Fantastic Florida art exhibit at St. Augustine Art Association
November 1-December 29: The Sunshine State shines here! This vivid display explores a wide range of artistic interpretations and scenes of Florida, from the plants and animals to the wilderness and waterways, to the people and places. The St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine St., in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Hours are 12-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, with free admission. A First Friday Art Walk opening event will take place from 5-9 p.m. Friday, November 1.
Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
December 4: Luminary Night: A Community Event the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will take place on Wednesday, December 4 from 6-9 p.m. This is a free event and our way of giving back to the community for their ongoing support. There will be 2,000 luminaries lighting up the property, kids’ activities, night climbs, live music performances by local school choirs and photos with Santa. Please bring a non perishable food item to donation to a local shelter.
Lightner Museum Holiday Market
December 5: The holiday market at Lightner Museum will feature a curated selection of 35+ unique artists and the Lightner Museum store. The event will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, December 5 at the museum, 75 King St., in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Food trucks will be on site – YAMO Italian Street Food and Heart + Soul Food Truck. Live music by Raisin Cake Orchestra. Admission is free.
First Friday Art Walk
December 6: First Friday Art Walk features new art exhibits and area artists in St. Augustine, Florida galleries on the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. Free admission in 30+ participating galleries. More details here: www.staaa.org
Cafe Eleven concerts and comedians in St. Augustine Beach
UPCOMING CONCERTS
- December 3: Tas Cru
- December 4: Make the Yuletide Gay: Flamy Grant, Crys Matthews & Jennifer Knapp
- December 5: Mike Zito
- December 6: Vanessa Collier
- December 7: Drew Harrison – In the Spirit of Lennon
- December 8: Ain’t Sisters
- December 9: Mean Mary
- December 11: Swamp Cabbage
- December 12: Will Evans
- December 14: Ultimate Floyd – Tribute to Pink Floyd
- December 17: The Steepwater Band
- December 21: Selwyn Birchwood
- December 28: Broken Hearts – Tribute to Tom Petty
Vilano Holiday Village – Free Events and Santa
November 30-December 21: Free events each weekend in Vilano Beach, Florida including Santa & Mrs. Claus, shopping at the Artisan Market, live music, The Cirque Adventure, a Murder Mystery & Taste of Vilano Pub Crawl and other holiday events in this vintage beach town with a great vibe. See all event details at www.vilanobeachfl.com
The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display
December 6-8 and December 13-25: 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. 6-8and December 13-25. 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
Marineland Market
December 7: Ragga Surf Cafe runs the Marineland Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m the first Saturday of each month at 9650 N Ocean Short Blvd, in Marineland, Florida. This market includes local artisans, live music, produce, prepared food and more.
St. Augustine Christmas Parade
December 7: The St. Augustine Christmas Parade will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, December 7 in downtown St. Augustine. The parade begins on San Marco Avenue at the Mission of Nombre de Dios and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine along the Bayfront, and ending behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive.
Local organizations, clubs, bands, businesses, churches and schools participate in this event, making it the largest, most festive, family friendly, parade in all of Florida! Holiday seasonal decorations adorn all the fantastic entries — from floats to marching bands to antique cars and horses and carriages. It’s a great start to the Christmas and Holiday Season in one of the most beautifully decorated, historic cities in America with the hundreds of thousands of white lights during Nights of Lights! Come celebrate the Holiday and Christmas Season and spend the day or weekend in historic St Augustine.
PARADE ROUTE
The parade starts near the Mission of Nombre de Dios at 27 Ocean Ave., at 9 a.m. (101 San Marco Ave., uptown St. Augustine) and continues South down San Marco Avenue — along the bayfront, through the streets of historic, downtown St. Augustine; south on San Marco and Avenida Menendez; west on Cathedral Place; north on Cordova St.; and ending near the Visitors Information Center at the intersection of Orange and Cordova Streets at approximately 11 a.m.
Christmas in the Gilded Age 53rd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes
SOLD OUT! December 8: The Garden Club of St. Augustine will hold the 53rd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes from 12-15 p.m. Sunday, December 8. The six decorated homes centered around Flagler College will be on full display with the added bonus of a boutique full of handmade crafts and cookies to enjoy. Details at gardenclubofstaugustine.org
Christmas Fantastique
St. Augustine Orchestra’s Sounds of the Season
December 8: The St. Augustine Orchestra will perform at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, December 8 at Kelly Farms, 5895 County Road 214, in St. Augustine. Hear holiday music by St. Augustine’s all-volunteer orchestra. Tickets are available at staugustineorchestra.com
Kidz Entrepreneur Holiday Market
December 8: 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 a DJ, Santa, food trucks and other seasonal family fun. Parents can register kid vendors by emailing weeventinc@gmail.com (limited spaces available). The Saucey Pig and A Cup of Joy Coffee will offer food and snacks, and Sonny’s BBQ will provide lunch to the youth vendors. Admission is free.
Nights of Lights Gala at the Peña-Peck House
December 10: Celebrate the holidays and enjoy the beautiful Nights of Lights throughout in our historic garden at the Pena-Peck House for the 5th Annual Nights of Lights Holiday Gala on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm
TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-nights-of-lights-gala-tickets-1079860595109
Chef Kara of The Perch Events and her team of talented chefs will provide a culinary delight of delicious food and drinks in the beautiful gardens of the historic Peña-Peck House in downtown St. Augustine. Included in your ticket price is a multi-course tasting dinner, drinks, an evening of dancing and celebration and a packed silent auction including overnight vacation stays, dinner evenings and much more.
All funds from this event will fund The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine’s philanthropic programs directed at improving the economic stability of St. Johns County women and maintaining our historic house museum. This includes annual scholarships for women 30 and older returning to school. To date, The Woman’s Exchange has donated more than $225,000 in scholarships to help women gain the skills needed to return to the workforce.
Nights of Pints
November 22-December 31: The 2024 Nights of Pints kicks off November 22 at three craft breweries in St. Augustine, Florida — Dog Rose Brewing Co., Ancient City Brewing, and Jack’s BBQ Brewery. The event coincides with Nights of Lights. Shirts are available through December 31. Beer cards are honored through December 31. Participants will be able to purchase a $35 shirt and punch card good for one free pint at participating breweries. This event benefits area nonprofits.
Ancient City Christmas Experience
November 29-December 22: This all-new event features ice skating, Santa, a kids area, a 45-foot Christmas tree, reindeer games, The Grinch, and a Christmas tree farm. The Ancient City Christmas Experience runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22. Located at 395 St. Marks Pond Blvd, St. Augustine FL 32095. Tickets & Details: ancientcitychristmas.com
Nights of Lights Holiday Market at Colonial Quarter
November 23-January 1: The all-new Nights of Lights Holiday Market runs from 3-9 p.m. daily through January 1 at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George Street, behind St. Augustine Seafood and the Colonial Oak Music Park. Follow the huge lighted star to find the local artisans offering handcrafted gifts.
Ximenez-Fatio House Nights of Lights Holiday Tour – 100 Years of Music
November 23-January 18: View artist decorated 13 fireplace mantelpieces in the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles Street, in historic St. Augustine, Florida. A partnership with the St. Augustine Art Association, the holiday exhibit celebrates the organizations 100-year anniversary. The Art Association was founded on January 18, 1924 in the Ximenez-Fatio House during a gathering. Inspired by music, the art exhibition is held during the Nights of Lights holiday season, with the 226-year-old history house decorated with holiday finery. Tours are available Nov. 23-Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Free concerts are held every Saturday at 2 p.m. TICKETS: ximenezfatiohouse.org
Nights of Lights
November 23-January 26: Nights of Lights begins November 23, 2024 and continues nightly through January 26, 2025. 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’s Nights of Lights Tour
November 24-January 26: In its 31st 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
St. Augustine Experiences – History Under the Lights Tour
Lighthouse Illuminations (20+ themed trees) at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
November 22-January 11:v 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
Villa Zorayda Museum’s Holiday & Candlelight Tours
December-January 4: Join the Villa Zorayda Museum this Holiday Season for the 15th 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. 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
The Night Watchman Ghost Tour
December-January 26: 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 boat tours with St. Augustine Eco Tours
November 24-January 26: 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 and Nights of Lights boat seats 12 passengers and provides awesome views of the illuminated City. Tours leave at 4:15 p.m. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
Nights of Lights by Florida Water Tours
November 24-January 26: 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
The Gilded Age Evening Tours at the Pena-Peck House
December 14: The Gilded Age at the Peña-Peck House hosted by Mrs. Flagler — An EXCLUSIVE and limited ticket event offered by The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine, 143 St. George Street, in downtown St. Augustine.Saturday, December 14 from 4-7:30 PM — Tours every 30 minutes. Tickets are $20 per guest. TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gilded-age-at-the-pena-peck-house-hosted-by-mrs-flagler-tickets-1090023633029
Step back in time to the elegance of the Gilded Age at the historic Peña-Peck House! Join Mrs. Flagler and the Peck family on December 14 for an unforgettable evening.
Experience the charm of life at the turn of the century, tour the beautifully preserved living areas, and enjoy refreshments in the enchanted garden. The house will be decorated for the Gilded Age holiday celebration, with reserved tours every half hour.
Included with your tour ticket is a PRIVATE shopping experience in our iconic gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind local artisan items.
Please note that these are pre-reserved tours. You and your party will need a ticket with the corresponding time.
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
December 14-15: Mark your calendars for the St. Augustine Winter Spectacular 2024 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
St. Augustine Community Chorus concerts – 75th Season
December 14-15: The St. Augustine Community Chorus will perform a concert called Noel Noel at 7:30 p.m. December 14-15 in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. The St. Augustine Youth Chorus and guest instrumentalists will be featured. TICKETS: www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
Santa Suits on the Loose 5K
December 14: 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 14: 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
Regatta of Lights hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club
December 14: 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 Victory III
December 14: 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
The 2024 Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour
December 15: Seven beautiful decorated historic inns will be on this year’s holiday tour, from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, December 15. Innkeepers have decked the halls with both traditional and unique decor with an Ugly Christmas Sweater theme. Participants are invited to wear “ugly” Christmas sweaters. In addition to the tour, a Florida flavors meal with be served at Old City House Restaurant, beverage tastings will take place from 12-5 p.m. at the St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine Street. Tickets and details at staugustineinns.com
Venardos Circus at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
EMMA Concert Association 46th Season of Music & Dance
Live music, orchestras, quartets, quintets and symphony performances held in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. All tickets include free parking at the St. Johns County Council on Aging, with complimentary shuttle to and from the venue. Details and tickets at emmaconcerts.com
- December 17: Gainesville Orchestra Holiday Pops at 7:30 p.m.
- January 19: Czech Philharmonic at 2 p.m.
- March 8: Swan Lake by Dance Alive National Ballet
- April 26: Ocala Symphony Orchestra
St. Augustine’s Original Nutcracker Ballet
December 20-22: The Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, the Mouse King, and all the favorite Nutcracker characters will return to the St. Augustine stage this holiday season. Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 15th Annual Nutcracker — a timeless classic featuring professional ballet dancers and dance students from St. Augustine and surrounding areas. This holiday favorite will be staged December 20-22 with four performances in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Tickets are available at saintaugustineballet.org
The Boardwalk Bazaar at Marina Munch
December 27: Held on the last Friday of each month, the Boardwalk Bazaar at Marina Munch Food Truck Park will feature live music and local artisans from 5-8 p.m. Friday, November 29. Food trucks and The Marina Munch Cantina will offer dinner and drinks. Marina Munch is located at English Landing Marina, 509 S Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine. Free parking and free admission.
