We say there’s no better way to get in a festive mood than watching enchanting performances of some of our favorite holiday stories and classic carols. And the artistic talent in St. Augustine must agree with us because there are plenty of holiday shows and concerts all throughout December. From a night of dance in a variety of different styles to spending the evening with Ralphie and his Red Ryder, from finding the spirit of the holidays in song to watching the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy, the season will be spectacular with these joyous events. It’s time to celebrate in St. Augustine!
St. Augustine Orchestra Christmas Concert
Lightner Museum
December 5, 8pm
Ring in the holiday season with beautiful music in a stunning setting. The St. Augustine Orchestra’s popular annual holiday concert will feature holiday melodies to get people in the Christmas spirit, from Leroy Andersen’s Sleigh Ride to the contemporary Trans Siberian Orchestra’s arrangement of Wizard of Winter. The concert will take place in the Lightner Museum’s historic pool, now the Alcazar Cafe. Tickets to the event purchased at the door are $25. Pre-purchased tickets are $22.
www.staugustineorchestra.org
Winter Spectacular
Lewis Auditorium
December 8-9
Filled with a variety of dance styles, characters, and holiday scenes, the Winter Spectacular kicks off the holiday season. The Dance Company of St. Augustine’s holiday production features its elite high-kick dancers, ballerinas, and acrobats, as well as other dancers and performers from the area. Combined with the dazzling costumes and stage settings, the Winter Spectacular is a local favorite for getting ready for the holidays. The Saturday performance begins at 7pm. The Sunday performance begins at 2pm.
www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com
A Christmas Story
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
December 14-15
Celebrate the holidays with hilarity this December when Apex Theatre Studio will present “A Christmas Story,” a full-length comedy based on the beloved film. Humorist Jean Sheperd’s memoir of growing up in the 1940s follows Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. All your favorite moments are here: the exploding furnace, the school bully, the boys experiment with a wet tongue on a lamppost and the infamous leg lamp. Evening shows begin at 7pm. A matinee on Saturday will begin at 2pm.
www.apextheatrejax.com
Celebrating 70: Gaudete!
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
December 15-16
Join the St Augustine Community Chorus for the kick-off concert of their 70th Anniversary season. The holiday program includes selections from Handel’s Messiah and traditional carols, with a special appearance by the St Augustine Youth Chorus. The concert will include music by Z Randall Stroope and Michael Engelhardt, and will be accompanied by brass, percussion, and strings. The highlight of the program is the premiere of our newly commissioned piece by Peter Mathews, a local composer, entitled What Sweeter Music. Admission is $20.
www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
Spirit of the Holidays Concert
Lewis Auditorium
December 17, 7pm
The award-winning Bartram Trail High School Concert, Symphonic, and Wild Symphony bands will perform their 2nd annual Spirit of the Holidays Concert showcasing a variety of traditional and more modern holiday favorites. The immensely-talent students have played throughout Florida and Georgia and are delighted to present the holiday spirit to their beloved Ancient City. Tickets to the event are $10.
www-bths.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Holiday Traditions with the Gainesville Orchestra
Lewis Auditorium
December 19, 7:30pm
Part of the EMMA Concert Series, this delightful holiday concert will be performed by the Gainesville Orchestra. Held in Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, the concert will feature traditional holiday tunes as well as some fun holiday pop songs. For the little ones (and the kids at heart), the holiday concert is a sing along. So carol your heart out and get ready for the winter holidays. Children and students with ID are $5. Tickets are $40.
www.emmaconcerts.com
The Nutcracker
Lewis Auditorium
December 22-23
A longstanding holiday tradition and a local favorite, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is almost a necessity to do the holiday season right. Performed by the St. Augustine Ballet, the classic tale follows young Clara as her nutcracker (a gift from her godfather) comes to life and brings her to a magical and fantastical world of toy soldiers, dangerous mice, a prince, and a Sugar Plum Fairy. This show is always unforgettable, spectacular, and a beautiful addition to your holiday festivities. Both days of the show will feature performances at 1:30pm and 7pm. Tickets are $20-$30 depending on seating.
www.saintaugustineballet.com
Find more events in St. Augustine by visiting our online calendar of events! Featured image via The Gainesville Orchestra.
