JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Saturday, Jacksonville will host its inaugural “Holiday River Fest” event, which is set to include the iconic Light Boat Parade, a fireworks display, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The event is free and will stretch across the north and south banks of downtown Jacksonville.
Here is everything you need to know.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will allow attendees to get a glimpse at the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza while taking in a performance from the Alhambra Theatre’s “Elf the Musical,” Scott Jones’ School of Dance and youth skate organization SK8HERS.
Mayor Donna Deegan, Miss Florida winner Paris Richardson, and our own Rance Adams will also be at the tree lighting ceremony, along with other special guests.
The performances begin at 5 p.m., while the tree lighting will commence at 6:15 p.m.
Snacks, hot cocoa, and adult beverages will be available, along with food trucks, face painting and more.
Light Boat Parade
The annual parade featuring a fleet of decorated boats along the St. Johns River is in line to take place once again.
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will begin at the west end of the Shipyards, head along the Northbank, turn south just before the Acosta Bridge and head east along the Southbank.
See the map below and above for the route and suggested viewing areas.
A map for those planning to attend the Holiday River Fest this year. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)Fireworks Display
At 8 p.m., following the end of the Light Boat Parade, a fireworks show that will include the beloved “waterfall” effect off the Main Street and Acosta bridges will take place.
For more information and details, click this link.
Friendship Fountain Activities
Amid all the fun, there will be a variety of activities set up for families who may want something else to do while the lighting ceremony and boat parade are underway.
For those people, a Silent Disco featuring a holiday music channel, food trucks and a bar serving hot chocolate and special holiday beverages.
Events will begin operating around 6 p.m., with the Silent Disco running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free headphone rentals will be available for all kids 17 and under with a paying adult.
For adults, tickets are priced at $10.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice, the city’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink, will also be operational during the Holiday River Fest. It will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A holiday market will also be up and running from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Road Closures
The following roads and bridges will be closed on Saturday, November 29, due to the Holiday River Fest.
Main Street Bridge
12 -10pm: One lane closed going southbound & sidewalk (closest to Hyatt)
5:30-10pm: All lanes & sidewalks closed to set up fireworks waterfall
Main St. South (Northbound) from Riverplace Blvd. to Bay St. (Detours to Forsyth St. via 95 N)
Main St. South (Southbound) from Bay St. to Museum Cir. (Detours to San Marco Blvd. via 95 S)
Main St. Bridge On-Ramp (Southbound) from E. Independent Dr. to Museum Circle (Detours to San Marco Blvd. via 95 S)
6-10pm: Bridge locked in UP position until 10pm, after the fireworks barge passes back under the bridge
E. Coastline Dr.
5-10pm: Riverfront Plaza to S. Newnan St. (No detour planned).
Acosta Bridge (Northbound)
9am-10pm: Eastern-most lane, emergency lane & sidewalk ONLY
7:45-9pm (FOR FIREWORKS))
95 N Downtown exit (detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N)
Mary St. (Detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N)
Museum Cir. (Detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N
Acosta Bridge (Southbound)
7:45-9pm (FOR FIREWORKS)
Water St. (Detours to 95 S/Prudential Dr. via Park St.)
Riverside Ave. (Detours to 95 S/Prudential Dr. via Park St.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.