Mark your calendars for Jacksonville Magazine's second annual Jacksonville Lantern Parade presented by VyStar Credit Union, an illuminated celebration of creativity, art, children and the St. Johns River. The event will take place the evening of February 16, 2019. The planned parade route will stretch along the Northbank Riverwalk, extending from the Fuller-Warren Bridge to the Jacksonville Landing. Food and fun begins at 6 PM with the actual parade beginning at 7 PM. Fireworks will take place at the Jacksonville Landing at 9 PM.

The glowing display of color will literally shine a light on the heart of Jacksonville and everyone is invited! Participation is free to the public. All we ask is that each participant carry something that GLOWS, TWINKLES, or SHINES. Bring either a homemade creation or a store bought item, we don't mind so long as you participate in the grand illumination. In addition, The Lantern Parade will serve as a fundraiser, a benefit with the goal of raising money to purchase needed art supplies for area schools.

Prior to the official start, participants are invited to come to the starting line and join in the fun with live music, kids games, food trucks and more. There also will be a kids band playing adjacent to the Riverside YMCA and music presented at the riverfront stage at The Jacksonville Landing.

The illuminated celebration of creativity, kids and the St. Johns River is free and open to the public. All they ask is that participants bring something that glows, twinkles or shines. Last year, more than 2,000 people turned out to kick off what we believe will become one of the city’s signature annual events—a glowing display of color, light, music and movement that lights up the heart of Jacksonville.