The Easter season is upon the Oldest City and there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re willing to wake before dawn and ring in the holiday with the sunrise or whether you’re more likely to grab a basket later in the day for a hunt, St. Augustine offers a number of ways to spend the day. So enjoy time with your family, spend some time relaxing, and revel in the beauty of spring.
SUNRISE SERVICES
Greet the day and rise with the sun at one of the city’s Easter Sunrise Services. Whether sinking your toes into the sand or enjoying the fresh scent of spring flowers, these services bask in the beauty of nature for their Sunday worship. Easter Sunday is April 21.
Crescent Beach Baptist
7 am, Crescent Beach Ramp
Crescent Beach Baptist Church will be hosting a sunrise service, which will include an inspiring message, music, and a relaxing view of the sunrise over the Atlantic. Bring blankets, chairs, and anything else you need to get comfortable with your friends and family during this special celebration.
www.crescentbeachbaptist.com
Vilano Beach
6:45am, Vilano Beach Ramp
Hosted by Turning Point Calvary, this service will include scripture readings, a scriptural message, and songs. The worship service will be led by Dr. Mark Conrad. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to get comfortable on the sand.
www.tpcalvary.com
Memorial Presbyterian
6:30am, Columbarium Garden
Begin the holiday at one of the most stunning churches in the city. The hour-long service will take place in the cool of the Columbarium Garden and offer music and a brief sermon, fellowship with other church patrons, and a peaceful way to start the day.
www.memorialpcusa.org
EASTER EGG HUNTS
It wouldn’t quite be Easter without a joyful search in the sunshine for colorful eggs and prizes. So put on your bunny ears and hop on over to these fun and exciting Easter events happening all over St. Johns County.
Palencia Easter Egg Hunt, 405 Palencia Village Drive
April 18, 10:30am-12pm
Admission is free. Bring your own basket.
Veterans Park Easter Egg Hunt, 1332 Veterans Parkway, St. Johns
April 18, 10:30am-12pm
Admission is free. Bring your own basket.
Underwater Egg Hunt, Solomon Calhoun Community Center – 1300 Duval Street
April 18, 6:30-7pm
Admission is free. Kids can search for eggs left underwater at the pool and trade them for prizes! Participants should bring swimsuits, towels, and buck for their eggs. Please RSVP to mcasson@fcymca.org or (904) 704-4644.
Treaty Park Easter Egg Hunt, 1595 Wildwood Drive
April 20, 10:30am-12pm
Admission is free. Bring your own basket.
Al Wilke Park & Community Center Easter Egg Hunt, 6140 Main Street, Hastings
April 20, 10:30am-12pm
Admission is free. Bring your own basket.
Shores United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt, 724 Shores Boulevard
April 20, 10:30am
There will be a free brunch buffet, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt. Admission is free.
Homeport Christian Church Community Easter Egg Hunt, 5605 U.S. 1 South
April 20, 2-3:30pm
Eggs hunts for all different age groups, a bounce house, snacks, and special prizes. Admission is free.
Trinity Episcopal Parish, 215 St. George Street
April 21, after 9am mass
Admission is free.
TPC Sawgrass Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch,110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach
April 21, 10am-3pm
Brunch and Easter egg hunt are $72 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. Two egg hunts will be held – one at 12pm and one at 2pm. Call (904) 273-3238 to reserve your space.
CELEBRATIONS
Don’t let your holiday end when the preacher says “amen.” Steeped in a beautiful history and tradition, the Ancient City keeps the festivities going all day long.
Easter Parade
Along the Bayfront
April 20, 9am
Now in its 60th year, St. Augustine’s Easter Parade is the second oldest Easter parade in the nation. Spectators line the streets to watch the marching bands, floats, drill teams, the Easter Bunny, clowns, the Royal Family, Imperial Stormtroopers, and the city’s carriage horses wearing their Easter hats. Trophies are presented to winners in four categories. This year’s parade will be held the Saturday before Easter.
www.oldestcityeaster.org/easter-parade
Easter Promenade
Plaza de la Constitucion
April 21, 12:30pm
Come and celebrate the 60th Annual Easter Sunday Promenade and learn about the history of St. Augustine. There will also be contests for friends and family to join such as Most Creative Hat, Best Dressed Pet, Prettiest Hat, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Man and Woman, Best Dressed Boy and Girl, Largest Family, and Family from Farthest Away. Prizes will be given at the end of judging. Admission to this event is free.
www.oldestcityeaster.org
Featured image provided by the National Parks Service. To find more events in St. Augustine, visit our online calendar of events!