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
Nights of Lights Old Town Trolley Tour
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
Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms
Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt
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
- 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
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
A Country Christmas + Holiday Market at Wesley Wells Farms
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
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
Gainesville Orchestra Holiday Concert
Sam Pacetti Christmas Concert
Sounds of the Season at Kelly Farm — St. Augustine Concert Orchestra
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
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
Breakfast with Santa at Kelly Farm
High Tea with Mrs. Claus
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
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
Saint Augustine Film Festival
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
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.
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