The Light Boat Parade is one of Jacksonville's best holiday events. Here's our guide.
For more than 30 years, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade has signaled the start of the holiday season in Jacksonville.
Held on Thanksgiving weekend, the free event on the St. Johns River attracts thousands of families from across Northeast Florida to the Northbank and Southbank areas of downtown to see Christmas light-decorated boats of all sizes parade along the river.
The evening concludes with one of the city’s best fireworks shows of the year, including its signature “waterfall fireworks” from the Acosta and Main Street bridges. (Held at around 8 p.m., the fireworks show is ideal for families who don’t want to wait until midnight on New Year’s Eve or after sunset on the Fourth of July, the city’s two other annual fireworks shows on the river.)
Here’s what you should know about the Light Boat Parade, one of Jacksonville’s best annual events.
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When is the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?
Traditionally, the annual Light Boat Parade is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. For 2023, it will be held Nov. 25.
What time is the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?
The Light Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m.
What is the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade route?
The Light Boat Parade starts at the Ford on Bay, near the USS Orleck Naval Museum on the Northbank and continues west under the Main Street and Acosta bridges before making a loop near the Fuller Warren and returning east on the St. Johns River along the Southbank to the Duval County School Board building.
Where is the best place to watch the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade and fireworks?
Spectators can watch the Light Boat Parade from Northbank Riverwalk, from the Riverside Arts Market to the Performing Arts Center and Main Street Bridge to the Ford on Bay, near the USS Orleck Naval Museum; and on the Southbank Riverwalk, from Friendship Park to the Duval County School Board building.
What time are the fireworks at the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade?
Fireworks are expected to begin after the Light Boat Parade ends, usually around 8 p.m.
Where will the fireworks be launched?
Fireworks will be launched from the Acosta and Main Street bridges as well as a barge in front of the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront hotel. Fireworks include the waterfall fireworks that rain down from the Acosta and Main Street bridges, so the best place to view this one-of-a-kind display may be on the portion of the Riverwalk between the two bridges.
Is there a competition for the best light display on a boat?
Yes, participants will be judged on overall look and decoration composition, according to the event’s website. Judging categories include vessels under 30 feet, vessels 30 feet and over, sailboat and corporate entries.
Where is the best place to park for the Light Boat Parade?
On-street parking in downtown at metered spaces is free on evenings and weekends.
For a fee, garage and lot parking options include:
Water Street Garage, 541 W. Water St.
Ed Ball Garage, 214 N. Hogan St.
Yates Garage, 200 E. Adams St.
Duval Street Garage, 33. W. Duval St.
Bay & Ocean Lot, 112 E. Bay St.
On the Southbank, parking options include the Duval County School Board lot and JTA’s Kings Ave. Skyway Garage and Lot, at 1003 Kings Ave.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 2023 Jacksonville Light Boat Parade and fireworks guide
