Jacksonville, November 27, 2025

This weekend, Jacksonville is celebrating the holiday season with a variety of community events. From the inaugural Holiday River Fest and a Christmas movie screening to a concert by Molly Hatchet, there’s something for everyone. The Holiday River Fest will feature a Christmas tree lighting, the Light Boat Parade, and a whimsical silent disco, while additional activities showcase the spirit of the season through music, art, and local culture. Residents are invited to come together and enjoy all the festive offerings in a joyful atmosphere.

Jacksonville, FL: Holiday Festivities This Weekend

Join in the Holiday Cheer with Exciting Events

Jacksonville is ushering in the holiday spirit this weekend with a lineup of engaging events designed to unite the community. Families and friends can enjoy a Christmas movie screening, a lively rock concert, and the much-anticipated inaugural Holiday River Fest, which promises to be an enchanting evening.

This weekend’s activities reflect a commendable effort by local organizers, creating opportunities for Jacksonville citizens to engage in festive traditions. Emphasizing local choice and leadership, these events are an example of how community resilience and private partnerships can thrive even in challenging times, enhancing the community experience without complicated bureaucratic hurdles.

Inaugural Holiday River Fest

The City of Jacksonville is set to kick off the inaugural Holiday River Fest on Saturday, November 29, 2025. This free, family-friendly event will take place across both the Northbank and Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville, beginning at 5:00 PM. Highlights of the fest include:

• Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza: Sponsored by Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, the ceremony starts at 6:00 PM with special performances from Alhambra Theatre’s “ELF the Musical,” Scott Jones School of Dance, and SK8hers Inc. Mayor Donna Deegan will be present to light the city’s Christmas tree. Attendees can also savor snacks and hot cocoa, along with food trucks providing a variety of options.
• Jacksonville Light Boat Parade: Kicking off at 6:30 PM, a fleet of beautifully decorated boats will parade along the St. Johns River. This delightful spectacle is set to feature fireworks starting at approximately 8:00 PM, creating a stunning visual to cap the night.
• JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market: Located at 718 Riverside Avenue, this event will include an outdoor ice rink open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM and a holiday market from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is $17 plus tax, which includes skate rental.
• Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain: Running from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this festive experience allows attendees to enjoy holiday-themed music via wireless headphones. Children under 17 can enjoy free headphone rentals with a paying adult.

Special Screening of “A Christmas Story”

For fans of classic holiday films, the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville will host a special screening of “A Christmas Story” on Friday, November 28, 2025. The event will include a live appearance by Ralphie, the film’s beloved protagonist, who will answer audience questions following the screening.

Molly Hatchet Concert

The renowned Southern rock band Molly Hatchet will take the stage at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This concert is part of the band’s ongoing tour and is expected to attract fans from near and far, celebrating community and culture through music.

Additional Holiday Events

• Deck the Chairs: From November 26, 2025, to January 1, 2026, Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach will feature over 70 uniquely decorated lifeguard chairs alongside festive performances.
• Glowing Gardens at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of lights and decorations from November 28 to December 28, 2025, providing a picturesque holiday experience in a natural setting.
• Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting: Scheduled for December 5, 2025, this event will feature festive music, visits from Santa, and local food trucks, reinforcing community spirit and generosity during the holiday season.

Weather Forecast for November 29, 2025

On Saturday, November 29, 2025, Jacksonville is expected to enjoy mostly clear skies with temperatures ranging from a low of 45°F (7°C) in the early morning to a high of 69°F (21°C) during the day. Evenings will cool down to a low of 59°F (15°C), providing a comfortable environment to enjoy the festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Event Schedule at a Glance

Conclusion

This weekend’s events present the perfect opportunity for Jacksonville residents and visitors to revel in the holiday spirit while fostering community ties. With an exciting array of festivities, it’s a time to come together, support local initiatives, and elevate the holiday experience in our vibrant city. Mark your calendars and participate in these enriching events, and help keep the community’s spirit of engagement alive!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Glowing Gardens Returns to Jacksonville Arboretum
Jacksonville Zoo Hosts ‘Colors of the Wild’ Event
Florida’s Christmas Boat Parades: A Festive Guide
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Salvation Army Distributes Thanksgiving Food to Jacksonville Families
Jacksonville Hosts Inaugural Holiday River Fest
Join the Community Spirit at Jacksonville Beach’s Deck the Chairs
Christmas Tree Retailers Gather for Key Auction in Pennsylvania
National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk

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.