With Nights of Lights as our city’s signature event, it’s no wonder that St. Augustine knows how to do the holiday season up right. From sugar plum dancers to costumed carolers, from lights in the treetops to Santa-clad races, there’s no shortage of ways to lift your holiday spirits and enjoy the beauty and the creativity of the city. You can get in some unique holiday shopping with your family or get decked out for a night of dancing. Even though this season we’re often tempted to just stay bundled up with a warm cup of cocoa (we feel you, trust us), there’s no excuse to not get out and enjoy all the events this city has to offer!
Light Up! Night!
Plaza De La Constitucion
November 23
This annual event is a no-brainer for the holiday season, St. Augustine’s Light Up the Night event is a wonderful activity for everyone to enjoy. Grab the whole family to attend the annual lighting ceremony and watch as our city skyline starts to shimmer. Take a walk through the plaza and enjoy downtown in a whole new light. This event begins at 4pm with a lively performance by Showtime USA and the lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30pm. Luckily for us, Nights of Lights will then continue throughout the course of the season until February 2 so you can enjoy our snowglobe-esque city all season long.
www.citystaug.com
Run Turkey Run 5K
World Golf Village
November 28, 7:30am
Get your turkey in the oven early, go down to World Golf Village and participate in the Turkey Run 5k, and make it home just in time to eat. The Run Turkey Run 5k is a great way to begin a family tradition for Thanksgiving. All participants receive a custom medal and there will also be fruit and other refreshments provided. There are also chances to win prizes so if you’re in the mood to start off your Holiday this year with a boost of energy, don’t miss out on this 5k event!
www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
Cupcakes with Santa
Gimme Some Sugar
November 30
Gimme Some Sugar bakery is hosting a holiday event for everyone to enjoy. Is there anything better during the holiday season than sweet treats and a visit from Santa? Bring your kiddos and come enjoy this festive event of cupcakes with Santa! Bring the whole family to meet and get their photo taken with Santa and even take part in the fun of decorating your own cupcakes kit! There will be plenty of holidays treats available to enjoy including hot cocoa, apple cider and more! This is a sure-fire way to kickstart the holiday season and keep your young ones entertained.
www.facebook.com/GimmeSomeSugarSTA
Holiday Bazaar
Island Prep West
December 1, 12-3pm
With holiday shopping, silent auctions, food trucks, and pictures with Santa, this is the perfect way to start off the month of December! It’s time to get in all of your gift buying and have a wonderful time while doing it. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Island Prep’s West Preschool and Kindergarten campus.
www.islandprep.com/event/holiday-bazaar-3
Luminary Night
St. Augustine Lighthouse
December 4, 6-9pm
More than 2,000 luminaries will be 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. In addition, 14 Christmas trees are decorated in different themes, with the nautical tree in the upstairs gallery of the Keepers’ House featuring nautical-themed ornaments donated by people all over the country. Luminary Night is free and open to the public.
www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Happiest of Holidays Concert
Lightner Museum
December 4-5, 8pm
The St. Augustine Orchestra will kick off the city’s first holiday concerts on December 4 and 5 at 8pm at the beautiful Lightner Museum. Come experience the magic of the holidays with red bows and candy canes as the Orchestra performs more than a dozen classics that will make you and your family or friends happy and nostalgic! Hear Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, T’was the Night Before Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Nutcracker, Polar Express, Frozen, Elf, and many more!
www.staugustineorchestra.org
A Christmas Carol starring Jason Woods
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
December 5, 8pm
Jason Woods brings his inspiring tour de force performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall stage this December in a special one-night benefit performance for STAGE Fund. In the span of 90 minutes, Mr. Woods transforms into over 25 characters from the Dickens’ holiday classic as he describes every shadowy phantom, every mouth-watering morsel of Christmas dinner, and each tear of joy from this beloved tale. General admission is $41.50.
www.pvconcerthall.com
20th Annual Reindeer Run
Castillo Drive
December 7, 8am
A true one-mile run along the St. Augustine Christmas Parade route just before the parade begins is sure to provide large, cheering crowds as runners make their way to the finish line. Check the clock as you complete the race for your mile time! All proceeds will go to support the youth of St. Augustine at the Boys & Girls Club. Day of race registration is $10. Don’t miss out on this family-friendly fundraising event!
www.bgcnf.org
St. Augustine Christmas Parade
Downtown St. Augustine
December 7, 9am
The annual Christmas Parade takes place on the first Saturday of December and is sure to be a festive holiday spectacular. Watch as our city gets taken over by holiday cheer. Pack up the family and enjoy the 65th Annual Christmas Parade as the streets get filled with floats, festive decorations and plenty of fun. Various local organizations participate in this event, making it one of the largest parades in Northeast Florida. Young kids will be mesmerized by the holiday decorations from floats to marching bands to antique cars and horses and carriages. Even Santa will make an appearance! This is a holiday event you definitely won’t want to miss.
www.facebook.com/StAugustineChristmasParade
A December to Remember Party
World Golf Hall of Fame
December 7, 10am-1pm
There’s nothing like a party to get you in the holiday spirit, so be sure to attend this city-wide party and celebrate with your community! Jacksonville Business Connections is hosting their annual community Holiday Party for all to attend at the Hall of Fame at World Golf Village. Join the family-friendly fun with a Santa meet and greet, multiple vendors, food, and much more! This event is free and open to the public.
www.jacksonvillebusinessconnections.com
Joy To The World
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
December 7, 3pm
The Friends of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall present the University of North Florida Chorale and Chamber Singers in a holiday concert, “Joy to the World: Messiah Favorites and Holiday Carols,” on Saturday, December 7. The UNF Choral Ensembles will perform selections from Handel’s Messiah as well as several favorite holiday carols. Audience participation is encouraged in the singing of Christmas carols at the concert’s finale. All proceeds from the concerts will benefit the UNF Music Department and the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Come join in the holiday celebration with these classic tunes! Day of show admission is $25.
www.pvconcerthall.com
Surf Illumination
St. Johns County Pier
December 7, 4-7pm
A dazzling addition to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, St. Augustine Beach offers its own ceremonial lighting beachside. Surf Illumination is a festival all in itself, with fun activities and delicious food and drink for everyone in the family at the St. Johns County Pier. There will also be the annual tree lighting by the mayor of St. Augustine Beach, an appearance by Santa, a performance by the St. Augustine Youth Orchestra, delicious offerings from local restaurants, and a delightful display of arts and crafts from local artists. Admission to the event is free.
www.sabca.org
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
Lewis Auditorium
December 7-8
You are invited to once again experience the magic and excitement of the holidays at the 7th annual St. Augustine Winter Spectacular! Directed by Stephanie Burkhardt, Executive Artistic Director of The Dance Company, this production will kick-off the holiday season in the nation’s oldest city. The performances will take place in the beautifully Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College amidst the Nights of Lights on Saturday, December 7th at 7pm and Sunday, December 8th at 2pm.
www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com
Gingerbread Man 5K/10K
World Golf Village
December 8, 8am
The real Gingerbread Man will be out running amuck around the course…catch him if you can! Holiday socks, hats, and general candy cane-striped attire are encouraged. Pets are also welcome! This family event has become the run of the season in St. Johns County. Participants will enjoy a beautiful, safe course with awards for both runners and walkers. At the finish, enjoy a Gingerbread Man cookie (of course) along with great eats and drinks for participants from PDQ and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. 10K/5K runners receive a great tee with a custom medal.
www.itsyourrace.com/event
Christmas Tour of Homes
Downtown St. Augustine
December 8, 12-5pm
Now in its 50th year, the popular annual Christmas Tour of Homes is hosted by the Garden Club of St. Augustine. Guests will get a once-in-a-lifetime look inside some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes, all decorated for the holiday season. The walking tour can be taken at each guest’s own pace from 12-5pm. In addition to the tour, make sure to visit the Garden Club’s “Unique Boutique,” which offers delicious treats and many hand-made items created by the Club’s members as well as an Afternoon Tea. Tickets are $30 per person and sell out quickly.
www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org
Holiday in the Gardens
Washington Oaks State Park
December 8
Take a drive down South and head toward Washington Oaks State Park for a holiday event that will get everyone in your family outdoors this season. The beautiful state park will be hosting a holiday family-friendly event packed full with decorated trees and gardens, holiday craft vendors, food, live entertainment, a designated kids zone where your little ones can take a ride on the Christmas train, practice arts and crafts with Mrs. Claus and much more! Not to mention plenty of prizes and a gift shop will also be available to enjoy. What better way to get excited for the season to come than out in nature? Don’t miss out on this beautiful event!
www.washingtonoaks.org
St. Augustine Concert Band Holiday Concerts
Various Venues
December 13, 15, and 20
Gather your friends and family to enjoy some of the classic carols of the holiday season performed by the St. Augustine Concert Band. The first concert will take place at 7:30pm at Pacetti Middle School on Wednesday, December 13. The second will be at 4pm at St. Anastasia Catholic Church on Friday, December 15, and the last will be at 6pm at the Visitor Information Center on Friday, December 20. Admission is $16 for adults, $5 for students with ID, and free for children under 12.
www.staugband.org
Santa Suits on The Loose 5K
St. Johns County Pier
December 14, 8-10am
It’s time to grab your Santa Suits because St. Augustine’s annual holiday race, Santa Suits on the Loose 5K Run/Jog/Walk, is back for another year! Taking place on Saturday, December 14, at the St. Johns County Pier, this run/jog/walk is a 3.1-mile flat course through scenic St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods. This race benefits St. Augustine Youth Services and the first 100 registered adult runners will receive their choice of a free Santa Suit or shirt for the event.
www.sayskids.org
Christmas Open House
Willis Family Home, 740 S. Heritage Creek Way
December 14, 12-7pm
The Lewis family will host their annual open house this holiday season allowing visitors to come through and view their home decorated with 30 themed trees and 15 themed wreaths as well as multiple festive displays. A K9s for Warriors puppy in training will be at the event from 2-4 and Santa is known to make an appearance. Come by and enjoy some holiday spirit, beautiful decorations, and benefit a great cause! Admission to this event is free.
www.k9sforwarriors.org
Regatta of Lights
St. Augustine Bayfront
December 14, 6pm
The annual Regatta of Lights tour will take place along the St. Augustine bayfront where a variety of vessels showing off their brilliant lighting displays as they parade along Matanzas Bay. From sailboats to trawlers, from yachts to shrimp boats, the Regatta of Lights participants compete for awards for the best theme, most colorful, best in class and best overall. The Regatta is an annual must-see event for visitors and locals alike during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights holiday festivities.
www.staugustineyachtclub.com
Christmastide Concert
Cathedral Basilica
December 14-15
The St. Augustine Community Chorus will be hosting its annual Holiday program on Saturday, Dec 14th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Dec 15th at 2 pm in the historic Cathedral Basilica downtown. “This Christmastide” event will include a full chorus, chamber orchestra, organ, and many more fantastic musical artists. This spectacular event will be an evening of stunning music as well as featured pieces from The Messiah and traditional Christmas carols for all to enjoy.
www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour
Downtown St. Augustine
December 14-16
St. Augustine Historic Inns presents its annual tour of over 20 downtown bed and breakfasts decorated for the holidays. With a theme of the Movies of Christmas, these already stunning B&Bs will be all decked out for the holidays with beautiful decor and some delicious samplings from local restaurant partners. This year, the event will be extended by one day, so you can stop by on Monday too to check out the holiday cheer. Tickets to the event are $45 and sell out quickly!
www.staugustineholidaytour.com
Spirit of the Holidays Concert
Lewis Auditorium
December 16, 7pm
The award-winning Bartram Trail HS Concert, Symphonic, and Wind Symphony Bands are ready to rouse your holiday spirit with this delightfully triumphant annual performance. Listen to all your holiday favorites performed by some of our most talented young local musicians. The students who make up these bands have played together throughout Florida and Georgia. They perform under the direction of Jason Duckett and St. Augustine native Ben Gaona. Tickets are $10 per person.
www.bartramtrailband.com
EMMA Holiday Pops Concert
Lewis Auditorium
December 18, 7:30pm
Now a beloved holiday tradition, the EMMA Concert series will present their Annual Holiday Pops program, providing a mix of classical and popular seasonal music performed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This show is one you will not want to miss as you celebrate the beauty of the season. What better way to get into the holiday spirit than experiencing old holiday classics and new favorites. Tickets to this event are $40.
www.emmaconcerts.com
A Rockapella Holiday
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
December 19, 8pm
It’s time to get in the holiday spirit because this year the a cappella supergroup, Rockapella is coming to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall to perform their holiday spectacular show, “A Rockapella Holiday.” This holiday performance will feature light-hearted stylings of classic Christmas songs that are perfect for the whole family to sing along to. So grab your santa hats and get ready because this will be one show you don’t want to miss. Tickets to this event begin at $34.50.
www.pvconcerthall.com
Horton’s Holiday Hayride
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
December 20, 7pm
Get ready for the show of the season as the “rockabilly event of the year” comes to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Horton’s Holiday Hayride will feature a performance by the Reverend Horton Heat, as well as special guests, The 5.6.7.8’s, the Voodoo Glow Skulls and Dave Alvin. This is sure to be an evening you will never forget, including a vibrant musical performance alongside powerful imagery that will ignite everyone in the crowd. Tickets to this event are $35.
www.pvconcerthall.com
Santacon
Various Venues
December 21, 2pm
SantaCon. It’s a convention of Santas – groups of men & women dressed as Santa – pub crawling for a cause! Event check-in will begin on Saturday, December 21st at 2:00 PM. Don’t worry if you’re unable to start at 2:00 PM with us, you can check-in at any of Santa’s Stops along the way. Explore the city at participating spots throughout town and enjoy specialized drinks for the occasion. All funds raised will be donated to both SAYS St. Augustine Youth Services and Swamp Haven . So really- crawling for two causes! Tickets to this event are $10, participants must be 21 or older.
www.santacon.info
Hennessy Holiday Ball
Corazon Cinema & Cafe
December 21, 7:30pm
Ever want to dress up fancy and have a dance party in a movie theater that was built in 1880? The Hennessy Holiday Ball is an event you never knew you needed. Whether you are on the nice list, or the naughty list, you are invited to join in for drinks and dancing at the Corazon Cinema. For one night only, they’ll will be transforming the movie theater into a pop-up holiday bar – turning one of the theaters into a dance party. Bring an unwrapped present that will be donated to The Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County and given to local youth and be entered for a chance to win raffle prizes. Purchase tickets online for a discount, or pay $15 at the door. The event is 21+ and formal/cocktail attire is requested.
www.hennessyholidayball.eventbrite.com
The Nutcracker
Lewis Auditorium
December 21-22
This holiday event is the perfect treat for families looking for a night out on the town. Get dressed up and enjoy the classic holiday performance of The Nutcracker, get lost in the beauty of the St. Augustine Ballet. This beautiful performance is a holiday tradition, even if you’re familiar with the story, this is a show that you can enjoy with your family time and time again. Your kiddos will be mesmerized by the sparkling costumes and decorations and you’ll enjoy a lovely evening full of holiday cheer!
www.saintaugustineballet.com
Beach Blast off Into 2020
St. Johns County Pier
December 31, 4-10pm
Ring in the New Year St. Augustine style with the Ancient City’s most popular New Year’s celebration. The Beach Blast Off will take place at the St. Johns County Pier on New Years Eve and will feature a variety of activities including live music, food, drinks, local vendors, a kid’s zone, and a fireworks show. This event is free and open to the public, so come and celebrate the beginning of a new year alongside your community!
www.sabevents.com
Don’t see your event on our list? Let us know in the comments below! Featured image via St. Augustine Winter Spectacular.
