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, and it’s free of charge. From electric cart tours with the Grinch or a horse drawn buggy to a sightseeing train or a sailing vessel on the Bay, there are dozens of ways to enjoy a fun tour of celebrating this special time of year in Historic St. Augustine. Learn more here: www.floridashistoriccoast.com/blog/nights-of-lights-by-land-or-by-sea
Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine at Lightner Museum
Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine explores the urban fabric of St. Augustine through large-format photographs, hand drawn maps, and interactive photographic flip books. The project seeks to define St. Augustine through the residential streets and neighborhoods that have long been inhabited by the people that help support the city as a premier tourist destination. Through interactive sequential images, visitors to the exhibition will uncover the overlooked aspects of everyday life in America’s oldest city. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts at Lightner Museum
Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts invites viewers to read quilts as maps, tracing the paths of individual stories and experiences that illuminate larger historic events and cultural trends. Spanning the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, the exhibition brings together 18 quilts from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum, New York, representing a range of materials, motifs, and techniques—from traditional early American quilts to more contemporary sculptural assemblage. This exhibit is on display through January 20. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Audrey Hope: Disappointed Tourist at Lightner Museum
For her first solo museum exhibition, Audrey Hope presents a selection of collages, photographs, and mixed media sculptures. Titled Disappointed Tourist, the series is a deeply personal meditation on nature, religion, personal trauma, and creativity. In Disappointed Tourist, Hope addresses several expansive themes—the complicated relationship between nature and travel, desperation in creativity, and the magical capacity objects have for representation. This exhibition is on display through January 20. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Avatar: The Way of Water 3D
Experience the sequel 13 years in the making with Avatar: The Way of Water 3D, premiering in IMAX! Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the planet of Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na’vi race to protect their planet. showtimes vary. Showing daily at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $14 for Seniors/Students/Military, $12 for Children under 12. World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. www.worldgolfimax.com
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 $21.95 for adults and seniors and $19.95 for children. 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Nights of Pints!
Coinciding with St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, local breweries host Nights of Pints with a passport for craft beer lovers. Purchase an official Nights of Pints shirt and receive one (1) pint at each participating brewery: Ancient City Brewing, Dog Rose Brewing Company and Bootlegger Beach Brewing at Jacks BBQ in St. Augustine Beach. www.facebook.com/nightsofpints
Friday, December 30
Fantastic Florida at St. Augustine Art Association
The natural beauty of the Sunshine State shines here! 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. The Fantastic Florida Show is on display both in-gallery and online through December 30, 2022. Admission is free and gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org
Art in Public Spaces Exhibition: From River to Ocean Plein Air
The St. Johns Cultural Council presents an Art in Public Spaces exhibition featuring the beauty of St. Johns County through the eyes of twenty-eight artists painting en plein air. Free and appropriate for all ages. The Rotunda Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine. 904-808-7330 www.historiccoastculture.com
Villa Zorayda Candlelight Tours
A spectacular Christmas tree takes centerstage in the Court of Lions with decorations in colors of the Zorayda – red and gold. Find traditional decorations and over 100 candles among stunning watercolors, tapestries, hand-carved wood furniture, and more. Take a guided audio tour of this historic home in English, Spanish and French. Enjoy refreshments and the grand lighting of the Christmas tree. The tours start at 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $22.99, Children 6 – 12 are $12.99. The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 5. 83 King St., St. Augustine. www.villazorayda.com
Madness + Malice True Crime Tour
The Madness + Malice True Crime Tour is a new tour for mature audiences developed with the help of a retired law enforcement professional to give a gripping, gritty, and accurate insight into some of St. Augustine’s chilling crimes and murders! Tours are at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $35 per person. Tours depart from 76 Spanish St., St. Augustine. www.anightamongghosts.com
Friday & Saturday, December 30 & 31
Quackery: The Dark Side of Medicine
Join the tour that focuses on a time in history when the most outrageous, ridiculous, and downright deadly treatments were preformed, all in the name of medicine. Tour times 7 and 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights only. This tour is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Adults only 18 and older. Reservations are required. Tickets are $24.95 per person. Space is limited so book your tickets in advance . 3 Aviles St., St. Augustine. 904-342-7730 www.smhmuseum.com
Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt
The Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt 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 you’ll be given your scavenger hunt materials and gear. Your helper elf will be in touch by text as needed to help you make your way through the magical Nights of Lights hunt! 76 Spanish St., St. Augustine. www.theoddmacabre.com
Friday – Sunday, Dec. 30 – Jan. 1
Venardos Circus at The AMP
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.” There are no animals in Venardos Circus. Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation. Performances are held on Monday – Friday at 3 & 6 p.m.; Saturday 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 & 4 p.m. Admission starts at $27 adults and $16.50 Children 12 and under. 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-209-0367 www.venardoscircus.com
Bouke de Vries: War & Pieces at Lightner Museum
This exhibition of London-based Dutch artist Bouke De Vries’ War & Pieces has been described as a “masterwork” by art critics. The monumental artwork, crafted from thousands of fragments of porcelain, re-imagines the decorative centerpieces that adorned seventeenth- and eighteenth-century banquet tables. 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. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1
St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson at Lightner Museum
In the decades following the Civil War, the photographer William Henry Jackson (1843-1942) played a major role in shaping public perception of the American landscape. In the 1890s, Jackson was commissioned by Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad to produce a set of images to promote St. Augustine as a tourist destination. Today, Jackson’s photographs remain a remarkable record of turn-of-the-century life in this historic city, offering a striking portrait of Gilded Age St. Augustine. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
Die Fledermaus (The Bat) presented by First Coast Opera
Ring in the New Year with this fully staged production with orchestra of Johann Strauss Jr’s classic 19th Century Viennese Operetta. Performed in English with complimentary champagne at intermission. Nelson Sheeley (The Marriage of Figaro, H.M.S Pinafore) directs and FCO Artistic Director Curtis Tucker conducts. Performance is Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, children admitted free with adult paid admission. Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. www.firstcoastopera.com
Saturday, December 31
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 S., St. Augustine. 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com/farmers-market
Light Up the NIGHT! New Year’s Eve Firework Show
Bring the family out for a spectacular 20 minute fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. This is a community-based celebration, offering a true taste of 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 at City Hall, Ron Parker Park, Anastasia Square parking lot on the side close to Pope Road, and at the YMCA after 1 p.m. Beach driving and parking will be allowed as normal from A Street South. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events
New Years Eve at the Oak with Groove Coalition
Ring in the New Year at the Oak with a performance by the Groove Coalition from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
75th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Gala at Lightner Museum
Ring in the New Year at the Lightner Museum at the New Year’s Eve Gala, part of its 75th Anniversary celebration. The Lightner Museum has been an integral part of the St. Augustine community since it was first built as the Hotel Alcazar in 1888, then opening as a museum on January 1, 1948. Dinner is from 7-9 p.m. and includes open bar, cocktail reception, seated dinner catered by Chef’s Garden, live music by the Alberto Cebollero Trio, and admission to the Countdown Party which follows. Tickets are $250 per person. The Countdown Party in the Historic Alcazar Casino take place 10 p.m.- to 12:30 a.m. The $100 per person ticket includes Open bar, hors d’oeuvres by Chef’s Garden, dancing to live music by Ramona + The Riot, and a midnight champagne toast with a balloon drop. Lightner Museum is located at 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org
New Year’s Eve Carnival Celebration at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
They know how to do it up right at the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort. This year it’s a Brazilian Carnival theme complete with open bar, fantastic food, live entertainment, lots of dancing and, of course, fireworks at the pier. From 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Tickets are $175 per person, adults 21+ only.
New Year’s Eve Gala — Party with a Purpose hosted by the Junior Service League
Goodbye 2022. Hello 2023. Ring in the new year at the Junior Service League of St. Augustine’s Party with a Purpose New Year’s Eve Gala! The festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Room at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine. Dance under the stars to the live music of St. Augustine’s favorite band, Chillula. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, with carving station by World Plate Caterer, and an open bar. Countdown to the New Year with a champagne toast. Tickets are available at www.jslofstaugustine.org/2022-gala
New Year’s Day! Sunday, January 1
First Day Hike at Anastasia State Park
Join a Park Ranger on a guided 2-mile hike through Anastasia’s Marsh Trail along Salt Run and the Ancient Dunes Trail through the shaded maritime hammock. Discover the park’s natural communities while exploring these unique trails. The tour starts at the Anastasia Watersports Parking Lot. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. Program is free with regular park admission fee. ($8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4 per single-occupant vehicle. $2 per pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass). 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. 904-461-2033 www.FloridaStateParks.org/anastasia
First Day Beach Clean Up at Anastasia State Park
Join the Friends of Anastasia in their annual First-Day Cleanup. Join the effort to start the year off with a healthy beach and a clean park. Suggested items to bring are gloves, comfortable walking shoes, drinking water, bug spray and sunscreen. The park will have buckets and trash pickers available. Meet in front of the Island Beach Shop & Grill. No entrance fee when you let the rangers know that you’re there for the Beach Clean Up! Event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. www.floridasstateparks.org/anastasia
Salt Run Paddle at Anastasia State Park
Join an experienced kayak guide for a nature paddle in Salt Run. This program is open to all levels of paddlers and children 9 and over with an adult present. Bring your own kayak or rent one from Anastasia Watersports. A PFD (personal flotation device) is required to be worn at all times while on the water. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please email Brian Murphy at murphykayak@gmail.com to reserve your spot. This program is free with regular park admission fee when you bring your own kayak. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at Anastasia Watersports with standard rental fees. Regular park admission ranges from $2-$8. 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. 904-461-2033 www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia
Next Month’s Events!
Highlights of Happenings on Florida’s Historic Coast in January:
