Ready to see Santa floating down the St. Johns River?
For more than three decades, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has been a hallmark of the city’s holiday season, transforming the St. Johns River into a glowing showcase of festive spirit. Each year, boaters decorate vessels of all sizes with holiday lights and displays before cruising along the waters off the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks.
Thousands of spectators line the riverfront to take in the sights, as the illuminated boats reflect off the water and fill downtown with seasonal cheer. The celebration concludes with a grand fireworks display, highlighted by the signature “waterfall” fireworks cascading from the Main Street and Acosta bridges — a tradition that continues to light up Jacksonville’s skyline and mark the official start of the city’s holiday festivities.
Here’s what to know so you can plan ahead.
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When is the 2025 Jacksonville Boat Parade? What time does it start?
Traditionally, the annual Light Boat Parade is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. For 2025, the Light Boat Parade will be on Nov. 29 and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
What is the Jacksonville 2025 Light Boat Parade route?
The parade will begin at the west end of the Shipyards, travel along the Northbank and turn south just before the Acosta Bridge, to continue east along the Southbank.
The route for the 2025 Light Boat Parade in downtown Jacksonville.
See pictures of the Light Boat Parade in Jacksonville over the yearsWill there be fireworks at the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade this year?
Yes, this year’s fireworks display is sponsored by Bank of America. The parade will be followed by “an awe-inspiring fireworks finale” that includes the beloved waterfall effect of both the Main and Acosta bridges.
What time do the fireworks at the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 2025 start?
The fireworks will begin after the parade ends, usually around 8 p.m.
Fireworks are shot off from the Acosta Bridge Saturday, Nov,. 27, 2021 at the Riverfront Plaza on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. After about a 30-minute delayed start, because of the San Marco Train, a few thousand witnessed the annual Jacksonville Light Boat Parade. Boats showed off their festive illuminated decor, as they passed the judges table. The night concluded with fireworks.
Where are the fireworks launched from for the Light Boat Parade?
Fireworks will be launched from the Acosta and Main Street bridges as well as a barge in front of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront hotel.
How are boats judged for the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?
Participants will be judged on overall look and decoration composition.
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What are the judging categories for the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?
The Boat Parade includes several categories: Vessels under 30′; Vessels 30′ and over; sailboats, and corporate entries.
What is the Jacksonville 2025 Light Boat Parade route?
The parade will begin at the west end of the Shipyards, travel along the Northbank and turn south just before the Acosta Bridge, to continue east along the Southbank.
Where is the best place to park for the Light Boat Parade?
On-street parking in downtown at metered spaces is free on evenings and weekends.
Free public parking is available at the Duval County Public Schools building (1701 Prudential Drive) and Kings Avenue Parking Garage (1201 Kings Ave.). Note the JTA Skyway does not run on weekends.
If you choose to watch from the Northbank these garage and lot parking options are available for a fee:
Bay & Ocean Lot, 112 E. Bay St.
Water Street Garage, 541 W. Water St.
Ed Ball Garage, 214 N. Hogan St.
Yates Garage, 200 E. Adams St.
Duval Street Garage, 33. W. Duval St.
Contributing Gary Mills, Deputy Managing Editor, Florida Times-Union
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade 2025: Date, route, and fireworks