By Brett Nolan
On Dec. 6, the historic Mandarin Community Club glowed brighter than ever as a record crowd of hundreds of families, the largest turnout in the event’s six-year history, gathered for the sixth annual Christmas tree lighting.
This heartwarming celebration, proudly recognized as the biggest live-cut Christmas tree lighting in the entire city of Jacksonville and recipient of the 2024 Neighborhood Champion Award from the city of Jacksonville’s Neighborhood Department, overflowed with pure holiday magic: laughter, festive music, the scent of fresh evergreen and a magical flurry of Florida snow the moment the switch was flipped.
First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock was the ceremonial tree lighter and brought the perfect touch of warmth and wonder. In her heartfelt remarks, Blaylock spoke about how truly special Christmas is and how the Mandarin community captures that spirit like no other place on the First Coast.
When she counted down and the switch was thrown, thousands of twinkling lights burst to life across the massive tree, Florida snow gently filled the air and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Capping it all was the stunning Mandarin orange tree topper, an illuminated work of art created by internationally renowned artist Brenda Mauney Councill, paying beautiful homage to the community’s citrus heritage and historic roots.
The festive atmosphere was elevated all evening by outstanding live music from Smooth Vibes, who generously donated their time and talent once again, along with joyful Christmas carols performed by Theatre Troupe 1776 at the pavilion. Inside the beautifully decorated Community Club building, long lines of excited children and parents stretched out the door as families waited to meet Santa and whisper their Christmas wishes.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, this year’s event collected more than 200 pounds of food for the Mandarin Food Bank, including multiple boxes of fresh citrus from their Florida Citrus Fundraiser. The club, in partnership with the Toys for Tots organization, also gathered two full boxes of toys, helping bring smiles to local children this holiday season.
None of this magic would have been possible without the incredible generosity of the sponsors, donors and volunteers who stepped up to make the night unforgettable. Stephen and Ashly with AVL Productions donated professional sound so every voice and note could be heard crystal clear, while also creating breathtaking uplighting that bathed the historic live oak trees in a warm, Christmas glow. Matt and the team at Arbor Tech 904 safely installed the gigantic tree, and Liberty Landscaping helped secure it.
Eric Gillis and the entire Mandarin Chick-fil-A family brought Santa’s favorite cow and donated delicious sandwiches to help raise funds for the club. Smooth Vibes and Theatre Troupe 1776 filled the air with live holiday music and carols, while Pastor Devyn Nelson and Mandarin Presbyterian Church offered a heartfelt invocation to start the evening.
Additional support came from Mandarin Home Depot and Severt’s Tree Lot at Mandarin Medical Center, who supplied beautiful holiday décor. The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society opened the 1911 Store and Post Office Museum so guests could step back in time, and Olis Garber and Keith Bartholomew captured every magical moment through their photography.
A tremendous thank you to every volunteer, every donor and every family who came out to celebrate the kickoff to the holiday season in Mandarin. Because of you, the sixth annual Mandarin Community Christmas tree lighting wasn’t just an event — it was a shining reminder of why this historic community feels like home, especially at Christmas.
Enjoy the Mandarin Christmas tree, lit nightly through the new year.
