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.
Crescent Beach Baptist
7 am, Crescent Beach Ramp
Crescent Beach Baptist Church will be hosting a sunrise service, which will include scripture readings, a spiritual message, 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
The Church at Vilano
6:30am, Vilano Beach Ramp
This forty-five-minute service will include scripture readings, a scriptural message, songs, and an interpretive dance by St. Augustine Dance Conservatory and will be held right on the beach near the ramp. Rev. Glen McCutcheon will lead the worship service and Jayce Ginn will serve as music director with the praise team from the First United Methodist Church.
www.facebook.com/churchatvilano
Memorial Presbyterian
6:45am, 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
What happened to the egg after it was told a funny joke? It cracked up! Put on your bunny ears and hop on over to these fun and exciting Easter events happening in St. Johns County.
Palencia Easter Egg Hunt, 405 Palencia Village Drive
March 29, 10:30-11:30am
Admission is free.
Veterans Park Easter Egg Hunt, 1332 Veterans Parkway, St. Johns
March 29, 10:30-11:30am
Admission is free.
Easter Bicycle Rodeo and Helmet Giveaway, 1300 Duval Street
March 31, 9-10:30am
Bring your own bike and participate in an obstacle course, Easter egg hunt, and Easter Bunny meet-and-greet. Admission is free.
Rype & Readi Easter Egg Hunt and Culinary Showcase, 115 La Quinta Place
March 31, 9:30am-12:30pm
The event will feature an Easter Egg Hunt, live music, corn hole, and a Peeps eating contest. Admission is free, but pre-registration here is required. There will be no tickets at the door.
Treaty Park Easter Egg Hunt, 1595 Wildwood Drive
March 31, 10:30-11:30am
Admission is free.
Al Wilke Park & Community Center Easter Egg Hunt, 6140 Main Street, Hastings
March 31, 10:30-11:30am
Admission is free.
Homeport Christian Church Community Easter Egg Hunt, 5605 U.S. 1 South
March 31, 1-3pm
Admission is free.
Shores United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt, 724 Shores Boulevard
March 31, 10:30am
There will be a free brunch buffet, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt. Admission is free.
Memorial Presbyterian Church Easter Egg Hunt, 32 Sevilla Street
April 1, 9:30am
Admission is free.
TPC Sawgrass Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch, 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra
April 1, 10am-3pm
There will be one Easter egg hunt at 12pm and one at 2pm. The brunch and egg hunt are $68 for adults and $25 for children ages 6 to 12. Call (904) 543-5105 for reservations.
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 Promenade
Plaza de la Constitucion
April 1, 12pm
Come and celebrate the 59th 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
Easter Parade
Mission Nombre de Dios
April 1, 3pm
Now in its 59th 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.
www.oldestcityeaster.org/easter-parade
Featured image provided by the National Parks Service. To find more events in St. Augustine, visit our online calendar of events!
