Christmas is right around the corner and next it will be time to make plans for New Year’s Eve.  In Jacksonville, there are so many festivities to choose from.  Here’s a round-up of all the action:

Family Events by Day
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has announced its Countdown to 2011 promotion and special admission offer for the week leading up to the Zoo’s annual Noon Year’s Eve event.  December 26 through 30, children (ages 3-12) will save 50 percent off regular child’s zoo admission with a Countdown to 2011 coupon from jacksonvillezoo.org.  Noon Year’s Eve is a countdown to 2011 event with special entertainment, games, prizes and an apple juice toast at noon. 

VyStar 5K Run begins at 10 a.m.  End the year on a healthy note and run the scenic course through Downtown.  Registration will take place at the front entrance of The Jacksonville Landing.  Each entrant will receive a VyStar Credit Union 5K Run t-shirt.  Participants can register up to 1 p.m.  Cost: $20, $30 on race day. 

Adventure Landing is hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31 from 10a.m.to 2p.m., with a celebratory balloon drop at noon, at all three area locations.  Special prices for all you can play go-karts, mini golf, wacky worm and laser tag. 

The Hometown Gator Bowl Parade features large balloons, marching bands, military presentations and more - all in preparation for the inaugural SEC vs. Big 10 Progressive Gator Bowl match-up.   Parade begins at 3 p.m. and marches through the heart of Downtown Jacksonville. 

Black Tie Affairs by Night
Enjoy live entertainment in The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard by Radio 803-8 p.m. and 5x7 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. leading up to the annual New Year’s fireworks show beginning promptly at midnight.  Fireworks light up the night sky over the St. Johns River. 

A Black and White New Year’s Eve presented by the San Marco Merchant’s Association is an affordable celebration with style and class ($15 in advance and $20 at the door).  The party held at Square One, features live entertainment, balloon drop and champagne toast.  Buy tickets at Square One and Dance Trance in advance. 

Spend the evening with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.  The evening begins at 8:30pm with symphony concert followed by a party in the lobby overlooking the river with cocktails, apps and jazz.  Cap it off with a private viewing of the Downtown fireworks. 

The Alhambra Theatre & Dinner will open “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline” on New Year’s Eve, and it will be the centerpiece of the Alhambra’s “Sing in the New Year” Celebration.  Guests will attend a pre-show reception featuring hors d’euvres and be treated to a special menu by Executive Chef Matthew Medure.  Following the show, the band will continue to play for a night of dancing and revelry.  There will be a midnight champagne toast and balloon drop and Chef Medure will roll out a breakfast buffet to usher in the New Year.

Ring in the New Year with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi at The Florida Theatre.  Event begins at 9 p.m. and concludes with a champagne toast.

Bay Street and The Core are lighting up the night with a rockin' New Year's Eve party at Mark's Downtown and Divebar beginning at 8 p.m.  This Downtown tradition is one of the best parties to be found for ringing in the New Year.  Or, spend your evening down the street at the Ivy Ultra Bar for NYE 2011.  Enjoy all you can drink and a champagne toast at midnight!   The Core will be hot!

Check out the New Year’s Eve Partyat The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, held in the resort’s St. Augustine Ballroom from 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m.  The party will feature entertainment by the popular eight-piece Funk Monster Band, which will perform high-energy music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. The resort is offering a party-only package, as well as a package that includes a one-night stay at the newly-renovated resort. 

The Rodeway Inn & Conference Center is hosting " New Year's Eve Party at The Rodeway" in Orange Park.  The Vegas-style total entertainment package is complete with dinner buffet, live entertainment with a concert by Nalani & The Nighstshift, champaigne, party favors to celebrate the 2011 and a special room rate for party goers. 

Azurea at One Ocean Resort, Bistro Aix and Wine Cellar are offering festive New Year’s Eve menus for diners.  Hurry, make a reservation today, the menus look fantastic! 

Keep on eye on our Facebook page for last minute NYE updates, additional events and all the Progressive Gator Bowl scoop.