| Monday – Sunday : November 25- December 1 |
 Nights of Lights – Selected by National Geographic Traveler in 2011 and 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 449-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. www.NightsofLights.com
Nights of Lights Tours – The City of St. Augustine shines a little brighter during Nights of Lights. There are several tours available that make the holiday experience even more brilliant during this special time of year. Click here for Nights of Lights Tour Options.
9th Annual St. Johns County Festival of Trees at World Golf Village – The St. Johns County Convention Center and Renaissance World Golf Village Resort showcase trees and wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. The display is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. Admission is free. The trees and wreathes will be part of a silent auction and visitors will also be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorites. Proceeds will benefit the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County. 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. 904-940-4000 www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.
Holidays at Colonial Quarter – During the annual Nights of Lights event, the Colonial Quarter transforms into a fantastic holiday wonderland each evening beginning at 6 p.m. and the two-acre site will be open at no charge. S’more stations, hot chocolate, cider and mulled wine will be served up along with the joyous sound of carolers. You can even climb the 35 ft. watchtower for a spectacular view of the city sparkling with white lights. 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-599-2113 www.colonialquarter.com
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire at the IMAX Theater – The IMAX 3D Theatre at World Golf Hall of Fame features The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the continuing adventures of Katniss Everdeen in a futuristic dystopian world. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY! One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4133 www.worldgolfimax.com
New World in the Eyes of Explorers Exhibit – This intriguing exhibit of images of the New World and its indigenous peoples and animals provide a fascinating look at the first encounter between the peoples of the Old World and the New World – an epic event that changed the world forever. The exhibit is located in the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY!
Art Dorks Rise’ Art Exhibit at space:eight gallery – ‘Art Dorks Rise’ is a group show of 30 internationally-acclaimed artists exhibiting 30 pieces of original work. The show runs through November 30. 228 West King St., St. Augustine. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY! 904-829-2838 www.spaceeight.com
Viva Florida Exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association – Florida’s 500th Anniversary year concludes with this popular exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery. The exhibited works celebrate the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna, history and happenings that are uniquely Florida. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY! Admission is free.
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Tuesday: November 26
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Salt Air Farmer’s Market – Marineland Marina hosts the Salt Air Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Find an array of fresh, organically-grown produce and other yummy things. 101 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augus
tine. 904-814-9886 www.marinelandmarina.com |
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Wednesday: November 27
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Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market – Farmer’s Market located at the ocean-side St. Johns County Pier Park on St. Augustine Beach, featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more! Open 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. 350 A1A Beach Blvd. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.com
Pet Friendly St. Augustine Food Tour – Bring your best friend along from 1:30 – 4 p.m. to learn some of the history of St. Augustine and taste some of the delectable offerings in the “first city.” The tour stops at five pet friendly restaurants. All pets must be leashed. The tour is limited to 10 humans with their fur babies. Tickets are $49 (receive a discount with online booking). 904-392-7137 www.StAugustineHistoricTours.com
Eco-Tour Boat Adventure – Join St. Augustine Eco Tours on a 90-minute boat trip through the waters of St. Augustine to look for wild dolphins and amazing wading birds. Nature lovers of all kinds will enjoy this expedition guided by trained interpretive naturalists. Great photo opportunities! Departs from the Municipal Marina at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Special rate: $35/adults and $30/kids ages 3-12, $175 for private tour up to 6 guests. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
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| Friday – Sunday: November 29 – December 1 |
Shadows of the Past Tour – Take a night-time guided tour of the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park to experience the eerie beauty of the Timucua burials, an Indian Village, and the Menendez Settlement field by moonlight.Tours start at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 per person. 11 Magnolia Avenue. http://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/nighttours.html
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Thursday: November 28- Thanksgiving Day!
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11th Annual Shut Up and Run 5K – The Thanksgiving day race will begin at 8 a.m. at Treaty Park. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. All proceeds will go to the St. Francis House homeless shelter in St. Augustine. 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine. www.ancientcityrr.org e-mail rpmstaugustine@yahoo.com
Eco-Thanksgiving Boat Tour – Give thanks to Mother Nature and do something different this holiday by grabbing a friend or the whole family and hopping into a stable tandem kayak to enjoy the natural environment. Visit the salt marsh habitat and learn why these productive waters are so important to local wildlife! Great trip for beginners or experienced kayakers. Departs from the Municipal Marina at 10 a.m. and returns at noon. Special rate of $35 per person. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
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| Friday & Saturday: November 29 & 30 |
4th Annual Candlelight Tour of Villa Zorayda – Villa Zorayda staff provides holiday Candlelight Tours of this beautiful St. Augustine villa. A spectacular Christmas tree decorated in the colors of the Zorayda – red and gold – is located center stage in the Court of Lions. Over 100 candles are aglow throughout the museum. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the tour starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission of $17 for adults; Children 7 – 12 are $8. Children 4 – 6 are free. The candlelight tours are not recommended for children 3 and under. 83 King St., St. Augustine. 904-829-9887 www.villazorayda.com
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| Friday: November 29 |
Black Friday Sails – St. Augustine’s premier tall ship, the Schooner Freedom, sails through the calm waters of Matanzas Bay for a two-hour cruise. Departing from the St. Augustine City Marina at 12:15 p.m. for a relaxing sail and 4:15 p.m. for the romantic Sunset Sail. The cost is $45 per adult; $35 per child (ages 2-12); under 2, free. All cruises include complimentary soda, water, beer and wine. 111 Avenida Menendez, 904-810-1010 www.scho
onerfreedom.com
Drive in Movie ‘Christmas Vacation’ – Experience an old fashioned Drive-In movie at RB Hunt Elementary School’s Coach Chuck Durr Athletic Field. As part of “A December to Remember” the St. Augustine Amphitheatre presents ‘Christmas Vacation’ at 7 p.m. Admission is free and the event is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. 125 Magnolia Dr., St. Augustine. 904-471-1965 www.staugamphitheatre.com
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| Saturday and Sunday: November 30 & December 1 |
48th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival – See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. More than 150 artists from around the USA are juried into this Thanksgiving weekend art festival at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility. The festival is sponsored by the St. Augustine Art Association and takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation. 29 West Castillo Dr, St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staugustineartfestival.com
Sunrise Lighthouse Lens Room Tour – Experience the sunrise and history up-close with an exclusive, private tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse Lens Room. Few people are granted front row access to this 1st Order Fresnel Lens handmade in France over 100 years ago. Watch the nine-foot tall working lens greet the morning sun and enjoy a light breakfast at the top of the tower. Perfect for proposals and special anniversary celebrations! Reservations are required. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org
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| Saturday: November 30 |
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Old City Farmers Market – Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. 904-471-3733
Launch of Stanley Paris Around-the World Voyage – Stanley Paris, the founding president and chairman of the University of St. Augustine, launches his high-tech sailing vessel from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina on a voyage around the world. On this voyage, Paris will attempt to break the world record by sailing unassisted in 150 days or less. At age 76, he will also be the oldest skipper to attempt this mission. 111 Avenida Menendez Ave., St. Augustine. www.StAugustine-450.com
Uptown Saturday Night – From 5- 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides free parking. 904-823-9263.
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular – This original production, written and directed by Stephanie Burkhardt, Executive Artistic Director of The Dance Company, debuts at 7 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. A family entertainment production, the show will feature different scenes that comprise a storyline that follows a young girl’s journey home for the holidays. Pre-sale tickets are $15 & $20 and at the door are $20 & $25. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, 904-471-4946 www.thedanceco.com
“Dynamic Duos” Concert – The Gamble Rogers Folk Festival hosts a “Dynamic Duos” concert featuring Flagship Romance and the Sam Pacetti and Gabe Vala Union-reunion. The concert takes place at the Lohman Auditorium in Marineland. Doors open at 6:30, light refreshments served and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are available in St. Augustine at Simple Gestures and Music Matters. Tickets can also be obtained by visiting the web page. 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine. 904-794-4163 www.gamblerogersfest.org
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Sunday: December 1
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St. Augustine Winter Spectacular – This original production, written and directed by Stephanie Burkhardt, Executive Artistic Director of The Dance Company, features different scenes comprising a storyline that follows a young girl’s journey home for the holidays. The performance takes place at 7 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Pre-sale tickets are $15 & $20 and $20 & $25at the door. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine,
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party – As part of “A December to Remember,” the St. Augustine Amphitheatre hosts Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party! One of America’s great swing revival bands, BBVD has appeared on Dancing With the Stars, Jay Leno’s Tonight Show and many other film and TV productions. Gates open at 2 p.m. and kids can enjoy free train rides, the Blizzard Bounce House, the Elf Village, hourly snowfall and Santa’s arrival. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Admission, attractions and the spectacular concert are free of charge and are sponsored by Community First Credit Union. (Donations of non-perishable food items for the needy are greatly appreciated.) 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. 904-471-1965 www.staugamphitheatre.com
The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at The Raintree Restaurant – Get an inside look at Christmas when eight reindeer spill all the details about the real Santa Claus and the elves; Rudolph’s “little secret;” the true story of Vixen and much more in this entertaining Dinner and a Show. Some mature content. Tickets to this exciting dinner theatre experience in the upstairs dining room of the Raintree Restaurant are $39.95 (adult beverages served separately). Dinner is served at 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. arrival suggested) and the show begins at 7 p.m. 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. 904-824-7211 www.raintreerestaurant.com
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