Jacksonville, November 25, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida, is preparing for its inaugural Holiday River Fest, a family-friendly celebration taking place along the beautiful St. Johns River. This event, set for November 29, features activities such as a festive Christmas tree lighting, a light boat parade, and a silent disco. Alongside these festivities, the JAX Artist Walk on Ice and Holiday Market will kick off the celebrations, offering local art and entertainment. Residents are invited to join in the holiday spirit while supporting community-driven events that foster creativity and connection.
Jacksonville’s Holiday River Fest and Weekend Events
Celebrate the Season with Jacksonville’s Inaugural Festivities
Jacksonville, Florida, is gearing up for an exciting weekend as it hosts the inaugural Holiday River Fest on Saturday, November 29, 2025. This family-friendly event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, offering a wealth of activities along the scenic St. Johns River. Local organizers have shown remarkable resilience and ingenuity in pulling together this multifaceted festival, which includes a Christmas tree lighting, a captivating light boat parade, and a unique silent disco experience. All of these activities encourage community involvement and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
The Holiday River Fest begins on November 28, 2025, with the JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market — a perfect blend of art and outdoor fun. Events like these not only enhance community engagement but also underscore how reduced bureaucracy can enable more efficient event coordination, showcasing Jacksonville’s capacity for innovation and collaboration among various stakeholders.
Weekend Highlights
Holiday River Fest
- Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza: The festivities kick off at 5:00 PM, culminating in the tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM. Families can look forward to live performances, delicious food from local food trucks, and various activities ideal for all ages.
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade: Watch as beautifully decorated boats sail along the St. Johns River at 6:30 PM, followed by a stunning fireworks display around 8:00 PM.
- Holiday Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain: Dance your heart out to holiday tunes from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Entry is $10 for adults; children and teens can rent headphones for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market
- Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with admission priced at $17 (plus tax) including skate rental.
- Holiday Market: Open from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the same day, featuring local artisans displaying their crafts and seasonal treats for attendees to enjoy.
San Marco Art Festival
- Dates: November 29-30, 2025
- Location: Balis Park, San Marco Square
- Details: Commemorate the San Marco Centennial with the appreciation of local artists as they showcase their creative works throughout the festival.
Rising Stars Tour
- Date: November 29, 2025
- Location: Eclipse Bar Riverside
- Details: Join the Rising Stars Tour featuring an eclectic mix of three live bands starting at 8:00 PM, perfect for music lovers.
Weather for the Weekend
The weather forecast for this festive weekend is looking favorable:
- Saturday, November 29, 2025: Expect partly sunny skies with a high temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a low of 56°F (14°C).
- Sunday, November 30, 2025: Predictions indicate mostly cloudy conditions with a chance of rain; high of 76°F (24°C) and a low of 60°F (15°C).
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville’s community-driven events like the Holiday River Fest exemplify how local initiatives can foster a lively cultural atmosphere and enhance civic pride. By supporting these gatherings, residents can enjoy the benefits of limited bureaucracy that allows for creativity and productivity. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the season with friends and family at the various wonderful events lined up!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Holiday River Fest?
The Holiday River Fest is a free, family-friendly event featuring activities such as the Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade, and a Holiday Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain, all taking place along the St. Johns River on November 29, 2025.
When and where is the San Marco Art Festival held?
The San Marco Art Festival is scheduled for November 29-30, 2025, at Balis Park, San Marco Square, celebrating the San Marco Centennial with local artists showcasing their work.
What is the Rising Stars Tour event?
The Rising Stars Tour is a multi-genre music event featuring three live bands, scheduled for November 29, 2025, at Eclipse Bar Riverside, starting at 8:00 PM.
What is the weather forecast for Jacksonville on the weekend of November 29-30, 2025?
The forecast for Saturday, November 29, 2025, is partly sunny with a high of 70°F (21°C) and a low of 56°F (14°C). Sunday, November 30, 2025, is expected to be mostly cloudy with a touch of rain, with a high of 76°F (24°C) and a low of 60°F (15°C).
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday River Fest | November 29, 2025 | St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL | Free, family-friendly event featuring Christmas Tree Lighting, Light Boat Parade, and Silent Disco. |
| San Marco Art Festival | November 29-30, 2025 | Balis Park, San Marco Square, Jacksonville, FL | Celebrating the San Marco Centennial with local artists showcasing their work. |
| Rising Stars Tour | November 29, 2025 | Eclipse Bar Riverside, Jacksonville, FL | Multi-genre music event featuring three live bands, starting at 8:00 PM. |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
