Winners will be recognized during the Chair Decorating Awards ceremony Sunday, Dec. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

Christmas market and holiday events

A Christmas market will operate on five Sundays at Latham Plaza and SeaWalk Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The market dates are Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Visitors can shop for gifts and other items from local artists, makers and vendors.

Additional holiday programming includes an Ocean City Church Christmas Eve service Thursday, Dec. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Pavilion Stage.

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Pep Rally is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Deck The Chairs is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Organizers say weather may affect programming and encourage visitors to check the official website for schedule updates.

Upcoming dates

  • Wednesday, Nov. 25: Opening night; Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida perform at 7 p.m.; chair voting begins.
  • Sunday, Nov. 29: First Christmas market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 4: Florida Ballet's "The Nutcracker," 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 12: Tuba Christmas, 1 p.m.; Fletcher High School Dance Team, 3:40 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 19: Fletcher Middle School performs at 4:25 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 20: Chair Decorating Awards, noon to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 29: TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Pep Rally, 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 1: Final day of the 2026 holiday display season.