Jacksonville is set to dazzle with its inaugural Holiday River Fest, featuring a lineup of memorable events like a tree lighting ceremony at the newly revamped Riverfront Plaza, a Light Boat Parade, and a spectacular fireworks display.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This weekend, Jacksonville is gearing up to offer a fresh mix of experiences alongside beloved holiday traditions during its first-ever Holiday River Fest. As you plan your visit, be sure to note the event timings, parking details, optimal viewing spots, and road closures to make the most of this festive occasion.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Events and Activities
This year, the city gives its annual tree lighting ceremony a new home at the Riverfront Plaza. Saturday’s festivities will serve as the soft launch for this renovated area, once the location of the historic Jacksonville Landing.
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with performances by local dancers and musicians, highlighted by a special act from the Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical.”
At 6 p.m., Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, alongside Miss Florida and other notable guests, will illuminate the tree, marking the official start of the holiday season.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Miss Florida, and others will attend as the tree’s lights switch on for the season at 6 p.m.
Dozens of decorated boats will begin their journey across the St. Johns River at 6:30 p.m. for the 41st Annual Jacksonville Light Boat Parade.
The fleet will begin the route at the west end of the shipyards, travel along the Northbank, then turn around just before the Acosta Bridge. After that, the parade will travel east along the Southbank.
Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain
While watching the boats float by, why not add some music? Headphones will be available for rent at Friendship Fountain, featuring a channel just for holiday tracks.
Rentals are free for children under 18 with a paying adult. Adults can rent a pair for $10 each.
The fountain, known for its nightly musical light shows, will have new programmed performances for the holidays. It will play each hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Fireworks will begin at approximately 8 p.m. following the Light Boat Parade.
The fireworks will give the impression of waterfalls coming from both the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge.
Where do I watch the shows?
Because the Light Boat Parade travels along both the Southbank and the Northbank, it can be watched from either side.
A majority of viewers are expected to gather at Riverfront Plaza and Friendship Fountain, as well as further east on the newly expanded Southbank Riverwalk.
A map shows the parade route, as well as recommended viewing areas.
Where do I park?
Public parking will be available on the Southbank at the current Duval County Public Schools building, near RiversEdge, and at the Kings Avenue parking garage.
Downtown, you can park at any of the meters, since they don’t charge on weekends. Public parking will also be available at the Yates Garage on Adams Street.
The St. Johns River Taxi will begin boarding customers on the Southbank beginning at 5:15 p.m.
What roads are closed?
If traveling downtown after 5 p.m., you will likely want to avoid the Main Street and Acosta bridges, which will host the fireworks.
- All lanes and sidewalks closed from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bridge locked in up position from 6 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m.
- All southbound and northbound lanes closed from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. for fireworks
- Only eastern-most lane, emergency lane & sidewalk open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (aside from during fireworks)
- Detours in place for Mary Street, Museum Circle, Water Street and Riverside Avenue, depending on which direction you’re driving.
- 5 pm. to 10 p.m.
- Riverfront Plaza to S. Newnan Street.
Other activities on Saturday
Prior to the tree lighting and boat parade, two other attractions will open in Riverside.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice and Holiday Market
An outdoor ice skating rink opened near the Artist Walk for the first time on Friday, and will continue operations Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. Rental skates are provided with the $18.50 entry fee.
A special Holiday Market will also run from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Riverside Arts Market, featuring vendors selling festive merchandise and treats.
Both attractions will be available at select times between now and January 2026.
For more information on Holiday River Fest activities, where to get food, and traffic plans, visit the official event page.
