2022 Holiday Events St. Augustine & St. Johns County

Nights of Pints

November 18-January 1: Locally brewed beer for a cause! The annual Nights of Pints runs Nov. 19 through Jan. 1 at four St. Augustine breweries — Dog Rose Brewing Company, Ancient City Brewing and Jack’s BBQ & Brewery. Coinciding with the City of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, the event was started in 2017 by the breweries as a way to give back to nonprofit organizations in the area while enjoying the festivities during the Nights of Lights. A portion of the proceeds will go to local nonprofits. Shirts are $35, available at any of the four breweries, and each shirt comes with a punch card — good for one free pint at each of the breweries from Nov. 19 through January 1. More details at www.facebook.com/nightsofpints

Nights of Lights

November 19-January 31: The 29th annual Nights of Lights opens on Saturday, Nov. 19 during Light-Up Night, an event that includes live music in the Plaza de la Constitucion, between King Street and Cathedral Place in downtown St. Augustine. Light-Up Night is Saturday, November 19 with music starting at 5:30 p.m., and the lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Each year, former St. Augustine mayors gather to flip the switch during Light Up Night. The City of St. Augustine’s giant tree in the Plaza de la Constitucion is lit first, then all the lights come on surrounding the area. Many families start the holiday season with this tradition — going to dinner downtown and and then watching as the lights are turned on. Nights of Lights, which includes more than 3 million lights on city buildings and businesses, continues through Jan. 31, 2020. Visit nightsoflights.com

Nights of Lights Old Town Trolley Tour

November 20-January 28: Nights of Lights runs November 19 through January 31 in St. Augustine, Florida. More than 3 million lights come on every evening at dusk, creating a glow throughout the nation’s oldest city. Old Town Trolley Tours Nights of Lights Tours begin Sunday, November 20 and run through January 28. DETAILS & TICKETS: https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/nights-of-lights
 
Celebrating 29 years, 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.
 
✨THINGS TO KNOW IN ADVANCE
 
Admission Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservation based tickets are non-refundable. You may reschedule up to 24 hours in advance of tour time by calling 904-337-3780. Maximum of 4 guests per row.
 
Guests must check-in 20 minutes prior to tour time. Within 20 minutes of tour time, seat(s) are subject to cancellation.
 
Due to the popularity of the city’s Nights of Lights, be sure to give yourself enough time to park and check in as traffic can be heavy.

Magic Hideaway – Magic Experience

Every Friday & Saturday through January: Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, is offered by Magician Bill Abbott each Saturday evening at the iconic Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection. Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Bill Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom. Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms, and carefully-arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Bill Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions. Tickets and additional info are available at magichideaway.com

Nights of Lights Party Boat – Old Town Cycle Cruise

November 23- January 30: See St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights on Old Town Cycle Cruise! For those who don’t want to cycle, just choose your favorite songs and BYOB! This cycle cruise becomes for adults only at night and is a FUN and different way to see Nights of Lights. Details at oldtowncyclecruise.com

Lighthouse Illuminations – 20+ themed trees

November 23- January 14: View 20+ uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum — in the historic buildings, throughout the grounds, and in the lighthouse tower! Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Tickets and details at www.staugustinelighthouse.org

LED Kayak Sunset Tours during Nights of Lights

November 25-December 31: Kayaking St Augustine is offering a Nights of Lights Sunset Kayak Tour with cool LED light kayaks! Kayak around our beautiful city (and avoid the crowds) while watching all the holiday festivities from the water! BONUS: After a good paddle workout, you can enjoy as many holiday treats as you want! SAVE $10 off each tour! Use code yaklight22 BOOK NOW: https://kayakingstaugustine.com

Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms

November 25-December 17: Christmas on the Farm will take place from 6-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from November 25-December 17 at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Road, Elkton, Florida. Take a hayride through a dancing light display with music, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take fun holiday photos, enjoy Christmas movies on a big screen, enjoy a s’mores roasting station, stocking and ornament making, kids jump pads, tube slides, barnyard ball zone, and so much more.  Tickets and details at www.sycofarms.com

Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt

November 25-January 7: The Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt begins November 25 and continues Thursday-Sunday each week through January 7! This self-guided event by The Odd Macabre takes your very own small group through the Nights of Lights display in St. Augustine, Florida — finding 13 locations throughout the nation’s oldest city during this holiday spectacular featuring 3 million lights! When you check in at 76 Spanish Street, you’ll be given your scavenger hunt materials and gear. Meet your helper elf who will be in touch by text as needed to make your way through the magical Nights of Lights hunt! RSVP: theoddmacabre.com 

Villa Zorayda Candlelight Tours

November 26-December 30: Candlelight Tours at the Villa Zorayda Museum continue on select dates through December 30. Enjoy the museum at night with Christmas decorations and more than 100 candles inside. The event includes a grand Lighting of the Christmas Tree, cookies and punch will also be featured at this event. Visit villazorayda.com/candlelighttours for details and reservations.

The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display

Dec. 9-11, Dec. 16-18, and Dec. 22-25: 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. 9-11, Dec. 16-18, and Dec. 22-25. 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

Festival of Trees at Lightner Museum 

December 5-8: The 2nd Annual Festival of Trees will be December 5-8 at Lightner Museum, a benefit event for St. Francis House & Port in the Storm. The event will feature a silent auction that includes themed trees and wreaths decorated by community businesses and sponsors. St Francis House envisions a future in which all those in St. Johns County have a safe, permanent place to call home. Our housing focused programs provide temporary shelter, basic needs, and case management services for youth, individuals and families.
 
Hours each day at Lightner Museum:
  • 1-5 p.m. December 5
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. December 6
  • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. December 7
  • 9 a.m.-8 p.m. December 8

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse

December 7: Luminary Night is an annual tradition hosted by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. From 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 7, the Museum grounds will open for an evening celebration for all ages. During the event, the Museum offers luminaries throughout the grounds, visits with Santa, children’s activities and holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments and live music. FREE admission and parking! In the spirit of giving, please bring a donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food pantry.

Lightner Museum Holiday Market

December 8: The Lightner Museum 2022 Holiday Market will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The shopping event will feature 30+ artisans and small businesses for this holiday shopping extravaganza in the area of the former Hotel Alcazar historic swimming pool. Admission is FREE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Limelight Theatre

December 9-11 and December 16-18: Limelight Theatre Education Department will host performances of the KidzfACTory Performance Camp: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The elves, reindeer and townspeople alike will be featured in this fun-filled holiday show! Performances are at 7 p.m. December 9-10 and December 16-17; with 2 p.m. matinee shows on December 11 and December 18 at 2 p.m. Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in uptown St. Augustine. Tickets: 904-825-1164 or visit limelight-theatre.org

Santa suits on the Loose 5K 

December 10: The 11th annual Santa Suits on the Loose 5K is hosted by St. Augustine Youth Services on Saturday, December 10 beginning at 8 a.m. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/StAugustine/SantaSuitsOnTheLoose5KWalkJogRun

Hastings Main Street Market

December 10: The Hastings Main Street Market will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 10 at the newly restored historic Ford Motors building, 301 N. Main Street, in Hastings. The Hastings Christmas Parade begins at 10 a.m. and passes by this location. Admission is FREE. Vendors, artisans, and food trucks will be part of the event. Vendors ($20 to participate) and food trucks ($40 to participate) can register:

Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade  

December 10: Experience this holiday parade that takes place at 10 a.m. along Main Street in Hastings. The parade starts at the W.E. Harris Community Center,400 E. Harris St., in Hastings and marches south on Main Street to the Library Campus and Al Wilke Field on South Main Street. The community is invited. Call 904-827-6970 or visit www.sjcpls.org

A Country Christmas + Holiday Market at Wesley Wells Farms

December 10: A Country Christmas on the Farm + Holiday Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 10 at Wesley Wells Farms, 2680 Ada Arnold Road St. Augustine, FL 32092. Visit the Elf on the Shelf, Santa, create your own Christmas ornaments, follow the Christmas Story Walk, explore the Upick field, visit farm animals, check out the Gingerbread Houses made with real construction material, and shop the holiday market and snag a last-minute Christmas gift or some delicious handmade treats. Let the kids play Christmas games while they wait their turn with Santa, too! Storytime with Elf on the Shelf will begin every half hour. General admission is$6 per person (23 months and under are free). Tickets and details at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-country-christmas-on-the-farm-holiday-market-tickets-458841907497

Regatta of Lights – Boat Parade

December 10: Watch the brilliant displays of brightly lit boats pass by the bayfront during the annual Regatta of Lights boat parade, hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. The Regatta of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 10 along the St. Augustine bayfront. Spectators should arrive early to get a spot along the seawall to watch the free event. To learn more or to register a boat, visit www.staugustineyachtclub.com

Holiday Open House — A benefit for K9s for Warriors

December 10: The annual Willis Family Open House presents a festival of holiday decor from top to bottom, located at 740 S. Heritage Creek Way in St. Augustine, Florida 32084. Visitors who visit the Willis home during the event will enjoy 30 themed Christmas trees, 19 wreaths, holiday light displays and other holiday decor — indoors and out. This year’s event will take place from noon t0 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, and will benefit K-9s for Warriors. From 1 to 3 p.m., a K-9s for Warriors puppy-in-training will be in attendance, as will Santa. The Willis home is guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit. The Christmas trees range from a Grinch tree and a Trains, Planes and Automobiles tree to a Star Trek tree and a gorgeous Nature Tree. Trees range in sizes from one foot to ten feet tall. Wreaths and other holiday ornaments line the walls and tables, and the outdoor displays look beautiful both in the daytime and at night. Supervised children are welcome at this event. None of the trees are real, so anyone with allergies to natural trees can still attend. Admission is FREE, with donations to K9s for Warriors collected.  

St. Augustine Community Chorus — Messiah Born

December 10-11: The St. Augustine Community Chorus will present Messiah Born: A Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday December 10; and Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, downtown St. Augustine. The concert will feature Part 1 of Handel’s Messiah, with director Mike Sanflippo and accompanist Shannon McKay. Tickets: staugustinecommunitychorus.org

The Dance Company’s Winter Spectacular

December 10-11: Experience the magic and excitement of the holidays at the 9th Annual St. Augustine Winter Spectacular! Directed by Stephanie Burkhardt, Executive Artistic Director of The Dance Company, this production will kick-off the holiday season in the nation’s oldest city with over 100 live performers. The show features different scenes that comprise a family-friendly, entertaining storyline that follows a young girl’s journey during the holidays with a dance-based storyline including kicklines, ballerinas, tap dancers, acrobats, and musical theatre numbers. This original production will entertain all ages with its talented cast, dazzling costuming, and wide array of eye-catching scenery and quality live entertainment. Performances are in the beautiful Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College amidst the Nights of Lights at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 10; and 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11. Tickets are available at staugustinewinterspectacular.com

Nights of Lights Under the Sea at St. Augustine Aquarium

December 10 and December 17: The St. Augustine Aquarium will host Nights of Lights Under the Sea from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17 at 2045 State Road 16, in St. Augustine. The event will include mermaids (snorkel with them!), Santa decorating a tree underwater, ornament-making, cookie decorating, starfish and horseshoe crab touch tanks, snow and lights, and sharks and stingrays! Call 904-429-9777 for reservations or visit www.saaquarium.com

Ancient City Choir Musical Presentation

December 11:  The Sanctuary Choir of Ancient City Baptist Church will present the musical Three Gifts – Our Christmas Offering at 11 a.m. Sunday, December 11, during the morning service.  Three Gifts – Our Christmas Offering is a musical created by Randy Vader, Jay Rouse and Rose Aspinall.  The musical is filled with high-energy celebration songs, warm nostalgic moments, fresh contemporary settings, seasonal favorites, and meaningful worship moments. The composers write, “three gifts, gifts of great significance: gold, frankincense and myrrh were laid at the feet of the Christ Child. The 30-voice choir is under the direction of Curtis Powell. Narrators for the program are husband and wife Laurel and Larry DuBose. Soloists include a vocalist from within the ACBC Sanctuary Choir; Leigh Howes, and guest vocalist Carrie Thornton. A string ensemble 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 or call the church office at 904-829-3476.

Woman’s Exchange Dinner in the Garden under Nights of Lights

December 12: Dinner in the Garden Nights of Lights Gala will be held on Monday, December 12 at the historic Peña-Peck House – Woman’s Exchange, 143 St George St., in downtown St. Augustine. Live music by Ramona & the Riot and Michael’s St. Augustine will serve a gourmet menu.  All proceeds benefit the Woman’s Exchange Scholarship Fund for women 30 & older who are returning to school.  TICKETS: https://michaelssa.com/events/zm53c1lc4nwv74dhylxpjuu01qksyx-c5dcz

Gainesville Orchestra Holiday Concert

December 14: EMMA Concert Association presents the annual holiday concert with the Gainesville Orchestra on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. The orchestra will perform popular holiday songs. Tickets include free parking at the St. Johns County Council on Aging, with a complimentary shuttle to and from the venue during Nights of Lights. See the lights and enjoy a holiday concert. Tickets: emmaconcerts.com

Sam Pacetti Christmas Concert

December 16: Guitarist Sam Pacetti will perform a Christmas concert at 8 p.m. Friday, December 16 at Rhino’s in St Augustine, 2487 US 1 South. Doors will open from 6:30 to 7 p.m. The community is invited for 
well mannered frivolity, along with some Christmas and secular music. Suggested donation is $20. Reserve seats by emailing host Mark Heirs at mark@rhinosfl.com 

Sounds of the Season at Kelly Farm — St. Augustine Concert Orchestra

December 16: The St. Augustine Orchestra present Sounds of the Season from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, December 16 at Kelly Farm, 5895 CR-214, St Augustine, FL 32092. Gates open at 6 p.m., with a silent auction open from 6-9 p.m. Beer, wine, coffee, hot cocoa, and sodas will be available for purchase. Tickets: staugustineorchestra.com 

Candlelight Tours of the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House 

December 16-17: The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is announces the return of “Holiday Traditions by Candlelight!” This specialty, family-friendly nighttime event will lead guests through the 224-year-old Boarding House, while sharing stories about how the holidays were celebrated through the 1800’s. TICKETS & DETAILS: www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/candlelight

Ed Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol

December 16-18:  Apex Theatre Studio will present Ebenezer Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol December 16-18 at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.  Cast out your cockneys and leave that stale fruit cake at home—enter a world of grits and gravy, red velvet cake, and the occasional glass of sweet tea. Eb Scrooge is a modern spin on a timeless classic captures present-day life in Northeast Florida, while maintaining the spirit of Dicken’s beloved tale of greed and redemption. It features a cast of young artists from the St.Johns county area as well as professional guest artists Andy Nance and Brooks Anne Meierdierks in the leading roles of Scrooge and Bertha. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Sponsored by St. Johns Tourist Development Council and St. Johns Cultural Council. TICKETS: https://www.pvconcerthall.com/events/detail/apex-theatre-studios-ebenezer-scrooge

Venardos Circus

December 16-January 1: Venardos Circus will perform December 16 through January 1 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the shows features  Broadway-style circus acts, reinventing the American circus tradition for a new generation. Performances are held in a Big Top Tent in the Amphitheatre parking lot! Showtimes and ticket details at venardoscircus.com

Breakfast with Santa at Pena-Pena House

December 17: Bring your list to Santa from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 17 at the historic Pena-Peck House gardens, 143 Saint George St., in downtown St. Augustine. The event will feature a full breakfast buffet and interactions with Santa Claus. Tickets: breakfastwithsantastaugustine.evenbrite.com

Live Nativity Event — Una Noche de Navidad 

December 17: Celebrate Las Posadas commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at Mission Nombre De Dios. The event will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at the Mission Nombre de Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., uptown St. Augustine. A live nativity, hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas carols, and a 16th Century presentation of Las Posadas will be part of the FREE event. Visit missionandshrine.org

Vilano Beach Market

December 17: The Vilano Beach Market Walk takes place from 4-8 p.m. along the sidewalks near the Vilano Beach Pier. Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free parking and admission. Vilano Beach Pier area, 259 Vilano Road. More details at https://www.facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial

The Nutcracker by Saint Augustine Ballet

December 17-18: Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 14th annual St. Augustine Nutcracker, on stage at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 17; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 18 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine. More than 50 local dance students and professional ballet dancers will come together for this holiday tradition, held during Nights of Lights. Tickets are available at saintaugustineballet.org

Breakfast with Santa at Kelly Farm

December 17-18: Breakfast with Santa will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18 at Kelly Farm, 5895 CR-214, St Augustine, FL 32092. A continental breakfast buffet, tea and hot cocoa, a sing-a-long, Christmas games, and photos with Santa will be featured. Tickets: kellyfarmevents.com

High Tea with Mrs. Claus

December 18: High Tea with Mrs. Claus will be from 3-5:30 p.m. Sunday, December18 at Kelly Farm, 5895 CR-214, St Augustine, FL 32092. Assorted sandwiches and bakery items, tea and hot cocoa with real China, a sing-a-long and storytime with Mrs. Claus, photos with Mrs. Claus, and a special gift for each child will be featured. Tickets: kellyfarmevents.com

West King Wednesday

December 21: Every third Wednesday of the month, small businesses of West Augustine collaborate to share the community and culture of West King Street businesses. Live music, artists, discount, specials, artisan pop-ups and other events are showcased from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along West King Street, in St. Augustine. More details at https://www.facebook.com/WestKingWednesdays

Christmas Caroling at Casa De Vino 57

December 22: The 2nd annual Christmas Caroling at Casa De Vino 57 will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 22 at this wine bar located at 57 Treasury Street. Guest are invited to participate or just enjoy the music while having a glass of wine. casadevino57.com

Christmas Fantastique by Zoika’s Dance

December 22: A Christmas dance show featuring classical ballet, hip hop, jazz, aero, and contemporary dance at 2 and 7 p.m. Thursday, December 22 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine. Tickets: zoikasdance.com

North Florida Women’s Chorale — Dancing Day Concert

December 28: The North Florida Women’s Chorale, under direction of Kerry Fradley, with accompanist Kathleen Vande Berg, will present Dancing Day, Songs of the Holiday Season, at 7 p.m. December 28 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, downtown St. Augustine. Admission is FREE. More details at www.womenschorale.org

New Year’s Eve Gala – Junior Service League of St. Augustine

December 31: The Junior Service League of St. Augustine (JSL) will host the annual New Year’s Eve Gala at 8:30pm on Saturday, December 31 at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, 11 Magnolia Avenue, in St. Augustine. The event will include live music by Chillula, heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, specialty desserts, midnight champagne toast and other NYE surprises! All proceeds go directly back to the beautiful St. Augustine community of St. Augustine, with JSL supporting local nonprofits in the area. Tickets are available at jslgala2022.givesmart.com

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at St. Augustine Beach

December 31: Light Up the Night (formerly Beach Blast Off) is a fireworks display that takes place at 8:30 p.m. December 31 over the St. Johns County Ocean Pier 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Shuttle service will be available from Anastasia Baptist Church to the three viewing locations on the beach, A Street, 10th Street and the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. Parking will be available after 1 p.m. at City Hall, Ron Parker Park, Anastasia Square parking lot on the side close to Pope Road, and at the YMCA. Beach driving and parking will be allowed as normal from A Street South. More details: www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events

Lightner Museum New Year’s Eve Gala – 75th Anniversary event

December 31: Lightner Museum’s 75th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Gala will take place from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Lightner Museum, 75 King Street, downtown St. Augustine. Choose the Dinner + Party Ticket, or just come for the Countdown Party! Enjoy delicious food by Chef’s Garden, open bar, entertainment by Ramona + the Riot, and a midnight balloon drop in the historic Alcazar Casino. Tickets & Details: https://lightnermuseum.org/event/75th-anniversary-new-years-eve-gala

Die Fledermaus (The Bat) by First Coast Opera

December 31 and January 1Ring in the New Year with this fully-staged opera with orchestra production of Johann Strauss Jr’s classic 19th Century Viennese Operetta, Die Fledermaus (The Bat). Performed in English with complimentary champagne at intermission. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Saturday, December 31 and 3 p.m. Sunday, January 1 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine. Tickets are available at firstcoastopera.com

Saint Augustine Film Festival

January 12-15The 13th annual St. Augustine Film Festival will be held from January 12-15 in St. Augustine venues — Lewis Auditorium and Gamache-Koger Theater at Flagler College, and the Alazar Room at St. Augustine City Hall (Lightner Museum). More than 50 independent and international films will be on numerous screens throughout the city. Festival passes are on sale at staugfilmfest.com 

ONGOING EVENTS

Tour the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Daily: Located on the oldest street in America, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum was built in 1798 by and Spanish merchant and his Minorcan wife. The house was then owned and run by women throughout the 1800s as a boarding house. Self-guided audio tours and guided tours are available Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step back in time when you stroll through the historic house, detached colonial kitchen, gardens and grounds. More details at www.ximenezfatiohouse.org

St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market

Every Saturday: Find fresh produce, plants, bread, cheese, handmade products, fine art and crafts from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, just south of the lighthouse. Also at the market, art classes and live music. Free parking and admission.  Stay updated at facebook.com/staugampmarket/ 

Kayaking St. Augustine 

Daily: Experience the beautiful aquatic landscape of St Augustine! Kayaking St. Augustine provides Eco and History Kayak Tours and Stand Up Paddle tours. SUP lessons and kayak/SUP rentals also are available and can be delivered to any boat ramp in the St Augustine area. Delivery fees may apply. Reservations are required. Guides are CPR certified and all equipment is Coast Guard certified. Call 904-315-8442 or visit kayakingstaugustine.com

Madness + Malice True Crime Tour

Every Wednesday-Friday: The Madness + Malice True Crime Tour is a new tour for mature audiences was developed with the help of a retired law enforcement professional — giving a gripping, gritty, and accurate insight into some of St. Augustine’s chilling crimes and murders! Book your adventure at anightamongghosts.com

St. Augustine Scavenger Hunts

Thursday-Sunday each week:  Search for clues and solve puzzles with your very own group of family and/or friends on a St. Augustine Scavenger Hunt with The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery — and find 13 locations throughout the nation’s oldest city. Choose from a History Hunt, Haunted Hunt, or a Lovely Hunt and have a blast learning more about St. Augustine while exploring. Details at the13keys.com

Candle-Making at WhichCraft Candle Parlor

Thursday-Sunday each week: The WhichCraft Candle Parlor, located at 76 Spanish Street in downtown St. Augustine, offers soy wax candle-making sessions, complete with participants creating their own custom-fragranced candles, and learning to wick and pour the wax. Book online at whichcraftcandlebars.com

Ghost Walks & Paranormal Investigations

Thursday-Sunday each week: Real haunts. Real history. Real paranormal.  A Night Among Ghosts is a fully investigative experience combining a captivating mix of deep rooted, researched histories and amazing haunted locations in St. Augustine, Florida. Group will reach beyond the history, as they attempt to communicate with those on the other side — utilizing intuitive techniques, Victorian Spiritualism practices, and modern paranormal equipment. Details at anightamongghosts.com

Oldest House Museum Complex

Daily: Tour the oldest house in Florida and other historic buildings at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis Street, downtown St. Augustine. This museum and grounds is maintained by the St. Augustine Historical Society. Visit staughs.com to learn more. 

Old Town Cycle Cruise

Thursday-Sunday each week: See St. Augustine from the water on this boat cruise that allows passengers to cycle their way from Vilano Beach to the historic downtown bayfront and beyond. For those who don’t want to cycle, just choose your favorite songs and BYOB! This cycle cruise becomes for adults only at night and is the perfect way to see Nights of Lights. Details at oldtowncyclecruise.com

Classic Movie Night at Lions & Lanterns

Every Friday: Classic Movie Nights are held at 8:30 p.m. every Friday in the beautiful garden at Lions and Lanterns, a bed and breakfast inn located at 34 Saragossa Street, in downtown St. Augustine. Beer and popcorn is available. Please bring chairs for seating. Visit lionsandlanterns.com

Magic Hideaway — 2-hour magic experience at Casa Monica Hotel

Every Saturday: Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, is offered by Magician Bill Abbott each Saturday evening at the iconic Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Bill Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom. Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms, and carefully-arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Bill Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions. Tickets and additional info are available at magichideaway.com

Live music at O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits 

Every Monday and Wednedsay-Sunday: O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits, 118 Avenida Menendez, features a great lineup of talented local musicians each week, performing on the beautiful outdoor patio area! Free parking is available in a lot across the street while you dine. 

Monday: Bill Sabo
Wednesday: Gary Campbell
Thursday: Bob Patterson
Friday: Trevor Compton
Saturday: Amy Hendrickson
Sunday: Damon Slaughter

2023 Festivals & Events

  • January 12-15: St. Augustine Film Festival
  • March 11-12: Celtic Fest – Francis Field
  • March 24-25: Lions Spring Festival – Francis Field
  • March 25-26: 27th Annual Flower & Garden Expo – Sykes Family Farm
  • April 1-2: Old Town Art Show – Francis Field
  • April 8: Easter Parade
  • April 14-15: PoetFest 2023 – Flagler College
  • April 22: Lullaby of the Rivers – Vilano Beach
  • April 26-20: Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest
  • April 28-30: The Trailblazer Country Music Festival – St. Johns County Fairgrounds
  • April 29: The Trailblazer Craft Beer Festival  – St. Johns County Fairgrounds
  • April 29: Family Fun Fest by Alpha Omega – Francis Field
  • April 30: 26th Annual Taste of St. Augustine – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
  • April 30: 13th Annual Race to the Taste 5K -S t. Augustine Amphitheatre
  • April 29-May 15 (these are 2022 dates, 2023 TBA): Romanza Festivale
  • May 3-7, 2023: St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival — World Golf Village
  • May 6: Unidos En La Musica: A Latin American Festival — Francis Field
  • May 6: St. Augustine Brewers’ Festival — Fountain of Youth
  • May 11-13: St. Augustine History Festival – Multiple venues/attractions

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