Jacksonville, FL, November 30, 2025
Downtown Jacksonville celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza alongside the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive occasion attracted thousands, featuring local performances, a Light Boat Parade, and a spectacular fireworks display. The revitalization of the park, which includes a rooftop playground and event lawn, aims to enhance community spirit and support local engagement, marking a new chapter for public spaces in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Unveils Riverfront Plaza with Festive Holiday Events
Celebrating Community Spirit and New Beginnings in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, Florida – On Friday, November 28, 2025, thousands gathered in downtown Jacksonville to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Riverfront Plaza and the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This significant milestone for the community marks a dedication to revitalizing public spaces, showcasing local talent, and fostering a sense of togetherness as residents and visitors kick off the holiday season in style.
This event exemplifies the resilience of local organizers and the potential of reduced bureaucracy to enhance event coordination. With decreased governmental red tape and increased private partnerships, events like these not only bolster community engagement but also support the local economy by encouraging visitors to explore Jacksonville’s vibrant offerings.
Event Highlights
- Riverfront Plaza Opening: Attendees experienced the revitalized park featuring a rooftop playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk. This $38 million renovation aims to transform the area into a vibrant community space.
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The festivities commenced at 6:15 PM with performances from local entertainment groups, including Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical” and Scott Jones School of Dance, alongside participation from Mayor Donna Deegan.
- Light Boat Parade: At 6:30 PM, a fleet of decorated boats lit up the St. Johns River, mesmerizing spectators along both the Northbank and Southbank.
- Fireworks Display: A stunning fireworks show featuring the signature “waterfall” effect off the Main Street and Acosta bridges wrapped up the evening’s celebrations.
- Friendship Fountain Activities: Beginning at 6:00 PM, the Southbank’s Friendship Fountain offered a holiday lights and music show, a Silent Disco, food trucks, and festive beverages.
- JAX Artist Walk on Ice: The inaugural outdoor ice skating rink operated from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and was complemented by a holiday market curated by Riverside Arts Market.
Background
The inaugural Holiday River Fest brought the community together with a free, family-friendly event covering both the Northbank and Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville. The festival purposefully celebrates the holiday season while providing a diverse array of activities and local entertainment.
The Riverfront Plaza’s renovation, which began in early 2024, aligns with ongoing efforts to rejuvenate downtown Jacksonville. Key features include a rooftop playground on top of a pavilion building, an event lawn, a new bulkhead, and an enhanced Riverwalk that connects to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The second phase of development is anticipated to begin by the end of 2025, focusing on additional features such as a biergarten and improved pedestrian and bicycle access.
Weather Conditions
The event took place under clear skies with comfortable temperatures, ranging from a low of 5.6°C (42°F) to a high of 13.9°C (57°F), providing an ideal atmosphere for festivities and celebrations.
Event Schedule
- 5:00 PM: Performances begin at Riverfront Plaza
- 6:00 PM: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 6:30 PM: Light Boat Parade along the St. Johns River
- 8:00 PM: Fireworks Display over the river
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: JAX Artist Walk on Ice at Riverside Arts Market
Conclusion
The Holiday River Fest successfully united the Jacksonville community, celebrating the city’s rich traditions while marking the opening of a revitalized public space projected to be a central hub for future gatherings and events. As local events like this continue to thrive, residents are encouraged to engage actively and support initiatives that foster community growth and innovation in Jacksonville, FL.
What is the Riverfront Plaza?
The Riverfront Plaza is a newly renovated park in downtown Jacksonville, featuring a rooftop playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk. The $38 million renovation aims to transform the area into a vibrant community space.
What events were part of the Holiday River Fest?
The Holiday River Fest included the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Riverfront Plaza, the Light Boat Parade along the St. Johns River, a fireworks display, activities at Friendship Fountain, and the JAX Artist Walk on Ice at Riverside Arts Market.
When did the Riverfront Plaza open?
The Riverfront Plaza had its soft opening on November 29, 2025, during the inaugural Holiday River Fest. A full ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for December 5, 2025.
What is the Light Boat Parade?
The Light Boat Parade is an annual event in Jacksonville where a fleet of decorated boats travels along the St. Johns River, delighting spectators with their festive displays. The parade is followed by a fireworks show.
What is the JAX Artist Walk on Ice?
The JAX Artist Walk on Ice is Jacksonville’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink, accompanied by a holiday market curated by Riverside Arts Market. It offers residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy ice skating in a unique outdoor setting.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Riverfront Plaza Opening | Revealed the newly renovated park with a rooftop playground, event lawn, and improved Riverwalk. |
| Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Celebrated the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree with performances from local groups and special guests. |
| Light Boat Parade | Showcased a fleet of decorated boats along the St. Johns River, followed by a fireworks display. |
| Friendship Fountain Activities | Offered a holiday lights and music show, Silent Disco, food trucks, and a bar serving hot chocolate and special holiday beverages. |
| JAX Artist Walk on Ice | Provided outdoor ice skating and a holiday market curated by Riverside Arts Market. |
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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.
