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. Nights of Lights runs through January 31, 2022 and features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and it’s free of charge. And, there are dozens of special tours and events that will make your Nights of Lights experience one to remember throughout the year. Be sure to post lots of pictures from these fun locations! #NightsofLights #FloridasHistoricCoast #StAugustine
Light Up the Beach!
Enjoy colorful light displays along A1A Beach Boulevard and St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park as the St. Augustine Beach LIGHTS UP THE BEACH this 2021 holiday season. The event takes place each evening from 5:30-10 p.m. through January 1, 2022. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events
Picturing a Nation: American Art from the Lightner Museum
Picturing a Nation is a major installation of American paintings and sculpture from the Lightner Museum’s permanent collection. From America’s great vistas and natural wonders, to intimate scenes of St. Augustine, Picturing a Nation presents a vibrant vision of America on a local and national scale through late-19th and early 20th century American art. The exhibition runs through September 30, 2022. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org.
Tom Schifanella: Faces of the Alcazar at Lightner Museum
Faces of the Alcazar presents a compelling glimpse of life behind-the-scenes at Henry Flagler’s Alcazar Hotel. Through large-format photographs, the exhibition documents fragmentary clippings from early-20th century motion picture magazines pasted to the walls of the Alcazar staff quarters by the immigrant staff who lived and worked at the hotel. The exhibition runs through March 7, 2022. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. www.lightnermuseum.org
Nights of Pints!
Coinciding with St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, local St. Augustine breweries are hosting Nights of Pints with a passport for craft beer lovers and stops at local breweries. Purchase an official Nights of Pints shirt and receive one (1) pint at each participating brewery: Old Coast Ales, Ancient City Brewing, Bog Brewery or Dog Rose Brewing Company. Learn more at www.facebook.com/nightsofpints
Monday & Wednesday, December 13 &15
Lighthouse Illuminations
Discover twenty-one uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event. Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine. For more information regarding ticket availability and pricing, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.
Monday – Wednesday, December 13-15
West Side Story in IMAX!
West Side Story tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. Showing through December 15, showtimes are 7 p.m. daily. Tickets are $14 Adults, $13 Seniors (aged 55+), Students or Military, $11 for Children (aged 3-12). Showing through December 15. World Golf IMAX, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine www.worldgolfimax.com
The 200th Anniversary Photography Exhibition titled “From River to Ocean” will be on display 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday- Friday, through January 3, 2022. Local photographers submitted photography depicting five districts throughout St. Johns County and photos were chosen by a panel to be part of this exhibit. A total of 24 photographers were chosen, with 44 photographs on view in this display. Admission is free. St. Johns County Administration, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine www.facebook.com
Tuesday, December 14
Walk on the Wild Side
Join a fun and educational hike through Anastasia State Park with one of the Park’s experienced and knowledgeable volunteers! This walk starts out on the beautiful shoreline, continues up through the sand dunes, and travels along the boardwalk over the salt marsh. Meet in the beach parking lot at the end of the main park road to join at 10:30 a.m. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. The program is free with regular park admission fee. $8 per vehicle, limit 2-8 $4 per single-occupant vehicle. $2 per pedestrians.www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Pecha Kucha Night
The community comes together around creative ideas from 6-9 p.m. Speakers present in a 20×20 format: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. Inspiration rules. Takes place at pavilion at the Elks Lodge, 1420 A1A South, St. Augustine. www.pechakucha.org/cities/st-augustine
Mike Zito Performs at Café 11
Show starts at 8 p.m., tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of the show. Café Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.originalcafe11.com
Tuesday – Sunday, December 14-19
Florida Wild Exhibition at St. Augustine Art Association
This vivid display explores a wide range of artistic interpretations of Florida’s wild side from the plants and animals to the wilderness and waterways at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 1-4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. www.staaa.org
Wednesday, December 15
Wednesday Pier Farmers Market
The Wednesday Pier Farmers Market offers oceanfront shopping at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park from 8 a.m.-noon. Approximately 60-80 vendors sell locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, arts, crafts and more. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine 904-315-0952 www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket.com
Marineland Trail Hikes: River-to-Sea Preserve Trail Walk
The GTM Research Reserve leads a walk on the wooded trail to the Matanzas River at the River-to-Sea Preserve. An interpretive guide will talk about old Florida’s moss-laden trees, seasonal flowering shrubs and Native American lore, including how they used various plants for food, beverage and medicine. The event is free, but online registration is required. Click here to register. 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Marineland. For more about the GTM Reserve and the River to Sea Trail, visit www.gtmnerr.org
Improv Night at Colonial Oak Music Park
Your First Coast Comedy veteran professionals have no plan and willingly dive headfirst into almost any challenge the audience will throw at them, resulting in unforgettably hilarious moments. And it gets better! This show is for everyone! You can bring the whole family because these improvisers play smart… to ensure the show is always clean and never mean! Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased www.firstcoastcomedy.com. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine
Third Wednesday: West King Wednesday
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, and more are showcased from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. West King Street, St. Augustine. www.facebook.com/events/s/west-king-wednesdays
Sounds of the Season with St. Augustine Orchestra at Lightner Museum
The 60th Anniversary of the St. Augustine Orchestra, Sounds of the Season features Holiday favorites; Sleigh Ride, Frosty the Snowman, Music from FROZEN, Carol of the Bells, Charlie Brown Christmas, Sleigh Ride, T’was the Night Before Christmas with special guest, narrator Lee Weaver and more. The performance is at 8 p.m. in the Lightner Museum pool area, once known as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool, a truly unique setting for an orchestral event. Entrance on Granada St. Tickets are $27.50 adults; $12 students; Youth 10 and under are free. 25 Granada St., St. Augustine www.staugustineorchestra.com
EMMA Concert Association Presents Holiday Pops Concert
Enjoy the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops Concert presented by the EMMA Concert Association at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $55. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine 904-797-2800 www.emmaconcerts.com
Wednesday & Sunday, December 15 & 19
Yoga on The Lawn
Enjoy yoga on the lawn at the historic Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This one-hour vinyasa flow is perfect for all levels. Bring a beach towel or mat and water. Free parking behind the museum is available, but limited. Access the parking lot from Cadiz Street. Instructor will contact you by phone if class is canceled due to weather. Practice gets underway at 8:30 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Cost is $15 and registration is required. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine www.pilatesyogaloft.com/wilderness
Thursday, December 16
Night Market at Coconut Barrel
From 5-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, come enjoy fresh food, live music, craft shopping & fun at the Coconut Barrel Artisan Market. 3175 U.S. Highway 1 South, St. Augustine. www.coconutbarrel.com/pages/farmers-market
Country Night at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Watch local and regional country music live at The Colonial Oak. Curated in collaboration with local country radio station, WQIK to present a hand-selected variety of North Florida’s Best Country Music every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Colonial Oak Music Park, 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialmusicpark.com
Thursday – Sunday, December 16-19
A Christmas Story at Limelight Theatre
Take a trip down memory lane with this Christmas classic…the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; and more. This classic Christmas film comes to life for a perfect Holiday Season treat! Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $22 for students. Performances run Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. on the Matuza Mainstage at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.limelight-theatre.org.
Spider-Man: No Way Home at World Golf IMAX
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Super Hero. Showing through January 6, showtimes are daily at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 Adults, $13 Seniors (aged 55+), Students or Military, $11 for Children (aged 3-12). 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. www.worldgolfimax.com
APEX Theatre Presents: Frozen Jr. at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, this performance brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. Doors open one hour prior to showtime and tickets are $28. Show times are : Thursday & Friday 7:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. www.pvconcerthall.com/events
Friday, December 17
Historical Look into the Old Spanish Quarries
Anastasia State Park will host the Historical Look into the Old Spanish Quarries program from 10-11 a.m. Experience a new perspective of the Old Spanish Quarries at Anastasia State Park in relation to the famous Castillo de San Marcos and the survival of St. Augustine. After checking in at the ranger station, please meet for the program in the quarry parking area by the front entrance gate. The program is free with regular park admission, which ranges from $2-$8. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Paul is All: Paul McCartney Tribute Show at Colonial Oak Music Park
John Babcock has been performing as ‘Beatle Paul McCartney’ for more than 25 years. He has toured the U.S. and Canada with the Touring Cast of “Beatlemania” as well as performed in “Legends in Concert” as “The Beatles.” Today he brings to stages worldwide his portrayal of Paul McCartney as a Solo Artist! Show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Friday & Saturday, December 17&18
Holiday Traditions by Candlelight at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Held during the festive Nights of Lights, this family-friendly nighttime event will feature holiday stories of the 1800s. The 45-minute tours will begin at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per guest. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/holiday2021
Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms
Enjoy a hayride through this ¾ miles drive thru Christmas light display at Sykes Family Farms. Bring the family, sip on hot chocolate or apple cider while roasting s’mores over the large fire pit. Mr. & Mrs. Claus are visiting from the North Pole so be sure to get some great pictures. Admission is $15 per person, Fridays & Saturdays, 6-11 p.m. through December 18. 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. www.sycofarms.com/christmas-on-the-farm
Quackery: The Dark Side of Medicine
Join the first tour of its kind!! A time in history when the most outrageous, ridiculous, and downright deadly treatments were performed, all in the name of medicine. Tours are offered every Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Adults only 18 and older. Reservations are required. The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is located at 3 Aviles St., St. Augustine. For more information or to make your reservation, call 904-342-7730, space is limited so book your tickets now. www.smhmuseum.com
Full Moon Sail
Enjoy a moonlit evening aboard the Schooner Freedom as it sails through St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay. This sailing excursion departs at 6:45 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. There will be live music. Complimentary beer, soda and wine are included in the $55 ticket. Call for reservations. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com
Saturday, December 18
Beach Exploration at the GTM Reserve
Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9-11 a.m. for a beach walk! You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike will begin at the Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on our beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure! Parking for this event is located in front of the visitor center. There is no fee for this lot, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.gtmnerr.org/gtmevents
St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market
From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. shoppers stroll up and down the vendor-lined pathways of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market, browsing more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com/community/farmers-market
Third Saturday Artisan “Pop-Up” Market
From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the third Saturday morning each month, shoppers stroll up and down Airstream Row browsing local artisans wares, local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 190 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine 904-547-1141. www.facebook.com/Airstream-Row-Vilano-Beach-FL
Discovery Marsh Walk at Anastasia State Park
Explore the Anastasia Marsh Trail at Anastasia State Park with a park ranger and learn about the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands from 10-11 a.m. Hikers will travel through the maritime hammock and tidal salt marsh while discovering the plant and animal life found in these natural communities. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray and sunscreen. Meet in the Anastasia Watersports Parking Lot. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. The walk is free with regular park admission, which ranges from $8-$2. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Tolomato and Huguenot Cemetery Guided Tours
Tour the first cemetery in St. Augustine dedicated for Anglo-American civilians. The Huguenot Cemetery was a Protestant burial ground from 1821-1884. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3 Cordova St., St. Augustine 904-829-6451 www.memorialpcusa.org/visitors/huguenot-cemetery
Cruise In – St. Augustine Cruisers
Cruise in and check out the classics during St. Augustine Cruisers Car Club Cruise-In. Held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 5-7 p.m. There will be music, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing! Cruise in and check it out! The Cruisers promote interest in various types of special auto activities, create good fellowship and sportsmanship among the members, and support charities! Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, 4370 Dixie Hwy South, St. Augustine. www.ccmstaug.com
Candlelight Tours at Villa Zoryada Museum
Join the Villa Zorayda’s 12th Annual Candlelight Tour! Beautifully decorated for the holidays with a spectacular Christmas Tree decorated in the colors of the Zorayda – red and gold – located center stage in the Court of Lions. Victorian and traditional decorations are found in every room for visitors to enjoy. Over 100 candles are aglow throughout the museum as your take a state of the art audio guided tour of this historic former home. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Adults, $19.95; children 6-12, $8.95. plus tax. This tour is not recommended for children ages 5 and under. 83 King St., St. Augustine www.villazorayda.com/candlelighttours
(Unscripted) Comedy in the Box
The Adventure Project presents (Unscripted) Comedy in the Box – an improv comedy show at the ArtBox in St. Augustine’s San Sebastian Art District. The holiday edition of the show features local improv troupes — all based in St. Augustine. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Art in the Box, 137 King St. www.adventure-project.com
Saturday & Sunday, December 18&19
St. Augustine Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer and all the Nutcracker characters will return to the St. Augustine stage this holiday season. Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 13th Annual Nutcracker to the community — a timeless classic featuring professional ballet dancers and dance students from St. Augustine and surrounding areas. Performances are Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Tickets are $35, $40 and $50 per seat. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine 855-222-2849 www.saintaugustineballet.org
Vernardos Circus
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre welcomes back the Venardos Circus! Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format that is called “the American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.” Shows run Wednesday through Sunday for the entire engagement, with multiple show times on weekends through January 2. Visit the website for show time details. Admission ranges from $17-$37. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-209-0367 www.venardoscircus.com
“Noches de Navidad” and Las Posadas at Mission Nombre de Dios
Celebrate Las Posadas commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem at Mission Nombre de Dios. Each evening from 5-10 p.m. there will be five tours for Las Posadas and two performances of the Living Nativity and Eucharistic Adoration. Eucharistic Adoration is not a performance, people will come and go during the time it is open. Admission is free. Reservations required. 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine missionandshrine.org
Sunday, December 12
Shores Grinchmas Festival at Classic Car Museum
Santa is coming and he’s bringing the GRINCH! Join the holiday festivities at Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine for a fun-filled, family friendly event. Vendors and food trucks on site. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a wonderful time. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., admission is $10 for adults, kids are free. For more information, call 904-789-0818. Classic Car Museum, 4730 Dixie Hwy., St. Augustine www.ccmstaug.com
One Good Ring Christmas Jam at Tringali Barn
Come celebrate the season with live music, dinner, and drinks all benefitting a great cause. One Good Ring, Bonnie Blue and Parts and Labor perform at this benefit concert for Her Song, an organization working to interrupt the cycle of human trafficking while leading women to freedom through survivor care, victim outreach, and community awareness. The event takes place at Tringali Barn Heritage Farms from 4-9 p.m. and tickets are $40. 7310 US 1 South, St. Augustine. tringalibarn.com
Groove Coalition at Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Groove Coalition back on stage at The Oak at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine 904-342-2857 www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Enjoy a moonlit evening aboard the Schooner Freedom as it sails through St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay. This sailing excursion departs at 6:45 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. There will be live music. Complimentary beer, soda and wine are included in the $55 ticket. Call for reservations. 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine 904-810-1010 www.schoonerfreedom.com
