Jupiter's tree lighting is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, on the Town Green. The holiday boat parade reaches Jupiter about 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Snow Dec. 12.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Updated each year. Sources: the Town of Jupiter Tree Lighting Ceremony and There’s Snow Place Like Jupiter pages and the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County’s holiday boat parade page.
Jupiter’s holiday season opens with three free events in eight days: the town’s tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 4, the holiday boat parade on Saturday, Dec. 5, and real snow in Abacoa on Saturday, Dec. 12. Jupiter has no street Christmas parade; its parade is on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Who to call
- Tree lighting and the snow day: Jupiter Community Center, 561-741-2400
- Boat parade: Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, marinepbc.org
- Town information: 561-746-5134
Tree lighting: Friday, Dec. 4
- When: 5-7 p.m.
- Where: the Town Green at the Jupiter Municipal Campus, 210 Military Trail. The town says the ceremony moved to the Town Green after construction on the campus.
- What: performances by local schools, music, a countdown to the lighting, a giveaway and food vendors (June Coffee, Sunset Slush, Chick-fil-A and Bunnboh Churros).
- Leave pets at home. The town posts a parking and site map on the event page.
Holiday boat parade: Saturday, Dec. 5
The 32nd Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, rain or shine, is led by a traveling fireworks show up the Intracoastal from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, where the grand finale takes place. It starts at 6 p.m. and reaches Jupiter at about 8 p.m.
Bridge openings (organizer estimates)
| Bridge | Opens around |
|---|---|
| Parker Bridge | 6 p.m. |
| PGA Bridge | 6:15 p.m. |
| Donald Ross Bridge | 7 p.m. |
| Indiantown Road Bridge | 7:30 p.m. |
| Jupiter Federal Bridge (U.S. 1) | 7:45 p.m. |
Expect traffic to stop at each bridge while it is up.
Where to watch in Jupiter
The organizers list these public viewing spots in town:
- Sawfish Bay Park
- Lighthouse Park
- Waterway Park
- The Jupiter Riverwalk
- Harbourside Place
Waterfront restaurants along the route are also on the organizers’ list. Watching from a boat? The organizers suggest Ski Beach or anywhere between Donald Ross Road and Indiantown Road that stays clear of the parade.
Toy drive
The parade collects new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the parade, a “toy fleet” of boats picks up toys from docks along the route: wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber light. Donation boxes and an online drive are on the parade page.
There’s Snow Place Like Jupiter: Saturday, Dec. 12
The town’s winter event fills Abacoa Community Park, 1501 Frederick Small Road, with 32 tons of real snow from 4 to 7 p.m. There is a winter village, a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, bounce houses, a live DJ and food vendors. It is free.
What this means for you
- Friday, Dec. 4: tree lighting on the Town Green.
- Saturday, Dec. 5: pick a park by the water and arrive before 8 p.m. for the boats.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: snow and Santa in Abacoa.
Related: things to do this month, parks and trails and getting around Jupiter.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Jupiter tree lighting in 2026?
Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Town Green at the Jupiter Municipal Campus, 210 Military Trail. It is free, with school performances, a countdown and food vendors.
Does Jupiter have a Christmas parade?
Jupiter’s holiday parade is on the water. The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade leaves North Palm Beach at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and arrives in Jupiter about 8 p.m., finishing at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Where can I watch the boat parade in Jupiter?
Organizers list Sawfish Bay Park, Lighthouse Park, Waterway Park, the Jupiter Riverwalk and Harbourside Place among the public viewing spots.
Where can kids see Santa in Jupiter?
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit There’s Snow Place Like Jupiter, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Abacoa Community Park, with 32 tons of real snow. It is free.
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