Right Around the River Blog
Enjoy the James River Parade of Lights at Rocketts Landing
Post Date: 12-08-2011
Get ready for holiday festivity, friends -- the 19th Annual James River Parade of Lights takes place this Saturday, December 10. And we can't wait to sit outside at Rocketts Landing wrapped in blankets, sip hot cocoa and oooh and aaah as the decorated boats float by.
Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, the James River Parade of Lights is a 14-mile parade along the river featuring an array of lavishly decorated boats. The parade starts at the intermediate terminal adjacent to Rocketts Landing at 6:00 p.m. and finishes at the Varina-Enon Bridge around 8:30 p.m., and includes various contests for participants, as well as an after-party at the Richmond Yacht Club.
Local celebrities will serve as the parade’s judges to select first-place winners in four categories:
- Best Adaptation of the Parade’s Theme
- Most Original Display
- Best Appearance on the Water
- Best in Parade (capturing the boat’s “charm or wow factor”)
A Best Novice award and Runners Up will also be selected. Additionally, participating boaters will have a chance to win raffles featuring a variety of donated prizes from businesses such as The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing, Richmond Yacht Club and Venture Richmond.
As a growing holiday tradition, the James River Advisory Council expects around 6,000 to 8,000 spectators to enjoy the parade, with several viewing locations designated along the river from start to end.
From personal experience, we have to say that we absolutely enjoy the view at Rocketts Landing. As downtown Richmond’s skyline sparkles with holiday lights in the background while the boaters’ decorations reflect off the river, the James River Parade of Lights is certainly a unique and festive sight to be seen. Plus, you can couple the parade with dinner at one of our Rocketts Landing restaurants and have the perfect evening with friends and family.
You can learn more about the James River Parade of Lights by visiting the James River Advisory Council’s website. We look forward to seeing you there!
