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
Monday – Saturday, December 19-24
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
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. War and Peices will be on exhibit through December 31. 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 through January 5, 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
Mon., Wed. & Fri., December 19, 21 & 23
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
Tuesday, December 20
Walk on the Wild Side at Anastasia State Park
This park volunteer led tour from 10:30 a.m. – noon starts on the beautiful shoreline, continues through the sand dunes, and travels along the boardwalk over the salt marsh, along Salt Run, the park’s estuarine habitat, and through the maritime hammock. learn about the the several ecosystems of Anastasia, and increase your knowledge of some history of the park and the surrounding area. Binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a reusable water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen are recommended. Meet in the beach parking lot in front of the Island Beach Shop & Grill. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation. Program is free with regular park admission fee. $8 per vehicle( 2-8 passengers), $4 per single-occupant vehicle. $2 pedestrians, bicyclists. 300 Anastasia Park Rd. www.floridastateparks.org/Anastasia
Tuesday – Saturday, December 20-24
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
Wednesday, December 21
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
Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
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 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Cost is $15 and registration is required. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. www.pilatesyogaloft.com
I-Vibes at Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch I-Vibes on stage at The Oak from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
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. 9805 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. www.gtmnerr.org
Villa Zorayda Candlelight Tour
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
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/WestKingWednesdays
Wednesday – Sunday, December 21-25
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 Wednesday & Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 4 & 7 p.m.; Saturday 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1, 4 and 7 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
Thursday, December 22
Christmas Fantastique
Don’t miss Christmas FANTASTIQUE, the Nutcracker like you have never seen it before, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium. The original production from Zoika’s Dance re-imagines the classic holiday story of “The Nutcracker” and features thrilling contemporary dance styles including hip hop, tap, jazz, acro and modern dance, as well as classical ballet. Join in young Clara’s Christmas Eve dream as her toys come to life and she travels with a young prince to the Land of Sweets. Marvel at the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy as she dances ballet en pointe with her Cavalier. Revel in Tchaikovsky’s timeless “Nutcracker” holiday musical score. Admission is $20-$30. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. www.Zoikasdance.com
Sam Pacetti & Rio Grande Band at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Live music at the Oak! Enjoy local musician Sam Pacetti from 3-5 p.m. and the Rio Grande Band from 7-10 p.m. Free admission, family friendly. Food and dink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Thursday & Friday, December 22 & 23
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, December 23
Groove Coalition at Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Groove Coalition on stage at The Oak from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free, family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Friday & Saturday, December 23 & 24
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
Saturday, December 24
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
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. Visit www.gtmnerr.org/events for information on where to meet.
Cars and Coffee at the Classic Car Museum
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 S., St. Augustine. 904-806-4625 www.facebook.com/classiccarmuseumstaug
Bret Blackshear Trio at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Visit the Colonial Oak Music Park for a performance by the Bret Blackshear Trio from 6-9 p.m. Free admission, family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Christmas Day! Sunday, December 25
Here is What is Open Christmas Day!
Be sure to get our and enjoy the Beautiful St. Augustine and luxurious Ponte Vedra and all of the gorgeous beaches along our coast. Here is a link to a list of some of the businesses that will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! What’s Open For Christmas!
Next Week’s Events!
Highlights of Happenings on Florida’s Historic Coast the first week in December:
