JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– December 5, 2022 —Visit Jacksonville welcomes dedicated football fans, friends and family to the city to cheer on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and South Carolina Gamecocks, while celebrating the end of 2022, at the 78th TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Friday, December 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Fans can start cheering on their team at the pep rallies Thursday, December 29 between 5 and 7 p.m. at one of the city's signature holiday events, Deck the Chairs at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

Game day, Friday, December 30, starts with TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Fan Fest, which is free and open to the public, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Metropolitan Park. The Touchdown Party presented by Bud Light starts at 1:30 p.m. on the Sky Patio and tickets include a pre-game meal and drink vouchers. The pre-game show starts at 3 p.m., followed by kick off at 3:30 p.m.

On New Year's Eve, fans can lace up their running or walking shoes for the Gator Bowl Charities New Year's Run at 3 p.m., starting in the Sports Complex in Downtown Jacksonville. To carry on the festivities, Jacksonville hosts countless New Year's and holiday celebrations throughout the city, enticing football fans to extend their stay to welcome 2023.

Ring in the New Year

The star of Jacksonville's New Year's show is the annual fireworks display, which is among the largest of any Florida destination. From the waterfront, watch the city light up over the St. Johns River at exactly midnight to ring in 2023 or head to one (or more) of the many rooftop bars for a toast, including River & Post, Cowford Chophouse and Estrella Cocina.

Sample brews along the Jax Ale Trail

Few things pair better than sport, beer and celebrating. For those looking for local craft brews, three stops on the Jax Ale Trail are in Downtown. Intuition Brewery is a two-story tap room with an in-house restaurant serving a full menu to pair with their beers, Bold City Brewery's taproom is on East Bay Street and Ruby Beach Brewing is located on Forsyth St. The Jax Ale Trail unites craft breweries around the city into a fun self-guided tour, complete with a passport to stamp and exchange for prizes upon completion.

Get some winter sun

Bask in the sunshine while exploring the waterways, golfing, fishing or boating. Enjoy a refreshing hike along any of Jacksonville's trails and thousands of acres of parks during your visit. To practice your swing, Jacksonville offers world-class golf courses for every level of play as well as Topgolf. For the fishermen, Jacksonville's navigable waterways offer both fresh and saltwater fishing options. Drop a line from the riverfront shoreline, a bridge or a peer. Adventure seekers can even charter a boat for deep-sea fishing.

Fun for the whole family

The holidays aren't over yet! Head over to Jacksonville Beach for the 10th annual Deck the Chairs exhibit – an impressive display of more than 40 decorated lifeguard chairs. For some exploration and fun, meet more than 2,000 animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where the family can explore animal exhibits from Africa to Australia to Florida and more. Bring the kids on the St. Johns River Taxi and Tour for an affordable way to see the city from the water. For some thrills, head over to the Autobahn Indoor Speedway for go-karting, axe throwing and an arcade. And finally, indulge your sweet tooth at the sprawling Sweet Pete's candy shop, located in Downtown Jacksonville.

Tickets to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game are on sale now. Start planning the ultimate TaxSlayer Gator Bowl getaway today at www.VisitJacksonville.com. 

About Visit Jacksonville

Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of business and leisure tourism in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is to see and do in Jacksonville, go to http://www.VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.

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