The City of Jacksonville has announced plans to host the Holiday River Fest on November 29, 2025. The event will take place across both the north and south banks of Downtown Jacksonville and is open to the public at no cost.
The festival will begin with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Riverfront Plaza, which has recently completed its first phase of renovations. Mayor Donna Deegan, WJXT’s Rance Adams, and other guests are scheduled to participate in the ceremony. Performances by Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical,” Scott Jones School of Dance, and SK8hers Inc. are also planned for attendees.
Food trucks, snacks, hot cocoa, adult beverages provided by Friends of JWJ Park, face painting, and family activities will be available throughout the evening. Performances start at 5:00 PM with the tree lighting set for 6:15 PM.
At 6:30 PM, decorated boats will join the annual Light Boat Parade along the St. Johns River. Boater registration remains open through November 20. The parade route begins at the west end of the Shipyards and travels along both riverbanks before concluding near the Acosta Bridge.
A fireworks display sponsored by Bank of America is scheduled for approximately 8:00 PM. The show will feature a “waterfall” effect from both Main Street and Acosta bridges. More information about these events can be found on the city’s official event page at https://events.jacksonville.gov/.
Friendship Fountain will offer additional programming starting at 6:00 PM, including a debut holiday lights and music show at the fountain itself as well as a silent disco with a dedicated holiday music channel from 6:00–9:00 PM. Free headphone rentals are available for children under 17 accompanied by an adult; adults can participate for $10.
The JAX Artist Walk on Ice features ice skating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (reservations recommended via https://jaxonice.com/) alongside a holiday market operating between 2:00–8:00 PM.
According to city officials, “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 details about upcoming events or participation guidelines visit https://events.jacksonville.gov/.
