Illustration of small red wooden boats with string lights carrying figures in Santa hats past a lighthouse and a snowy pier (Jacksonville Light Boat Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Jacksonville Light Boat Parade

Spectators gather along the Downtown Riverwalks along the North and Southbanks to watch decorated boats cruise along the St. Johns River. Participating vessels of all shapes and sizes showcase light displays and holiday décor. The evening finishes with a fireworks finale that includes waterfall fireworks cascading from the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.

Sat, Nov 28, 2026

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Jacksonville

Illustration of friends in Christmas jumpers toasting at a wooden pub table beside a glowing fire Parties3 events Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights11 events Illustration of a shopper with bags walking past gift-filled shop windows on a small-town main street Markets15 events Illustration of felt snowman figures in red scarves and hats on a small snowy stage with red curtains and Christmas trees Shows22 events Illustration of neighbours chatting with cocoa in a community hall decorated with paper chains and wrapped gifts Unique & Unusual28 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Participation for captains and crews is free. No spectator admission price is stated.

Hours

6:30 PM.

Accessibility

Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and fans of holiday parades

Vibe

Festive and sparkling

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Choose a spot along a Downtown Riverwalk on the North or Southbank to watch the procession.
  • Stay for the fireworks finale, which includes waterfall fireworks from the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.
  • If you plan to enter a boat in the judged competition, register before the November 16 deadline.
  • Captains and crews should bring a motor-assisted vessel, as the parade participation invitation specifies motor-assisted vessels.
  • If you need disability accommodations, request them in advance.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Captains and crews participate for free.
  • Vessels competing in the judged competition must be registered by November 16, 2026.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can spectators watch the boats?

Spectators can gather along the Downtown Riverwalks on the North and Southbanks of the St. Johns River.

What happens during the parade?

Decorated boats cruise along the river, and the evening concludes with fireworks, including waterfall fireworks from the Main Street and Acosta Bridges.

Can a boat join the parade?

Captains and crews may enter motor-assisted vessels of all sizes; participation is free.

How can a vessel enter the judged competition?

Register the vessel for the judged competition before registration closes on November 16, 2026.

What are the judging categories?

Categories are vessels under 30 feet, vessels 30 feet and over, sailboats and corporate vessels.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: