Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza

Sponsored by Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

• 🗓️ Saturday, November 29, 2025
• 📍 Riverfront Plaza = 2 W. Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202
• 🎶 Performances begin at 5:00 PM
• 🎄 Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 PM

Kick off the holiday season in dazzling fashion as we officially light the City of Jacksonville’s Christmas Tree at the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza (Phase 1)! Be among the first to experience this refreshed downtown landmark as it transforms into a festive celebration filled with music, magic, and holiday cheer.

Join Mayor Donna Deegan, WJXT’s Rance Adams, and other special guests for an unforgettable evening featuring live performances from Alhambra Theatre’s ELF the Musical cast, the talented dancers of Scott Jones School of Dance, and the high-energy skaters of SK8hers Inc.

Warm up with snacks, hot cocoa, and seasonal adult beverages courtesy of Friends of JWJ Park, and enjoy food trucks, face painting, and family-friendly activities throughout the plaza.

Celebrate with us as the River City shines bright for the holidays!

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade & Fireworks

Fireworks sponsored by Bank of America

• 🗓️ Saturday, November 29, 2025
• 📍 St. Johns River (Map Coming Soon)
• 🛥️ Light Boat Parade begins at 6:30 PM
• 🎆 Fireworks Finale sponsored by Bank of America at approximately 8:00 PM

A dazzling fleet of decorated vessels, from small boats to grand yachts, will illuminate the St. Johns River for one of Jacksonville’s most cherished holiday traditions. The parade launches from the west end of the Shipyards, glides along the Northbank, then turns south just before the Acosta Bridge before continuing east along the Southbank. After the parade, stay for an awe-inspiring fireworks finale sponsored by Bank of America, complete with the signature “waterfall” effect cascading from both the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.
 

Captains & Crews: Be Part of the Magic!

Registration is open and participation is free.

Deck your hulls and kick off the holiday season on the St. Johns River as thousands of spectators view the parade along the banks. Captains and crews of motor-assisted vessels of all shapes and sizes are invited to participate in the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade.

Participants will be judged on overall look and decoration composition. 
Judging categories: Vessels under 30'; Vessels 30' and over; Sailboat; and Corporate

 

👉 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM

JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market

• 🗓️ Opening Day: Friday, November 28, 2025
• 📍 718 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204
• 🔗 Official Website: https://www.jaxonice.com/

Something very cool is coming to town! For the first time ever, JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market transforms the brand-new Artist Walk Park into a festive winter destination. Glide across a REAL outdoor ice rink in the heart of Riverside, shop local makers at the Holiday Market curated by Riverside Arts Market (RAM), and enjoy festive music, entertainment, and holiday cheer from Thanksgiving weekend through January.

 

⛸ Ice Rink Season

🗓️ November 28, 2025 – January 19, 2026
🎟️ Reserve your spot early at JaxOnIce.com, or purchase tickets on-site while supplies last. Admission is $17 + $1.50 fee + tax and includes skate rental.
(Prices subject to change.)

Regular Hours

• Mon–Thurs: 4–9 PM
• Fri: 4–10 PM
• Sat: 10 AM–10 PM
• Sun: 10 AM–8 PM

Holiday Hours

• Thanksgiving Break (Nov 28–29): 10 AM–10 PM
• Christmas Break (Dec 22–Jan 6):
  • Christmas Eve: 11 AM–7 PM
  • Christmas Day: 1 PM–7 PM
  • New Year’s Eve: 11 AM–7 PM
  • New Year’s Day: 1 PM–7 PM
• All other break dates: 10 AM–10 PM

 

🎁 Holiday Market at RAM

Discover a festive collection of unique, handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and joyful holiday offerings at the Holiday Market curated by RAM. Shop one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans, explore décor and gifts representing all holidays, and enjoy delicious treats perfect for hungry ice skaters looking for something sweet.

Open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday during the rink season!

• Fridays: 5–8 PM
• Saturdays: 2–8 PM
• Sundays: 2–8 PM

Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain

• 🗓️ Saturday, November 29, 2025
• 📍 Friendship Fountain: 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207
• 🎶 Silent Disco Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• ⛲️ Friendship Fountain holiday light show: 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM

Experience Jacksonville’s holiday magic at its finest with a festive Holiday Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain! Dance the night away with a dedicated holiday music channel, surrounded by food trucks, a bar serving hot chocolate and seasonal beverages, and plenty of family-friendly fun for all ages. As you groove under the stars, Friendship Fountain will come alive with a brand-new holiday light show. Enjoy stunning waterfront views, dazzling displays, and an unforgettable night of holiday cheer! From this location, you will also be able to view the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade along with an amazing fireworks display sponsored by Bank of America.

Adults: $10
FREE headphone rentals for all kids and teens (17 & under) with a paying adult
Payment accepted via cash, card, and Apple Pay