Jaguars Vs. Buffalo Bills, Dec. 15

Sure, there are a lot of holiday events in Northeast Florida in December, but for a change of pace check out these other events – albeit many with a holiday theme:

It’s the giving season, and our Jacksonville Jaguars have been handing out losses to opponents lately. So support the Cats as they continue a home stand with a 1 p.m. game Dec. 15 at EverBank Field against the Buffalo Bills.

Tickets start at about $40, and – who knows – maybe you’ll take home a “W.”

Yappy Hour at The Landing, Dec. 8

Doggone it – do pups know how to have a good time, or what? We think so, but find out for yourself this Sunday, Dec. 8 at the 5^th Annual Yappy Hour Christmas Party, beginning at 2 p.m. at The Jacksonville Landing.

This B.Y.O.D. event will feature music by George Aspinall, free prizes, cash giveaways and drink specials. Have your pooch’s picture taken with Santa from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or pose in front of the impressive 56-foot light holiday tree.

First Coast Nutcracker, T-U Center, Dec. 6-8

For more traditional holiday enjoyment, see the First Coast Nutcracker ballet at The Times-Union Center for Performing Arts on Dec. 6-8.

Enter the world of childlike imagination in a performance that showcases internationally renowned principal dancers, the area’s finest young dance corps and Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies played by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets are $18 – $50 for shows that begin Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Big Ticket, Metro Park, Dec. 8

For a different kind of fun, go to Metropolitan Park on Sunday for a return of The Big Ticket – a rock-your-weekend, mega-concert feature Stone Temple Pilots, 30 Seconds To Mars, A Day To Remember, Dirty Heads and others.

The all-day concerts begin at 11 a.m., and last until – well, you know – they’re done.

For tickets, visit The Big Ticket website.