Holiday River Fest is Saturday, Nov. 28: the tree lights at 6:25 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza, the Light Boat Parade starts at 6:30 and fireworks follow.

Last checked Oct. 14, 2026, against the city’s Holiday River Fest page and Light Boat Parade page. The city says more 2026 details are coming; we will add them here.

Yes, it is on. The City of Jacksonville holds Holiday River Fest on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The free evening downtown rolls the city’s Christmas tree lighting, the Light Boat Parade on the St. Johns River and a fireworks finale into one night.

Updated Oct. 14: the city has posted the 2026 date and schedule.

Who to call

The 2026 schedule

From the city’s Holiday River Fest page:

  • 5 p.m.: Holiday River Fest begins.
  • 6:25 p.m.: Christmas tree lighting at Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Drive, with Mayor Donna Deegan and special guests.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade begins on the St. Johns River.
  • 8:15 p.m.: Light Boat Parade winners announced on the Holiday Stage at Riverfront Plaza.
  • About 8:30 p.m.: after-parade fireworks.

The city says Riverfront Plaza will have hot cocoa, treats, food trucks and family activities. This is the tree’s second year at the plaza.

The Light Boat Parade

The parade has run for more than 30 years. Decorated boats cruise along the Northbank and Southbank, and the city says spectators can watch from the downtown Riverwalks. The night ends with the city’s signature waterfall fireworks off the Main Street and Acosta bridges.

  • Enter a boat: free. Registration for the judged competition closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, on the city’s form.
  • Judging classes: vessels under 30 feet, vessels 30 feet and over, sailboat and corporate.
  • Route: the city has not posted the 2026 route. In 2025 boats started at the west end of the Shipyards, ran along the Northbank, turned south just before the Acosta Bridge and came back east along the Southbank.

Where to watch

Based on the city’s description, the best free spots are the Northbank Riverwalk and Riverfront Plaza, for the tree and the winners, or Friendship Fountain and the Southbank Riverwalk across the river. See parks and trails for those parks.

What ran in 2025

The first Holiday River Fest, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, from the city’s announcement that year, also had:

  • Performances at Riverfront Plaza from 5 p.m., face painting and food trucks.
  • Friendship Fountain’s holiday lights and music show, with a silent disco from 6 to 9 p.m. Headphones were free for children 17 and under with a paying adult; adults paid $10.
  • JAX Artist Walk on Ice, with skating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and a holiday market from 2 to 8 p.m.

The city has not yet said whether those return in 2026.

Getting there

Downtown parking decks and transit are in our getting around Jacksonville guide. The Main Street Bridge has one southbound lane closed through Jan. 30, 2027, for bridge work, according to FDOT; check road closures before you go. The city has not published road closures for the night yet.

Other holiday dates to know

What this means for you

  • Plan for the evening of Saturday, Nov. 28: tree at 6:25 p.m., boats at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at about 8:30 p.m.
  • Watching from the riverfront is free.
  • Boat owners have until Nov. 16 to register.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do this month and getting around Jacksonville.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Jacksonville Christmas tree lighting in 2026?

At 6:25 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Drive, during Holiday River Fest, which starts at 5 p.m., the city says.

What time is the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?

It starts at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, on the St. Johns River downtown. Winners are announced at 8:15 p.m. at Riverfront Plaza, and fireworks follow at about 8:30 p.m.

Are there fireworks at the Jacksonville tree lighting?

Yes. The city lists after-parade fireworks at about 8:30 p.m., including its waterfall fireworks off the Main Street and Acosta bridges.

How do I enter a boat in the Light Boat Parade?

Registration is free through the city’s form and closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16. Boats are judged in four classes: under 30 feet, 30 feet and over, sailboat and corporate.

Is Holiday River Fest free?

The city called the 2025 event free and family-friendly, and watching from the Riverwalks costs nothing. In 2025 some extras cost money, such as ice skating and adult silent disco headphones.