Tuesday: December 11
Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda during an evening Candlelight Tour. Guided candlelight tour begins at 5:30 p.m. 83 King Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). www.villaZorayda.com
Tuesday and Thursday: December 11 & 13
Emma Concert Series: Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will regale St. Augustine with the ever popular Holiday Pops concerts at 8 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. www.emmaconcerts.com
Tuesday through Sunday: December 11 – 16
Nights of Lights
St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. www.NightsofLights.com
Festival of Trees at World Golf Village
A festive display of holiday trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the local community, all to benefit two local charities. Vote for your favorite tree for $1 per vote, or bid on one of the tress in the silent auction. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and performers from the St. Augustine Ballet at the opening reception Friday 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Johns County Convention Center, 500 S. Legacy Trail at the World Golf Village, through December 9. Admission is free! www.WorldgolfHallofFame.org
Viva Florida Art Exhibit
To commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Ponce De Leon’s naming of La Florida, the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery celebrates the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna, history and happenings that are uniquely Florida with a new exhibit. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is Free.www.staaa.org
Winter Wonderland
The 6th Annual Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is free to the public. Hosted by the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division, Winter Wonderland features North Florida’s premiere outdoor ice skating rink, along with our brand new Ice Chute, RC Race Track and Kid’s Room and of course Visits with Santa! St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. Each activity priced separately. 904-209-0367 www.winterwonderlandfl.com
Dressing of the Palms
Dressing of the Palms in the Town Center at Vilano Beach complements Nights of Lights where holiday decorations adorn over 200 palm trees along Vilano Road and Coastal Highway in Vilano Beach. Through January. Free. Vilano Beach Town Center 260 Vilano Road, St Augustine Phone: 904-540-0402 http://www.vilanobeachfl.com
Water Taxi Nights of Lights Tours
Board the Horizons II for a relaxing Tour of Nights of Lights form the water. Tickets are $39 on weeknights and $49 on weekends. Tours depart from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, 298 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach. www.jaxwatertaxi.com
Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley
Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine’s historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Tours depart from St. Augusitne Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine. http://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/holiday-tour.asp
Electric Bus Nights of Lights Tour
See the City lights on a 7 seat silent comfortable all electric vehicle with a city licensed guide giving a fully narrated 45 minute tour covering all the downtown city lights and sights, travelling down both the narrow and main streets. This tour goes where others do not! Nightly departs from parking lot at rear of Love Tree Café 31 Orange Street at 6.00pm 7.00pm 8.00pm 9.00 pm Adults $12 Child under 12 $10. 904-325-0547 www.staugustinegoldtours.com
Big Red Christmas Train Nights of Lights Tours
The Big Red Christmas Train transports riders through St. Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while viewing a magical holiday illusion through your free Magic viewing glasses. Nightly tours are $8 for adults and $4 for children and take place Tours start at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 19 San Marco Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. (till 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).On Friday and Saturday, there will be entertainment in the lines and FREE admission to Santa’s Village! 904-824-1606 www.redtrains.com
Wednesday and Saturday: December 12 & 15
Historic Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904.471.0116 NPS.Gov/foma
Thursday: December 13
Winter Chorus Concert
SJCCA Center for the arts at St. Augustine High presents their annual Winter Chorus Concert. The evening is filled with holiday favorites, culminating in the Hallelujah Chorus. St. Augustine High School, 3205 Varella Avenue. Tickets are $5 at the door. 904-547-8530
Thursday through Sunday: December 13 -16
Ancient City Theatre presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Fort Matanzas Pioneer Barn, 259 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine will host this one-man presentation of this Christmas classic. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday 904-824-8874 oldfloridamuseum.com
Limelight Theatre Presents Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings
Through January 6, Christmas classics delight as well as audience favorites featuring the Rockettes and the Chipmunks! This holiday show is truly heaven-sent! Located at 11 Old Mission Avenue, performances will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults; $22 for seniors; and $20 for students and active-duty military. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org
Friday and Saturday: December 15 & 16
Amahl and the Night Visitors Opera
The holiday classic, Amahl and the Night Visitors, a 50 minute opera that tells the story of the night th
e Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem will take place at St. Anastasia Catholic Church 5205 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach. Free parking. Tickets are $15 for adults and children 12 and under are free with an adult. (904) 471-5364
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is open at 3 Cordova Street in St. Augustine. From 6 to 9 p.m. guests can visit with Santa, make a craft, enjoy hot cocoa, sing holiday karaoke, play reindeer games or enjoy a movie. Admission is $3, or FREE with the purchase of Red Train Sightseeing or Nights of Lights Tour. 904-824-1606
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: December 15 & 16
Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tour
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45 minute tour. While enjoying the spectacular light display, indulge in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white). Tours depart from Isabella’s Cuban Bar at 19 Cuna Street, at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $46 per person – Adults only! 904-386-5482 www.thetastingtours.com
Saturday: December 15
Washington Oaks Garden Tour
Join Park Ranger Amanda at 11 a.m. for an hour long tour of the beautiful formal gardens at Washington Oaks! You will learn about the various plants and animals that are found in the park and you will also learn about this park’s fascinating history! This program meets in the main garden parking lot and regular park entrance fees apply. WashingtonOaks Gardens State Park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Palm Coast. 386-446-6783 www.floridastateparks.org
Navidad en el Viejo San Agustín / Christmas in Old St. Augustine
Florida Living History, Inc. ( www.floridalivinghistory.org ), will present its second annual heritage event – Navidad en el Viejo San Agustín / Christmas in Old St. Augustine, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Mission Nombre de Dios. Enjoy Las Posadas – a colonial, Spanish Christmas procession; colonial Spanish musical entertainment; and a 16th-century, Spanish Christmas play along with other activities.www.missionandshrine.org
Changing of the Guard
Presented by the 1740 Spanish Garrison, Spanish Soldier re-enactors will march to St. Augustine Government House on the west end of the Plaza de la Constitucion where they will relieve the posted guards. A musket fire volley salute will follow. It takes place in the Plaza at 6 p.m.
Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda during an evening Candlelight Tour. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Guided candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. 83 King Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are$16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). http://www.villaZorayda.com
Saturday and Sunday: December 15 & 16
St. Augustine Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
The St. Augustine Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street, Saint Augustine. This magical musical event features elegant costumes, custom-designed scenery, professional dancers and local celebrities, including the Mayor of Saint Augustine. Performances are at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from $15 to $30. http://www.saintaugustineballet.com
Sunday: December 16
Sundancer Yacht Nights of Lights Cruises
Enjoy viewing St. Augustine’s brilliant Nights of Lights aboard the 117 foot, two story, luxury yacht Sundancer. The Sundancer is set-up in the holiday spirit with decorations, lights, and holiday music. Starting December 16, cruises will depart nightly through December 30 at 5:15, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez . Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 – 6, and free for children 6 and under. 877-446-6465 www.SundancerYacht.com
