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 to 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
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. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine. 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
Monday – Thursday, November 29-December 2
Festival of Trees presented by St. Francis Shelter at Lightner Museum
Help light the way home with the Inaugural Festival of Trees presented by St. Francis Shelter at Lightner Museum. Enjoy an amazing display of theme decorated trees and wreaths for auction, holiday music, photos with Santa, and Letters to Santa’s Mailbox. All this while supporting local unhoused families, individuals, and youth. Festival of Trees is free and will be open to the public in the foyer of the Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine. Lightner Museum admission fees will be charged to enter the exhibit areas. Hours are Monday 1-5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. www.stfrancisshelter.org/fot
Ghostbusters: Afterlife at IMAX!
From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan. Showtimes vary daily. 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
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 30-December 5
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, December 1
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
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
Luminary Night at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Luminary Night is an annual tradition hosted by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. From 6-9 p.m., more than 2,000 luminaries are displayed throughout the grounds and on the streets surrounding this historic landmark, creating a magical holiday experience. Lights and holiday décor also adorn the 1876 Keepers’ House and other historic buildings on the property. For a special treat, guests can climb the tower for sparkling views of Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Join us for an evening community celebration for all ages. 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine www.staugustinelighthouse.org
The Wood Brothers with Special Guest The Dead Tongues at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Doors open at 7 p.m., performance starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37.50. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com/events
Wednesday & Sunday, December 1 & 5
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 2
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
Trace Adkins “The Way I Wanna Go” Tour With Lonestar at The AMP
Trace Adkins will celebrate the silver anniversary of his album debut in 2021 with THE WAY I WANNA GO. Gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $33-$77. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. For more information, visit www.theamp.com
The Outlaws at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
For more than 40 years, the Southern Rock legends, The Outlaws have celebrated triumphs and endured tragedies to remain one of the most influential and best-loved bands of the genre. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45.50-$105.50. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com/events
Friday, December 3
First Friday Garden Walk at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Join a Ranger the First Friday of every month for a garden walk. Learn about the history of Washington Oaks while exploring the formal gardens. The walk starts in the Garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and is approximately one hour. No registration required. Walk included with park entry fee of $5 per vehicle. 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast www.washingtonoaks.org.
December Featured Artist at Butterfield Garage
Born a fourth generation Floridian, Sam Kates continues to search for subjects that harken back to “old Florida”. His paintings of ancient sand dunes and rust stained shrimp boats depict what he discovers in coastal state parks and in the few remaining old Florida communities. Sam Kates will be at the gallery from 5-7 p.m. Artist talk will be at 6 p.m. Kates will also be at the gallery all day December 7th from 11-5 p.m. 137 King St., St. Augustine www.butterfieldgarage.com
First Friday Artwalk
Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. For easy mobility downtown, patrons and visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery. Shuttles can be boarded at any of the following stops: in front of Butterfield Garage and ArtBox, the Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, as well as in front of Bold Art Gallery near Hypolita Street. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-373-8697 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
Holiday Soiree at Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
Put on your holiday finest for this kickoff event for the Lincolnville Jazz at the Excelsior Concert Series. From 5:30-8 p.m., enjoy a tour of the museum’s latest exhibits and preview the lineup for the 2022 concert season. Tickets are $40, include the museum tour and light refreshments. Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, 102 ML King Ave., St. Augustine. www.lincolnvillemuseum.org.
First Friday Artwalk Recital at Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is proud to host free monthly concerts the first Friday of the month. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all, free of charge. There will be a free-will offering. 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine 904-824-2806 To learn more, visit www.thefirstparish.org
Jingle Jog 5K and Reindeer Run
This time chipped race will wind through beautiful St. Johns Golf & Country Club. All participants receive a glow stick, glow necklace and a chocolate finisher’s medal. Registration is $10-$20 and the race starts at 6 p.m. at the amenity center located at 205 St. Johns Golf Dr., St. Augustine. Click here for more.
X106.5 Next Big Thing featuring Bastille, Girl In Red, Nessa Barrett, and Mod Son at The AMP
This inaugural event presented by X106.5 features music by Bastille, Girl In Red, Nessa Barrett, and Mod Son. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. www.theamp.com.
Friday & Saturday, December 3 & 4
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
Friday-Sunday, December 3-5
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.
Saturday, December 4
St. Augustine PAL Day 2021
The Annual USO/St. Augustine Pal Military Appreciation Day will take place on the first Saturday of December. For this annual event, local attractions offer free admission for all active-duty servicemen and their families. This is a proud local tradition in St. Augustine, and a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation to our troops and their families. Military personnel receive free parking at the Historic Downtown Parking Garage when they present a Military I.D.
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
Colonial Night Watch
Join Historic Florida Militia for activities depicting 18th century combined Spanish, British, French, colonial militia and Native American military arts, culture and lifestyles throughout the day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George St., and Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S. Castillo Dr. The St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade is at 7 p.m. from the Castillo to the Governor’s House Cultural Center & Museum, 48 King St. 732-309-2322 colonial-night-watch
St. Augustine Christmas Parade
Experience St. Augustine’s annual Christmas Parade with floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts at 9 a.m. by the Mission Nombre de Dios off San Marco Avenue and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine. For more information email LAevents7@gmail.com.
Militia Muster at Fort Mose State Park
Experience free musket firing demonstrations from 9-11:30 a.m. at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Youth are welcome to participate in Junior Militia training using handmade wooden toy muskets. This program is free. Visitor Center admission is $2. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/learn/first-saturday-monthly-militia-muster
Guided Exploration Hike of the GTM Research Reserve
From 9-11 a.m., visitors can learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula as well as the natural biodiversity during a guided hike. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources, what European plantation life was like, and current efforts to learn about and save these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra South. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Reservations are required and space is limited.
Artisan Christmas Market at Coconut Barrel
From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. shop with local artisans and crafters for the perfect holiday gift. The Artisan Market is located at Coconut Barrel, 3175 US 1 S., St. Augustine www.coconutbarrel.com
WasabiCon’s Holiday Marketplace
WasabiCon’s Holiday Marketplace is a one-day event for fans of anime, cosplay and gaming to get together for shopping and socializing! This event will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort. Featuring an exhibitors hall and holiday-themed programming with a festive vibe, attendees can shop for gifts for the season or even convert their favorite cosplay into a winter wonderland theme! Tickets are only $6 to attend and parking is free. More details can be found online at: www.wasabicon.com/jax/marketplace
Inaugural West King Lighting Celebration
It’s time to Get Lit and celebrate the holidays at the inaugural West King lighting of the historical West King Street neighborhood. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with light up at 5:30 p.m. West King Street businesses will be open, with live music and food trucks. This event is free. For more information, call 386-682-0245.
Surf Illumination!
This free holiday event from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park features a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, a visit from Santa, music, arts and crafts and children’s activities. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach 904-347-8007. www.staugbch.com/events/page/sab-events
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Gingerbread Village reveal at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa kicks off the holiday season with their annual tree lighting ceremony and reveal of this year’s gingerbread village, created by the children of Cabana Beach Club! The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include live music, refreshments, and more! Indulge in a holiday themed cocktail and gather around to ring in the best season of the year. Admission is free. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 1000 TPC Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904-285-7777.
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
Palm Valley Boat Parade
Enjoy this annual tradition of lighted boats to celebrate the holiday season in Ponte Vedra Beach. The parade route is seven miles of the Intracoastal and starts one mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge and travels north. It begins at 6 p.m. 904-395-5217 www.palmvalleyboatparade.com
Under the Streetlamp “Hip to the Holidays” at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Let’s get “Hip to the Holidays,” as Under the Streetlamp celebrates with a joyous performance of your favorite holiday tunes plus songs from the American Radio Songbook. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $61-$71. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com/events
Saturday & Sunday, December 4&5
The Dance Company’s St. Augustine Winter Spectacular!
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 on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com
Sunday, December 5
2nd Annual Sandy Claus Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K
Lace up your sneakers for the 2nd annual Sandy Claus Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. This time chipped event starts 6:30 a.m. for the full marathon, 7 a.m. for the half marathon and 10K. The start is at the Nocatee Field Station next to Splash Park and runners will wind along the Greenways Trails and through some of the neighborhoods in Nocatee. Registration is $15-$70. 400 Nocatee Center Parkway, Ponte Vedra. Click here to sign up.
