12/05/2023
So many great ways to enjoy the holidays in St. Augustine !
🎄🎁🌴THE HOLIDAY EVENT LIST! Festive happenings in St. Augustine & St. Johns County, Florida:
👉🏽 See the full list here: http://totallystaugustine.com/2024-holiday-events-in-st-augustine-st-johns-county/
🎄The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art at Lightner Museum
November 17-March 15: The Lightner Museum is excited to announce the opening of a major touring exhibition, The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art. The exhibition marks the culmination of the Lightner’s 75th anniversary celebration and will be on view from November 17, 2023 through March 15, 2024.
lightnermuseum.org
🎄Nights of Pints
November 17-December 31: The 2023 Nights of Pints kicks off November 17 at three craft breweries in St. Augustine, Florida! The event coincides with Nights of Lights. Shirts are available through January 31. Beer cards are honored after January 31! You will be able to purchase your $35 shirt and punch card good for one free pint at each of the three participating breweries:
🍺 Dog Rose Brewing Co.
🍺 Ancient City Brewing
🍺Bootlegger Beach Brewing Jack’s BBQ
The event benefits the following local organizations:
✨Fish Island Community Alliance
✨THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club
🎄Ximenez-Fatio House Museum Nights of Lights Holiday Art Tour
November 18-January 5: View artwork by area artists who have decorated 14 fireplaces at the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles Street, historic St. Augustine, Florida. This art exhibition is held during the Nights of Lights holiday season, with the 225-year-old history house decorated with holiday finery. The event is a collaboration with the St. Augustine Art Association. TICKETS: ximenezfatiohouse.org
🎄Nights of Lights
November 18-January 28: Nights of Lights begins November 18, 2023 and continues nightly through January 31, 2024. Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic, During this festival of lights, downtown St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City. Admission is free. Tour companies offer tours by trolley, boat, bus, golf cart and more. Details at nightsoflights.com
🎄Old Town Trolley Tours Nights of Lights Tour
November 19-January 28: In its 30th year, St. Augustine’s award-winning Nights of Lights is admired by a global audience and is well known as one of the “10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World” by National Geographic Traveler. Take an Old Town Trolley Tour, complete with 3D glasses, to view the lights throughout St. Augustine, Florida. TICKETS: www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/nights-of-lights
🎄Lighthouse Illuminations (20+ themed trees) at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
November 22-January 13: Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum during Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Florida to see Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings, and Trees. Discover 20+ uniquely decorated trees at this special after-hours event. Explore the Keepers’ House and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Lighthouse’s Fresnel Lens. Spots fill up quickly with limited availability so please book ahead. TICKETS: https://store.staugustinelighthouse.org/Events.aspx
🎄Night Watchman Ghost Tour by See America Tours
December 4-January 30: Stroll the streets on the Southside of town for an interactive ghost tour like no other. The Night Watchman kept watch over the city after everyone else went to sleep. Learn about the frightening things he saw, heard, smelled and felt while keeping the city safe. Stops at The Castillo de San Marcos, Huguenot and Tolomato Cemeteries. Tours leave nightly at 8 p.m. from the Treasure Chest. Tickets are $25. 76 Spanish St., St. Augustine. 407-342-1569 www.seeamericatours.net/Familytour
🎄Nights of Lights Sunday Catamaran Sail with St. Augustine Eco Tours
December 4-January 28: See Nights of Lights from the water with St. Augustine Eco Tours, departing from the City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Florida. The Sunset Catamaran sail seats 6 passengers and provides awesome views of the illuminated City. Tours leave at 4:15 p.m. and last approximately 2 hours. Tours are $65 per passenger. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
🎄Nights of Lights by Florida Water Tours - St Augustine
December 4-January 28: Meet The Island Breeze, this family-friendly 35′ pontoon boat, perfect for a BYOB experience. You can also find beer, wine, and canned cocktails in their shop! Enjoy a special 90-minute Sunset Nights of Lights Cruise from 5:15-6:45 p.m. at $49 for Adults (13+), $22 for Children (3-12), and $8 for little ones (2 and under). The 75-minute tours are scheduled for 7 & 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 for Adults and $19 for Children (7 and over). Note: Children under 7 are not permitted on these tours. Tours leave from Camachee Cove Marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine. www.floridawatertour.com
🎄A Peter White Christmas Concert
December 6: A Peter White Christmas 20th Anniversary Special featuring Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show is at 8 p.m. Admission ranges from $69-$121.50. 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com
🎄The Trouble With Traditions – A Holiday Detour at Limelight Theatre
December 7-17: The Novak family has had a decades long Christmas tradition of having a dinner on Christmas Eve. When Richard Novak finds out his family plans on skipping this year for a theatre play, he becomes desperate to keep their tradition alive. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. nightly and on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org
🎄Holiday Market at Lightner Museum
December 7: Local artisans showcasing their ware will be on display at the Lightner Museum Holiday Market. The market takes place from 5-8 p.m., admission is free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
🎄The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display at Turning Point at Calvary
Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-25: The annual FREE drive-through Christmas light display called The Light of Christmas is on view at Turning Point at Calvary, 3500 State Road 16, in St. Augustine. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8-9 and December 15-25. The Light of Christmas features more than a half million lights that create scenes and giant Christmas trees that dance to music. Guests will be asked to turn to a specific radio station to hear the holiday music as they travel the route of The Light of Christmas. Admission is FREE. For more Information, call 904-829-9795 or go to www.tpcalvary.com
🎄Silent Sky presented by A Classic Theatre, Inc.
December 8-10: “Silent Sky” is a heartwarming and joyful account of Henrietta Leavitt, a pioneering scientist in an era when women lacked the right to vote. Hired at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, Henrietta can’t touch a telescope or voice original ideas. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” mapping stars for a renowned astronomer. This true story explores the challenges faced by women in a time of scientific breakthroughs when their contributions often went unnoticed until men claimed them. Henrietta Leavitt’s work not only revolutionized our understanding of the heavens but also challenged societal norms. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25. 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.aclassictheatre.org
🎄Villa Zorayda Museum Candlelight Tours
December 8, December 16, December 18, December 22, December 27 and December 30: Join the Villa Zorayda Museum this Holiday Season for their 14th Annual “Candlelight Tours”. The Zorayda is beautifully decorated for the Holidays with decorations throughout the Museum and a spectacular Christmas tree is located center stage in the “Court of Lions”. Victorian and traditional decorations are found in every room of the Museum for visitors to enjoy. Over 100 candles are aglow throughout as you take a state of the art audio guided tour of this historic former home to learn about the building’s impressive 140 years of history and its beautiful art and antique collection. A complimentary beverage and cookie to complete your Candlelight Tour. Adult admission is $24.99. Children ages 6-12 are $12.99. This tour is not recommended for children ages 5 and under. Limited availability, advanced tickets are highly recommended. Tours are at 5:30 and 7 p.m. on select evenings during Nights of Lights. www.villazorayda.com
🎄Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms
December 8-9 and December 15-16: Experience a 3/4-mile Christmas light show on a cozy hayride. Enjoy hot cider, chocolate, or coffee. Fun activities like bounce pads, swings, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus await. Take holiday photos amid the lights. Roast marshmallows, watch movies, and decorate ornaments by the campfire. Fridays and Saturdays at Sykes Family Farms. Admission: ages 3 & up: $16, ages 2 and under: FREE, Military with ID and Seniors ages 65+ are $15. 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. www.sycofarms.com/christmas-on-the-farm
🎄Vilano Holiday Village – Elf on the Shelf author event by Vilano Beach Main Street
December 9-23: Vilano Beach will come alive and share in a one-of-a-kind Christmas VIBE with its visitors. While more than 3 million lights sparkle during Nights of Lights in downtown St. Augustine, the Vilano Holiday Village will shine with an 18-foot-tall Christmas Tree serving as the center of festive celebrations. Get your glow on every Saturday in December with holiday happenings, including a tree lighting, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, meet-the-authors event, holiday shopping with local artisans, Cirque Adventure’s high-flying Elf Circus Show, live music, hot chocolate and specialty coffee drinks, hotel packages, and other festive fun along Vilano Road in Vilano Beach, Florida.
🎄Saturday, December 9: Author Book Fair Extravaganza — Vilano Road will be lined with a variety of authors for meet-and-greets. The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition featured author Carol Aebersold will read to the group and be available for a book signing. All are welcome to bring to their own copy of the Elf on the Shelf book or can purchase them at Metalartz Gallery. Book proceeds will go to a local children’s charity. Admission is free. Stay updated at vilanobeachfl.com/vilanoholidayvillage
SCHEDULE
3-6:30 PM Authors along Vilano Road for Book Fair
4-6 PM Santa & Mrs. Claus Appearance at The Patio at Holiday Inn Express Vilano Beach, FL
6-7 PM Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition author at Holiday Inn Express
7-8:30 PM Christmas Movie Night – ELF at Vilano Main Street Diner at Holiday Inn Express. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas!
🎄St. Augustine Winter Spectacular by The Dance Company
December 9-10: Mark your calendars for the St. Augustine Winter Spectacular 2023 at Lewis Auditorium! This family-friendly, entertaining holiday production follows a young girl’s journey home for the holidays. Expect high-kick dancers, ballerinas, acrobats, actors, and more amidst dazzling costuming and props. Performances are on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com
🎄Santa Suits on the Loose 5K - benefit for St. Augustine Youth Services - SAYS
December 9: Join this walk/jog/run starting and ending at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park along a flat 3.1-mile course through St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods. The race begins at 8 a.m. Registration ranges from $30-$40. Proceeds benefit St. Augustine Youth Services. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-814-7463 www.saykids.org
🎄Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade
December 9: Join us for the Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade, a delightful holiday event! The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., starting from the W.E. Harris Community Center. Be captivated by the festive floats and merry march down Main Street, leading to the Library Campus and Al Wilke Field on South Main Street. Don’t miss this magical celebration on 400 E. Harris St., Hastings. www.sjcpls.org
🎄Holiday Market at St. Augustine Beach
December 9: Bring the whole family to the 3rd annual Holiday Market at the Pier. Stroll through the market where you will find local vendors with offerings for everyone on your holiday gift list. Capture the family fun in our grinchy themed photo booth, discover delicious treats to take home, all while enjoying the vibrant light displays at Pier Park. This free event takes place from 3-7 p.m. at St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-295-2271 www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events
🎄Regatta of Lights hosted by the St Augustine Yacht Club
December 9: Experience this annual holiday parade, hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club, of motorized vessels and many other vessels decorated with brilliant lighted displays beginning at 6 p.m. The boats will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. 904-824-9725 www.staugustineyachtclub.com
🎄Regatta of Lights aboard the Scenic Cruise Victory lll
December 9: Be a part of St Augustine’s holiday lighted boat parade during the Regatta of Lights, aboard the Victory III. Tickets are $45 per person. Reservations required. Boarding is at 5:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. www.scenic-cruise.com
🎄A Vintage Christmas on the Farm at Wesley Wells Farms
December 9: A Vintage Christmas on the Farm will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at Wesley Wells Farms, 2680 Ada Arnold Road, St. Augustine. Enjoy Santa, farm animals, photo ops, hay ride, North Pole playground, live entertainment, vendors and so much more. Tckets: www.wesleywellsfarm.com
🎄Holiday Jazz Concert – 2d Marine Division Band
December 9: The US Marine Corps Big Band Ensemble of 15 exceptionally talented and professional musicians will perform their holiday-themed program. A must see! Led by CWO3 Mark Pellon and hailing from Camp Lejeune, NC, the 2d Marine Division Band is performing a FREE Community Concert to bring good holiday cheer and joy to the residents and many visitors to St. Johns County. All are welcome to the show, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. As always, bring your own chairs. 170 Cathedral Pl., St. Augustine. 571-422-0963 Danny Garcia Walking Man
🎄St. Augustine Community Chorus concerts – 75th Season
December 9-10 and December 17: The St. Augustine Community Chorus will perform a concert called Christmas Joy at 7:30 p.m. December 9-10 in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. On December 17 from 3-4 p.m., the chorus will perform the annual Messiah sing-a-long at Memorial Lutheran Church, 3375 US-1 South. TICKETS: www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
🎄Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market
December 10: The Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market is happening from noon-4 p.m. at The Tringali Bar, 7310 US 1, St. Augustine. More than 40 youth vendors (ages 4-17) will offer seasonal gifts. Enjoy live music by the band Chillula, Santa & Mrs. Claus, food trucks, a DJ, and other seasonal family fun. Parents can register kid vendors by emailing [email protected] (limited spaces available). The Saucey Pig & Sonny’s BBQ will be there, with proceeds from The Saucey Pig supporting a local charity, and Sonny’s BBQ providing lunch to kid vendors. Admission is free.
🎄Ancient City Baptist Church Choir Performance
December 10: The Sanctuary Choir of Ancient City Baptist Church will present the musical Appalachian Winter Sunday, December 10, at the 10:45 AM morning service. Appalachian Winter is a musical created by Joseph M. Martin.The musical celebrates the legacy of early American carols and hymnody.Joseph Martin states, ”the musical is composed in the spirit of folk music combining traditional spirituals with more rustic elements, creating a blend that is fresh and pleasing.”Popular American carols like, “Away in a Manger’ and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” dance with traditional spirituals such as “Children, Go Where I Sent Thee” and Go, Tell it on the Mountain.” Sacred Harp tunes are retooled for Advent and stand alongside new versions of Shaker hymns and Appalachian melodies. The 30-voice choir is under the direction of Curtis Powell.Narrator for the program North Florida actor Isaias “Ice” Cordero. Guest soloist is Carrie Thornton. An instrumental consort and piano will accompany the choir. Ancient City Baptist Church is located in downtown St. Augustine on the corner of Sevilla and Carrera Streets.The program is free and the public is invited to attend. There is free parking for all who attend. The program will also be live-streamed at AncientCityBaptist.org
👉🏽 More events at http://totallystaugustine.com/2024-holiday-events-in-st-augustine-st-johns-county/
📸: Rhonda K Lovett
