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
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
Exposing History: Color, Textiles and Taste Exhibition at Oldest House Museum Complex
Exposing History: Color, Taste and Textiles, a solo exhibition of new work by Laura Mongiovi, Flagler College Professor of Art and Design. Mongiovi has utilized the historic features of an 18th century home, Tovar House, to present the often overlooked and under told histories related to northeast Florida enslaved labor. Crops such as indigo, sugar, cotton and rice occupied the northeast Florida landscape during colonization, bringing wealth to many through an elaborate system of oppression. In addition to agriculture, trade for fur and hide demanded the labor of indigenous people. Mongiovi’s sculptural and textile work raises awareness how needs and desires can exploit a labor system. On exhibit through December 10, Exposing History is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum Complex, 14 St. Francis St., St. Augustine. Parking available in nearby lot and street. For more information, visit www.staughs.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 $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under. For more information regarding ticket availability and pricing, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.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
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 – Sunday, November 23-28
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 Street, St. Augustine. www.staaa.org
Wednesday, November 24
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
Ramona + The Riot at Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Ramona & The Riot 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.
Wednesday & Sunday, November 24 & 28
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, November 25
19th Annual Shut Up & Run 5K
This running event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at 8 a.m. It benefits the St. Francis House, St. Johns County’s only privately funded homeless shelter. The event takes place at Treaty Park. Registration is $35 per person. 1595 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine www.runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/SUAR
First Coast Turkey Trot
This running event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at 8:30 a.m. It benefits the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Ski & Winter Sports Athletic Club. The event takes place at Mickler’s Landing Beach. There will be no on-site registration, all registration must be done via their website before race day. Registration is $30-$35. Mickler’s Landing Beach, County Rd 203, Ponte Vedra Beach. www.runsignup.com/Race/FL/PonteVedraBeach/SaintJohnsCountyTurkeyTrot
Friday, November 26
Not Quite Dead at Colonial Oak Music Park
St. Augustine’s epic, ultimate, incomparable Grateful Dead cover band, Not Quite Dead, is the ultimate experience for any Dead fan, bringing to the city a vibrant reminder of the power of The Grateful Dead’s musical influence upon the masses. Show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Colonial Oak Music Park, 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com.
Friday & Saturday, November 26 & 27
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
Saturday, November 27
Cars & Coffee at Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine
Must love Coffee ~ Must love Classic Cars! If you do then cruise over to Classic Car Museum for Cars & Coffee from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy the morning checking out over 150 beautiful classics, and enjoy free coffee and doughnuts. Classic Car Museum offers this free event every 4th Saturday of the month. Event sponsored by Bozard Lincoln. 4730 US 1 South, 904-806-4625 www.facebook.com/classiccarmuseumstaug
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
GTM Research Reserve Beach Clean Up
Join Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) for a beach cleanup on every fourth Saturday of the month. Enjoy coastal views while helping remove debris and microplastics from the beach. GTM Rangers will supply gloves and trash bags at 9:30 a.m. at a different meeting location each month. Please visit www.gtmnerr.org/events for information on where to meet.
Art Walk Shop & Dine at the Beach
Come take a stroll down A1A Beach Boulevard and visit local artists in various locations including parkettes as well as outside local businesses. In association with the Art Studio of St. Augustine Beach, this event will feature artists and artisans with many diverse items from paintings, photography, prints, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and stained glass. Offerings include many holiday themed pieces as well as affordable gift items. All handmade, all local. Many local businesses are offering something special during the event, from hosting artists, special sales, and even entertainment, there is something for everyone. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events.
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
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
Saturday & Sunday, November 27 & 28
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 through January 1, 2022. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events
Sunday, November 28
Ancient City Poets Open Mic
The Ancient City Poets gather on the last Sunday afternoon of each month to host a free community open-mic reading at Kookaburra Coffee-Dondi. Sign-up begins at 2:30 with readings starting at 3 p.m. The first 15 names on the sign-up sheet will be called in the order that they appear on the list.4265 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach, www.facebook.com/ancientcitypoets
