The City of Jacksonville
invites you to
light up the holidays
at the
2009 Jacksonville Light Parade
Saturday, November 28
7 p.m.
Downtown Riverfront
Click here to register your boat in the 2009 Jacksonville Light Parade.
Click here for photos from the 2008 parade!
Thanksgiving weekend wouldn't be complete without the Jacksonville Light Parade. Each year, boats of every shape and size are imaginatively adorned with decorations that captivate senses and stimulate imaginations. Seafarers and landlubbers of all ages are sure to be dazzled by the area's largest lighted boat parade.
Parade Categories Boater Benefits & Prizes Safety Rules & Regulations
Vendor Opportunities and Application
"I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the beautiful 2008 light parade and fireworks on Saturday night. The fireworks were incredible. I have lived in Jacksonville a very long time and I think they were the ABSOLUTE BEST I have ever seen. You all do a great job putting all of this together for our city." -Chrispruiti21
2008 Jacksonville Light Parade Winners
"..we go for the fireworks show which was absolutely phenomenal this year. I loved it, and yes, planning is everything. We got there in time to grab Starbucks, get the kids faces painted, watch the fireworks, dance to the band for a few, watch the big game on the jumbo screen and be home by 11:30. Its a great family night! HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!"
-Educatedmommy
Holiday Fireworks Spectacular
Following the 2009 boat parade, fireworks will be shot from river barges in front of The Jacksonville Landing, Hyatt Regency Hotel and Metropolitan Park. The signature "waterfall" fireworks will be shot from both sides of the Main Street Bridge and the east side of the Acosta Bridge.
Viewing the parade
Each year, the parade can be seen from both the northbank and southbank of the downtown riverfront. Families are encouraged to bring their chairs, blankets and picnics to the riverfront for this magical evening!
Annoucements of parading boats, themes and holiday messages will be broadcast along the northbank and southbank of the riverfront.
Parade Route
Click here for a printable map! (PDF)
The 2009 parade will make two laps. It begins at Metropolitan Park, travels along the Northbank past The Jacksonville Landing and circles to the Southbank. The route continues along the Southbank, under the Main Street Bridge, past the Navy Memorial statue and down to the Duval County School Board Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get around downtown? Click here
Where can I park? Click here
Where do the water taxis stop? Click here
More Holiday Happenings
November 23
Holiday Window Displays
November 23-January 2
Downtown Jacksonville
Official Website
|
December 31
Vystar 5K Run
1:30 p.m.
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 798-1700
www.gatorbowl.com |
November 27
23rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Jacksonville Landing, 7 p.m.
(904) 353-1188
www.jacksonvillelanding.com
|
Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade
3 p.m.
Downtown Jacksonvlile
(904) 798-1700
www.gatorbowl.com |
|
November 28
Winter in Florida
6-10 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Riverdeck
(904) 588-1234
Website
|
Team Pep Rallies
1:30 p.m. ACC Team
5:30 p.m. Away Team
The Jacksonville Landing
(904) 798-1700
www.gatorbowl.com |
December 2
First Wednesday Art Walk
5-9 p.m.
Downtown Jacksonville
(904) 451-3344
www.downtownjacksonville.org
|
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Midnight
Downtown Riverfront (Northbank and Southbank)
(904) 630-3690
www.makeascenedowntown.com |
December 17
Jacksonvile Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts
8:20 p.m.
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Ticket information (904) 630-3900
Festival information (904) 630-3690 |
January 1
Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
1 p.m.
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
(904) 798-1700
www.gatorbowl.com |
|
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Street Closures
Pearl Street from Water Street to the St. Johns River
Close: Friday, 11/27 at 8:00 a.m.-Monday, 11/30 at 10 a.m.
Hogan Street from Water Street to the St. Johns River
Close: Friday, 11/27 at 8:00 a.m.- Monday, 11/30 at 10 a.m.
Sister Cities from Hogan Street to the cul-de-sac
Close: Friday, 11/27 at 8:00 a.m.- Monday, 11/30 at 11:30 p.m.
Eastside lane and sidewalk of the Acosta Bridge
Close: Saturday, 11/28 at 10 a.m. until the fireworks have been cleared (4-5 hours post-show)
Westside lane and sidewalk of Acosta Bridge
Close: Saturday, 11/28 at Noon until the fireworks have been cleared (4-5 hours post-show)
Westside lane and sidewalk of the Main Street Bridge
Close: Saturday, 11/28 at 2 p.m. until the fireworks have been cleared (4-5 hours post-show)
Eastside lane and sidewalk of the Main Street Bridge
Close: Saturday, 11/28 at 4:00 p.m. until the fireworks have been cleared (4-5 hours post-show)
**Bridges will need to remain closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from the time specified until the firework show clean-up is complete.
Hart Bridge repainting and restructure project
The bridge will be open to traffic through the extended Thanksgiving holiday from Sunday, November 22 until Monday, November 30. Full bridge closings will occur Monday through Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and on weekends from 7 p.m. on Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday. Single lane closings will occur during non-rush hour times. Northbound lane closings can occur between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and southbound lane closings can occur between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This work should be finished in early 2011.
Volunteer Opportunities
The City of Jacksonville Office of Special Events is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with upcoming events. Call (904) 630-3690 or e-mail events@coj.net for more information.
Get instant updates!
Get up-to-date information on all the fun activities happening in downtown Jacksonville from our MySpace page, Facebook page, and Twitter page or sign up to receive our e-newsletter with updates on upcoming events.
Special thanks to the following for their support
of the 2009 Jacksonville Light Parade.
This event is part of the
Make A Scene Downtown! series.
For more information, call (904) 630-3690 or e-mail events@coj.net
