# San Marco Holiday Magic & Tree Lighting at Balis Park > Event for families in the Jacksonville area (FL). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Fri, Dec 4 · 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Where: Balis Park in Historic San Marco, 1999 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 - Ages: All ages welcome (Free neighborhood festival) - Price: Free admission; nominal fee for horse-drawn carriage rides - Organizer: San Marco Merchants Association & Preservation Society - Official page: https://mysanmarco.com/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/san-marco-holiday-magic-and-tree-lighting-at-balis-park--listing-4e5e60892733422683fee608 ## About San Marco Square steps back into vintage holiday enchantment during the annual San Marco Holiday Magic celebration centered at Balis Park. Historic brick-paved streets are lined with twinkling boughs of evergreen, glowing white lights, and festive shop window displays. Families enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through historic residential avenues, live holiday brass bands, children's face painting, and hot cider stations. Santa Claus arrives atop a vintage fire truck to lead the countdown for lighting the majestic San Marco holiday tree in the center of Balis Park's historic gazebo. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Broad sidewalks and paved park pathways surrounding Balis Park are fully stroller accessible, with curb ramps at all street crossings. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Park benches around the Balis Park fountain and gazebo; family restrooms available in surrounding local family-friendly merchant shops. • Age Suitability: Beloved family tradition suitable for infants, toddlers, youngsters, and multi-generational family groups. • Sensory Tips: Friendly neighborhood street festival with acoustic carols and soft ambient lighting; quieter carriage ride routes through tree-lined side streets. ## Similar picks in Jacksonville - [Riverside Arts Market Holiday Markets & Santa Visits](https://grassyknees.com/jacksonville/activities/riverside-arts-market-holiday-markets-and-santa-visits--listing-063bb96425e6bd0223bc8189) — Dec 5 – Dec 19 · 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Riverside Arts Market (Under Fuller Warren Bridge) · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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