{"id":407689,"date":"2025-11-27T06:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T06:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/407689\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T06:00:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T06:00:13","slug":"what-to-know-before-heading-downtown-for-citys-holiday-river-fest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/407689\/","title":{"rendered":"What to know before heading downtown for city\u2019s Holiday River Fest"},"content":{"rendered":"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. <\/strong> \u2013 On Saturday, Jacksonville will host its inaugural \u201cHoliday River Fest\u201d event, which is set to include the iconic Light Boat Parade, a fireworks display, and a variety of family-friendly activities. <\/p>\n

The event is free and will stretch across the north and south banks of downtown Jacksonville. <\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know. <\/p>\n

Christmas Tree Lighting<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s 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\u2019s \u201cElf the Musical,\u201d Scott Jones\u2019 School of Dance and youth skate organization SK8HERS. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

The performances begin at 5 p.m., while the tree lighting will commence at 6:15 p.m. <\/p>\n

Snacks, hot cocoa, and adult beverages will be available, along with food trucks, face painting and more. <\/p>\n

Light Boat Parade<\/p>\n

The annual parade featuring a fleet of decorated boats along the St. Johns River is in line to take place once again. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

See the map below and above for the route and suggested viewing areas. <\/p>\n

A map for those planning to attend the Holiday River Fest this year. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)Fireworks Display<\/p>\n

At 8 p.m., following the end of the Light Boat Parade, a fireworks show that will include the beloved \u201cwaterfall\u201d effect off the Main Street and Acosta bridges will take place. <\/p>\n

For more information and details, click this link.<\/a><\/p>\n

Friendship Fountain Activities<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

For those people, a Silent Disco featuring a holiday music channel, food trucks and a bar serving hot chocolate and special holiday beverages. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

For adults, tickets are priced at $10. <\/p>\n

JAX Artist Walk on Ice, the city\u2019s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink,<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n

Road Closures<\/p>\n

The following roads and bridges will be closed on Saturday, November 29, <\/b>due to the Holiday River Fest. <\/p>\n

Main Street Bridge<\/p>\n