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
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
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
Tuesday, January 3
St. Augustine Archaeological Association: Burials Are More Than Bones And Graves Are More Than Holes at Flagler College
Dr. Maranda Kles will discuss her examination of skeleton from both the past and the present, touching on not only what we can tell from the skeletal remains themselves, but also what we can tell from how they were buried (or disposed of).* From matriarchal societies of the past to modern day murders the human skeleton and the place it was found tells us not only about the person, but also the society and the persons status or relationship to that society. * This presentation will show images of human skeletal remains. No images are Native Americans. This free talk takes place 9-10 a.m. at the Flagler Room in Ponce Hall at Flagler College. 74 King St., St. Augustine. 904-442-9448
Tuesday – Friday, January 3 – 6
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
Wednesday, January 4
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
Junco Royal at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Junco Royal takes the stage at the Colonial Oak Music Park from 7-10 p.m. Free admission and family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Wednesday & Sunday, January 4 & 8
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
Thursday, January 5
Words and Music: Stephanna at The Waterworks
Presented by EMMA Concert Series, Words and Music is an exploration of cultural connections through song, story and dance, suitable for the entire family. This month’s featured artists are Stephen and Anna Marr, i.e., Stephanna, are a clarinet and piano duo who are intimately involved in several musical venues in our community. They are both classically trained and have performed together in the Romanza Festival, with the St. Augustine Orchestra, the St. Augustine Concert Band, the St. Augustine Community Chorus and First Coast Opera. This free event takes place from 1-2 p.m. at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.emmaconcerts.com
Dean Winter & The Heat at Colonial Oak Music Park
Dean Winter and The Heat return to the Oak for Country Night from 7-10 p.m. Free admission and family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Donna the Buffalo Performs at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$45. 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com
Steve Poltz Performs at Café Eleven
Don’t miss Steve Poltz performing at 8 p.m. at The Original Café Eleven. Tickets are $25 advance / $30 day of show. 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-460-9311 www.Originalcafe11.com
Thursday & Friday, January 5 & 6
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
Thursday – Sunday, January 5-8
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, January 6
First Friday Garden Walk at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Join a Ranger on 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. 386-446-6783 www.washingtonoaks.org
First Friday Art Walk
Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. *Please note that the shuttle service isn’t available during January’s Art Walk. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine
First Friday Art Walk Classical Concerts at Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine is proud to host free monthly concerts on 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 www.thefirstparish.org
Chillula Performs at the Colonial Oak Music Park
Catch Chillula at the Oak from 7-10 p.m. Free admission and family friendly. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com
Friday & Saturday, January 6 & 7
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
Mix it Up at St. Augustine Art Association
In this non-traditional exhibit, artists push the boundaries of the norm. Works reflect subjects — or perhaps a new perspective on traditional subjects — a variety of mediums and experiments with mediums, 2D and 3D. Mix It Up is on display both in-gallery and online Janaury 6-29, 2023. Admission is free and gallery hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 1-4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org
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
Friday – Sunday, January 6 – 8
Nights of Lights Aboard the Victory III
See St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights display from the water on this one-hour tour. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are included. Tickets are $12 Children/$25 adults. St. Augustine Scenic Cruise at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. 904-824-1806 www.scenic-cruise.com
Saturday, January 7
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
Run with a Vision 5K at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
Join us for the Second Annual Run With a Vision 5k and support a great cause – The Randolph Sheppard Vendors of Florida, an organization whose mission is to protect, promote, and prosper the livelihood of entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs who are blind in Florida. The race takes place at 8 a.m. on the beautiful campus of The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind – Please note – You will need photo ID to get on campus for the event. The first 50 people to register receive a Race T-Shirt – All Finishers receive a chocolate medallion race logo finisher award. The cost to register is $30. 207 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintAugustine/RunWithaVision5kRace
Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show at St. Johns County Fairgrounds
The Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam created to honor James Wray and to embody everything Jimmy loved – helping others, BBQ and car, kicks off on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. there will be a car show, BBQ Competition, a Corn Hole Competition, hay rides, music, a kids zone and more. Admission is $5. St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 SR 207, Elkton. 904-669-1191 www.jimmyjambbqslam.com
Guided Exploration Hike of the GTM Research Reserve
On the first Saturday of the month 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. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Reservations are required and space is limited. www.gtmnerr.org
Militia Muster at Fort Mose Historic 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. Visitor Center admission is $2. 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine. 904-823-2232 www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-mose-historic-state-park
Saturday & Sunday, January 7 & 8
St. Augustine Beach Art & Crafts Festival
Visit this festival featuring handmade items such as ceramics, stained glass, photography, soaps and more at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 352-344-0657 www.tnteventsinc.com
Sunday, January 8
Sundays at Stetson’s at Beluthahatchee Park
Presented by The Stetson Kennedy Foundation and St. Johns County Parks, this monthly folk music concert series features artists who reflect the values, spirit, and goals of Stetson Kennedy. Shows are from 2-4 p.m. and admission is a suggested donation of $20 per person. All proceeds support the Sundays at Stetson’s concert series. Tours of Beluthahatchee (Stetson’s cottage) may be available. Beluthahatchee Park, 1501 SR 13 N., Fruit Cove. www.facebook.com/SundaysAtStetsons
Upcoming Events!
Highlights of Happenings on Florida’s Historic Coast:
For more information and accompanying images contact: Barbara Golden 904-669-8142
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For information call 1-800-653-2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Social Links:Twitter:@FlHistoricCoastInstagram:@FloridasHistoricCoast & @ViajaSanAgustinFacebook:Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine & Facebook.com/ViajaSanAgustin. Tag Us! #StAugustine #PonteVedraBeach #FloridasHistoricCoast #ViajaSanAgustin
