To all of our friends and readers, the team at WhatsUpJacksonville.com and Clockwork Marketing Services wishes you a very happy Thanksgiving! We are very thankful for all of you, and hope that you have many things to be thankful for this holiday as well. Once you’ve had your fill of turkey and stuffing and giving thanks, be sure to check out these holiday events going on in Northeast Florida!

The Jacksonville Landing’s 25th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Friday, Nov. 25. The 56-foot-tall energy-efficient artificial tree, decorated with 78,454 L.E.D. lights and more than 240 ornaments, will light up downtown during this annual ceremony. Music for the Lighting Ceremony will be provided by the chorus and orchestra from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will conclude with a large fireworks display on the St Johns River shortly before 8 p.m.

The Jacksonville Public Library and the Junior League of Jacksonville will continue a holiday tradition with the Festival of Trees Children’s Holiday Programs beginning on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus. All are welcome to come to the alligator couch in the children’s department of the Main Library to hear a story and participate in a craft.

On Nov. 26, the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday encourages everyone to shop small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year to help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge. Pledge to shop small on Nov 26.

Thanksgiving weekend wouldn’t be complete without the Jacksonville Light Parade. Each year, more than 200,000 people line the banks of the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville to celebrate the holiday season. Seafarers and landlubbers of all ages are sure to be dazzled by the area’s largest lighted boat parade on Nov. 26.

Enjoy the holiday! We will be back on Monday with more Northeast Florida news!