Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

This year’s Jacksonville Light Boat Parade features an exciting route designed to offer the best viewing opportunities along the St. Johns River and Main Street Bridge, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display following the Light Boat Parade. 

The parade begins at the west end of the Shipyards, traveling west along the vibrant Northbank. Just before the Acosta Bridge, the boats will turn south, crossing the river to continue east along the scenic south bank. To ensure everyone gets a clear view of the festive vessels, the parade will loop through the route twice, showcasing the event from both sides of the river. 

The Fireworks sponsored by Bank of America-Jacksonville will be set off from one river barge located in front of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, the Main Street Bridge and Acosta Bridge. The signature "waterfall" fireworks will be set off from Main Street Bridge (both sides) and Acosta Bridge (east side only).

Parking & Transportation:

• Public parking is available on the Southbank at the DCPS Building (1701 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207) and Kings Avenue Parking Garage (1201 Kings Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207). On the Northbank, the Yates Garage (200 E Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202) will be available to the public for parking. Parking meters downtown are free on the weekends.
• JTA Skyway will not be operating as it does not run on the weekends. 
• The St Johns River Taxi will start boarding at 5:15 pm at the Doubletree Hotel Dock on the Southbank, 1201 Riverplace Blvd. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.jaxrivertaxi.com/. 

2025 JACKSONVILLE LIGHT BOAT PARADE ROAD CLOSURES
ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH

The route will be managed by JSO at each intersection. Closures may end earlier as the end of the parade and street sweepers pass. 

Main Street Bridge 

• 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. : 1 (one) Lane closed going southbound & sidewalk (closest to Hyatt) 
• 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. : All lanes & sidewalk closed to set up fireworks waterfall Main St. South (Northbound) from Riverplace Blvd. to Bay St. (Detours to Forsyth St. via 95 N) 
• Main St. South (Southbound) from Bay St. to Museum Cir. (Detours to San Marco Blvd. via 95 S) 
• Main St. Bridge On-Ramp (southbound) from E. Independent Dr. to Museum Circle (Detours to San Marco Blvd. via 95 S) 
• 6:00 p.m. - Bridge locked in UP position until 10:00 p.m., after the fireworks barge passes back under the bridge 

E. Coastline Dr. 

• 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. : Riverfront Plaza to S. Newnan St. (No detour planned). 

Acosta Bridge (Northbound) 

• 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. : Eastern-most lane, emergency lane & sidewalk ONLY 
• 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ((FOR FIREWORKS)) 95 N Downtown exit (detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N) 
• Mary St. (Detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N) 
• Museum Cir. (Detours to Riverside Ave./Water St. via 95 N 

Acosta Bridge (Southbound) 

• 7:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ((FOR FIREWORKS)) 
• Water St. (Detours to 95 S/Prudential Dr. via Park St.) 
• Riverside Ave. (Detours to 95 S/Prudential Dr. via Park St.

All Captains and Crews Invited to Participate!

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. Participation is free!

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