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Starting November 26, an exciting event returns, showcasing nearly 70 creatively adorned chairs and featuring close to 50 performances by student groups, along with four art-focused activity days for local children.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — Although the lifeguard season has concluded, every holiday season, the lifeguard chairs that usually oversee the beach take on a new role in serving the community.
In place of traditional Christmas trees, participants in this year’s Deck the Chairs are busy adding the finishing touches to almost 70 borrowed lifeguard chairs, which will be on display for six weeks for the public to admire and vote on.
This marks the 13th year that the free Deck the Chairs event will illuminate Jacksonville Beach. Starting Wednesday, November 26, visitors will enjoy much more than just a stunning light display at Latham Plaza and the Seawalk Pavilion.
This year’s lineup includes a special rendition of The Nutcracker, two festive arts markets featuring local artisans, a Christmas Eve service, and a spirited pep rally ahead of the Gator Bowl. Central to Deck the Chairs, a recognized nonprofit organization, is its mission to promote children’s involvement in the arts.
Local students will get their time to shine and show off their creativity in nearly 50 stage performances. Deck the Chairs says it showcases more than 1000 young performers from around the area each year.
“This beloved holiday tradition continues to bring joy and inspiration for our residents and visitors,” shared Deck The Chairs Founder and Executive Director Kurtis Loftus. “In addition to the student decorations, community chairs, and our fabulous holiday tree with musical light show, there’s now more student stage programming and arts activities happening multiple weekday and weekend afternoons.”
Four designated Arts in the Park days will provide opportunities for children to come and make their own art:
- Deckin’ The Lights Show
- Opening day: Wednesday, Nov. 26
- 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Kids invited to decorate for the DTC Musical Light Show.
- Deckin’ Duuuval With The Jags
- Sunday, Nov. 30
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Kids invited to paint Duuuval banners for public display
- Deckin’ with Scotie Cousin
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Paint and decorate beach critters with local artist Scotie Cousin
- Deckin’ With Santa Workshop
- 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Ornament and coloring workshop with Santa
The lights will shine each night from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. until the event comes to a close on New Year’s Day.
For a full list of events and times, visit the Deck the Chairs website.
