In early December, San Marco Square will be aglow with Christmas lights and luminaries ushering in the holiday season with its annual Festival of Lights 5K and Holiday Magic.
At Holiday Magic, the square will be replete with holiday decorations, carol singers, jugglers, bell ringers, music, and rides on a train and in horse-drawn sleighs. Along with food and drink vendors, a hot-chocolate booth will be passing out free samples, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire engine.
Starting at 5:00 pm, the 27th Annual Festival of Lights 5k will begin its one-mile fun run. That will be followed at 5:30 pm with the 5K. Thousands of participants including walkers and strollers as well as runners will be enjoying the luminaries and Christmas lights as they progress through the square.
The race is to benefit Jackson’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals which supports Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville.
Registration for the 5K is $35 until November 26, $40 through December 2, and $50 on race day. Registration for the one-mile run/walk is $15 through November 26, $20 through December 2, and $25 on race day.
Swag includes finisher medals, race shirts sporting this year’s graphic design, holiday music, chip timing for the 5K, and jingle bells.
Holiday Magic and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Festival of Lights 5K will take place Saturday, December 3.
