Jacksonville Beach’s popular Deck The Chairs holiday celebration kicks off Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 1. The annual event features decorated lifeguard chairs accompanied by holiday lights and sounds set against an ocean backdrop.
Last year, Deck The Chairs attracted an estimated 90,000 visitors over its 42 days.
This year, visitors will find a return of their favorite attractions, including the Beaches Go Green Octopus Garden, moonlight movies, a visit from Santa, A Christmas Eve service, weekly children’s dance programming and a Gator Bowl Pep Rally, which is scheduled for Dec. 30.
New this year is a special $40,000 interactive installation, “SeaSongs Musical Light Show,” presented by 95.1 WAPE. This custom-fabricated display of 10 lifeguard chairs features large-scale musical instruments in the shape of whimsical sea creatures. The instruments are motion-activated, providing visitors a sound-and-light interaction experience.
As always, 45 chairs will be decorated throughout the park, and there will be weekend stage programming and holiday concessions.
Admission to Deck The Chairs is free. The display is handicap-accessible and pet-friendly. Lights will be on from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. nightly, and musical light shows will be held at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Concessions will be available on weekends and scheduled holiday nights.
Deck The Chairs promotes the arts and art education. The event is held in Jacksonville Beach’s Latham Plaza at the corner of First Avenue North and Second Street North and in the adjacent Seawalk Pavilion area.
For more information and to see the schedule of events, go to deckthechairs.com.
