Jacksonville is gearing up for its biggest holiday kickoff of the year. Holiday River Fest, presented by Bank of America, returns to Riverfront Plaza in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, November 28, bringing the city’s annual Light Boat Parade, a Christmas tree lighting, fireworks and a holiday market back to the St. Johns River.
Holiday River Fest is set for Saturday, November 28. The festival is expected to include many of the elements that have become staples downtown, including the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks sponsored by Bank of America.
Boats, Bridges and a Fireworks Waterfall
The headline attraction is the 41st Annual Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, with dozens of decorated boats set to begin their journey across the St. Johns River at 6:30 p.m., according to First Coast News. Boater registration for the parade remains open through November 20, the station’s report notes. Fireworks will follow at approximately 8 p.m., timed to create a waterfall effect cascading from the Main Street and Acosta bridges, the same report states.
The event also includes a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Riverfront Plaza alongside the boat parade, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. Accounts of the exact lighting time vary: First Coast News reports the tree’s lights switch on at 6 p.m. with Mayor Donna Deegan and Miss Florida in attendance, while the Daily Record reports the ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with the lighting itself at 6:15 p.m. The city’s own event listing at events.jacksonville.gov lists a 6:25 p.m. lighting time sponsored by Community First Credit Union, adding a third figure to the mix.
Performances, Food and Family Activities
Starting at 5 p.m., visitors can catch performances from local dancers and musicians, including a number from Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical,” per the same First Coast News account. Snacks, hot cocoa, adult beverages, food trucks and face painting will also be on hand, according to the Free Press of Jacksonville…