Jack_Dec16_ForOnline

The holidays are officially upon us. In the urban core, in particular, the holiday calendar is as full as Santa’s belly. Lucky for you, we chose some
of our favorites: the can’t-miss-events, as well as a few tucked far back behind the Christmas tree.
DOWNTOWN
For the first time in decades, the Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
sets sail in December instead of Thanksgiving weekend.
Considered one of the biggest events in the city — at any time
of the year, the parade attracts an estimated 200,000 attendees
who line the Northbank and Southbank (Translation: Get there
really early or find a friend who lives in the Peninsula or Strand),
mostly concentrated around the Jacksonville Landing. Nearly one
hundred vessels from motorboats and houseboats to shrimp boats
and gravy boats (just seeing if you’re paying attention), cruise
down the St. Johns with their hulls decked in boughs of lights,
Christmas decorations and costumed characters with prizes for the
best decorated. Following the parade is the city’s annual fireworks
display including its signature waterfall of sparks off the Main
Street Bridge.
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade:
December 30, 7-10 p.m., Northbank and Southbank, FREE
16 jack december 2016