This free, family-friendly event will include several festive activities that stretch across the north and south banks of Downtown Jacksonville, including:
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza, sponsored by Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram: Attendees can get a first look at the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza (Phase 1) and watch the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will feature Mayor Donna Deegan, WJXT’s Rance Adams and other special guests, as well as performances from Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical”, Scott Jones School of Dance, and SK8hers Inc.
Snacks, hot cocoa and adult beverages will be available courtesy of Friends of JWJ Park. Plus, there will be Food trucks, face painting and fun for the whole family!
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- Performances begin at 5pm
- Tree Lighting takes place at 6:15pm
- Light Boat Parade: A fleet of decorated boats, ranging from small vessels to grand yachts, will take to the St. Johns River for the annual parade. Boater Registration is open through November 20, and residents are encouraged to join the celebration on the river.
The parade will begin at the west end of the Shipyards, travel along the Northbank, and turn south just before the Acosta Bridge. It will continue east along the Southbank.
- 6:30 PM Light Boat Parade begins
- Fireworks Display, sponsored by Bank of America: The parade will be followed by an awe-inspiring fireworks finale that includes the beloved “waterfall” effect off both the Main Street and Acosta bridges. More details about the Light Boat Parade and Fireworks can be found here: https://events.jacksonville.gov/special-events/light-boat-parade/
- 8pm (approximately) Fireworks begin (after Parade ends)
- Friendship Fountain Activities: Attendees can view the Lightboat Parade and Fireworks from here, while enjoying the debut of the holiday lights and music show at the Fountain; a Silent Disco featuring a holiday music channel, food trucks; and a bar serving hot chocolate and special holiday beverages.
- Programming starts at 6pm
- Silent Disco runs from 6-9pm (Free headphone rental for all kids 17 & under with paying adult. Adults $10).
- JAX Artist Walk on Ice: Attendees can ice skate (reservations at jaxonice.com are strongly recommended) and attend a holiday market.
- Skating runs from 10am-10pm and the market runs from 2-8pm
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Kevin Carrico. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.
About the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment
The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.jacksonville.gov
About City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) serves diverse populations of all ages and abilities through recreation activities and programs, conservation and marine resources, senior services, social services, disabled services, and extension services serving one million residents in Duval County. PRCS offers over 400 parks and recreational spaces. For more information about The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, visit https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation.