Events in december

Nights of Lights (Voted by National Geographic as one of the Top Ten Places in the World for Holiday Lights)
November 17 – January 31
Downtown St. Augustine

Santa’s Big Red Christmas Train Tours
November 18 – January 5
170 San Marco Ave.

The big red Christmas Train transports riders through St. Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights.
58th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade
December 1, 2012
Downtown St. Augustine

British Nightwatch Opening Concert
December 1, 2012 – 10:00 A.M.
Francis Field
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda
December 3, 5, 15, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30
83 King St.
St. Augustine, FL

Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda, decorated for the Holiday season.
44th Annual Garden Club Tour of Homes
December 2, 2012
12 – 5 P.M.
St. Augustine, FL
$20.00 (Almost sold out)

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse
December 5, 2012
81 Lighthouse Ave.
St. Augustine, FL

See the lights of St. Augustine from the top of the lighthouse! Enjoy holiday music and cider and don’t forget the camera!

Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Presented by the Ancient City Theater
Fort Matanzas Pioneer Barn
259 San Marco Avenue

St. Augustine Community Chorus Christmas Concert
December 15 and 16
8:00 P.M.
38 Cathedral Place

Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
November 23 – December 21:
5:00pm – 10:00pm  Monday – Friday
2:00pm – 10:00pm  Saturday & Sunday
December 22 – January 6:
2:00pm – 10:00pm  Daily

Holiday Hours:
December 24 (Christmas Eve)     2:00pm – 10:00pm
December 25 (Christmas Day)     5:00pm – 10:00pm
December 31(New Year’s Eve)    12:00pm – 5:00pm
January 1      (New Year’s Day)     2:00pm – 10:00pm
Nightly Snowfall (Times & Location)
7:00pm – Over the Ice Rink & Over the Elf Village
8:00pm – Over the S’more Pit
9:00pm – Over the Ice Rink & Over the Elf Village

Read more about St. Augustine here >>

19 TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE FLORIDA

ST. AUGUSTINE’S NIGHTS OF LIGHTS 2012 RETURNS TO FLORIDA’S HISTORIC COAST WITH SURF ILLUMINATION, WINTER WONDERLAND AND FESTIVAL OF TREES. 

St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights will sparkle to life at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 when the flick of a switch will illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. 

Nights of Lights continues to gather praise from travel leaders worldwide:

• Last year, National Geographic declared St. Augustine one of the Top 10 Places in the World to view holiday lights. 
• Also in 2011, the American Bus Association named the annual spectacle one of the Top 100 Events in the U.S. 
•  In 2009, AAA called St. Augustine one of the 12 best places in the U.S. and Canada to experience holiday cheer 

Along with the lighting of the beautiful historic city, Vilano Beach and St. Augustine Beach will provide displays to be enjoyed by all. Vilano Beach is celebrating holiday coastal living with an inaugural event called “Dressing of the Palms” as palm trees along Vilano Road and A1A are decorated in whimsical holiday array. St. Augustine Beach will light-up on Saturday, December 1, during the Surf Illumination, where there will be a festive atmosphere, the official holiday lighting, and a visit from Santa. The St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village is the setting for dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and Holiday Wreaths. From November 30, through December 10, visitors can vote for their favorite display, or bid on one of the entries through a silent auction. 

 

In addition, on November 23, Winter Wonderland returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheater with even more fun than before. Outdoor ice skating, a giant Ice Chute, carriage rides, fun for all ages and snow each evening – guaranteed through January 6. For more information, visit www.WinterWonderlandFL.com

 

During the nearly 250 years when St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish La Florida, the residents marked the holiday season with a single white candle burning in a window at each home. 

 

Today, the Nights of Lights continues that happy tradition in a grand style that reflects the city’s 446 years of history. In addition to the enjoyment that comes from strolling the ancient streets lit by the glowing lights or enjoying thenightly reflection of lights on the waters of Matanzas Bay, both visitors and residents can enjoy a wide range of memorable events. For a complete list of Holiday Events, visit www.NightsofLights.com.

Big River at the Limelight Theatre

St. Augustine's Limelight Theatre brings the world of Huckleberry Finn to the stage in the multi-Tony Award-winning musical Big River.

Located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine, performances will take place through October 7 on Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets are $25 each. This Friday only, kick off the opening with a Hoedown beginning at 6 p.m. featuring tasty vittles, a DJ, dancing, wine and desserts. Huck Finn-inspired attire is encouraged. Tickets to the hoedown and show are $50 each.

More info about the Limelight Theater you can find here >>

Labor Day Concert In The Plaza

For 22 years, residents and visitors have gathered in the Plaza de la Constitución for the summer concert series, Concerts in the Plaza for a variety of musical entertainment performing from the historic Gazebo.

"It's the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine"

The 22nd season of Concerts in the Plaza promises great music in a great place Thursdays at 7pm through August

Reminiscent of days gone by when friends and families would gather in the early evening to listen to music in the town square, Concerts in the Plaza brings a wide variety of musical entertainment to St. Augustine’s historic downtown all summer long. Bluegrass and blues, jazz and country, swing and folk, old time and popular rock: Concerts in the Plaza has something for everyone.

This year Concerts in the Plaza celebrates twenty-two years of great entertainment in a great place. The series has been called “the best way to spend a Thursday night in St. Augustine,” and it’s easy to understand why when sitting under the majestic oaks of the Plaza de la Constitución enjoying quality musical entertainment.

The concert season starts with an afternoon performance on Memorial Day and continues all summer long on Thursdays at 7:00pm and concludes on Labor Day with another afternoon performance. 

All concerts are free and attendees should bring lounge chairs for seating. Picnic dinners are popular, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza.

Nickelodeon's Fresh Beat Band Concert

The Fesh Beat Band Live in Concert Tour Presented by Nickelodeon features Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Shout (Thomas Hobson), Marina (Tara Perry) and Twist (Jon Beavers) performing The Fesh Beat Band hits from season one, two and three of the Nickelodeon live-action music series that teaches preschoolers about music appreciation. Songs performed include "Here We Go", "A Friend Like You", "Bananas", and "Just Like a Rockstar" among others. 

The show will take place at 7 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre located at 1340 C A1A in St. Augustine.

Tickets are $29.50 and $39.50. 

All St. Augustine, FL current events you can find listed here: http://www.nationsoldestcity.com/events-in-st-augustine

Joe Cocker and Dave Mason to Perform at St. Augustine Amphitheatre in September 2012

Joe Cocker, and special guest Dave Mason, will perform at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Sunday, September 30th, 2012

Joe Cocker is an English rock and blues singer who came to popularity in the 1960s and is recognized by his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular Beatles songs. He is the recipient of several awards, including a 1983 Grammy for his #1 hit “Up Where We Belong”, a duet with Jennifer Warnes. He was ranked #97 on Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest singers list.

Dave Mason is an English singer-songwriter, and guitarist who first found fame with the rock band Traffic. Mason’s best known song is “Feelin’ Alright”, recorded by Traffic in 1968 and later by many other performers, including Joe Cocker, who had a major hit with the song in 1969. “We Just Disagree”, Mason’s 1977 solo hit written by Jim Krueger, has become a staple of Classic Hits and Adult Contemporary radio playlists.

Tickets started selling this Friday, June 29^th, at 10 a.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall box offices. Enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks courtesy of the Amphitheatre on Friday morning while waiting in line for tickets. Tickets also will be available at findmytix.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, at ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

CANNON FIRING

CANNON FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS

Rangers and Garrison volunteers will demonstrate the weapons and relate the experiences of the colonial Spanish soldier of 1740s St. Augustine. 

Historic weapons demonstrations will be presented at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30. Firing times are subject to change depending on weather conditions and staff availability. 

Location: Castillo de San Marcos 

Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily 

Admission: $6 for adults, children under 15 free when accompanied by an adult

2012 New Year's Eve parties and events

Beach Blast Off 2012: Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures and fireworks when several of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 10 p.m. The fireworks, synchronized to music, begin at 8:30 p.m. at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Call 829-5681 or go to www.beachblastoff.com.

New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop: The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach will hold the annual New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop from 11 a.m. to noon at the Center, 50 Executive Way, from A1A North, in Ponte Vedra Beach. Stop by for a bite of Brucci’s Pizza Pie or decorate a cookie a mile high. Snap, crackle and pop in the bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. Hundreds of balloons will be dropped at noon. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members, or $15 for a family of four. The public is invited. Call 904-280-0614, ext. 204 or go to www.ccpvb.org.

New Year’s Eve bash: A New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music by the Mojo Roux band will begin at 8:30 p.m. at The Groove Cafe, 134 SeaGrove Town Center, St. Augustine Beach. Cost is a $10 cover charge. Call 547-2740 or go towww.thegroovecafe.com.  

Kayak adventure: End 2011 with a two-hour kayak tour into the salt marshes of St. Augustine. Experienced guides, state-of-the-art equipment and local habitats make this trip one-of-a-kind. The tour is good for experienced or beginner paddlers. Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 6 to 12. Call St. Augustine Eco Tours at 377-7245 or go to www.staugustineecotours.com. 

New Year’s Eve Comedy show: Comedian Ron Feingold will be on stage for a New Year’s Eve show at 8:30 p.m. in Jackie Knight’s Comedy Club at Johnny’s, 3009 North Ponce de Leon Blvd. Cost is $65 and includes an open bar from 7 to 8 p.m., a dinner including appetizer, entree and dessert, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a dance party after the comedy show. Opening act will be Brian Thomas. For reservations, call 461-8843 or go to www.thegypsycomedyclub.com.

Flagler College tours: The Hotel Ponce de Leon is a a national historical landmark famous for its Tiffany Windows, ornate murals and Spanish-Renaissance architecture. Tours depart at 10 and 11 a.m., and noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. daily through Jan. 2. The last tour departs at 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, and Jan. 8-10. Tours will resume at only 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 and daily thereafter. Tours depart from the main lobby (Rotunda), at 74 King St. Tickets may be purchased at this location 15 minutes prior to each tour, or at Flagler’s Legacy, 59 Saint George St. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for St. Augustine residents with a valid ID, and $1 for children under the age of 12, which includes a complimentary Flagler College coloring and activity book. Individual reservations are not required. For group rates, call Samantha Palmer or Whitney Warren at 823-3378. Call Flagler’s Legacy Tours at 819-6400.

Theatre and barbecue: Start the New Year right with lots of laughs and barbecue when Limelight Theatre presents a special presentation of Duck Hunter Shoots Angel - the hilarious story of two Southern hunters who believe they have shot down an angel! In keeping with the show’s theme, the buffet dinner will feature barbecue with Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. Tickets for the show and buffet are $50 and may be purchased by calling the box office at 904.825.1164 or online at www.Limelight-Theatre.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.   

Diamonds, Denim and Decades: Welcome 2012 at an exciting New Year’s Party at the AAA Four Diamond-rated Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. From 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the resort’s St. Augustine Ballroom will be the liveliest place to be when the Murray Goff Connection Band performs high-energy music and popular songs from nearly every genre The Diamonds, Denim and Decades package is $319 per couple and includes one night accommodations at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, admission to the party; a welcome libation; fantastic culinary fare at 12 different food stations, created by the resort’s Executive Chef Brett Smith; a champagne toast at midnight; and a late night snack buffet. Two-night packages start at $448. Tickets for just the Party are $75 per person, plus t & g. The Renaissance is located at I-95 Exit 323. For more information and reservations, call 904-940-8696, or visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com.    

Casino for a Cause: Ring in the New Year at Ponte Vedra Beach’s newest event facility, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. A fun-filled evening will be had by all, starting with a cocktail reception from 8 to 9 p.m. Then, throughout the night there will be live entertainment by Orlando’s Top Jazz & Swing Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, unlimited beer, wine and martinis, and a Champaign toast at midnight. Tickets are $125 and VIP tickets (which include unlimited full bar) are $175. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 S A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Proceeds from this exciting New Year event will benefit BEAM, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. For more information, visit http://www.CasinosForACause.com.   

Seaside Celebration: Greet 2012 from the seaside Holiday Isle Oceanfront Resort in St. Augustine Beach. The Beach Garden Restaurant has a special New Year’s Eve menu from 5-8 p.m. and then the party begins! From 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. there’s entertainment by Kenyon Dye, light hors d’oeuvres from 9-11 p.m. and a Champagne toast at midnight - all for only $29.95 per couple. For reservations, call 904.471.2555. www.holidayisleoceanfront.com 

Fine Dining: Bid farewell to 2011 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the fine restaurants on Florida’s Historic Coast. Explore the exquisite tastes of Italy or take advantage of the Surf & Turf (Lobster and Filet Mignon) dinner at Amici’s, 1915 A1A South in St. Augustine. The Surf & Turf special is only $29.. Call 904.461.0102 or go to www.amicistaugustine.com for more information. At the beach, Café Atlantico (647 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine)offers a special five-course New Year’s Eve dinner with an entrée choice of Catch of the Day over Mediterranean ratatouille and cream of plum tomatoes or Beef Wellington with a mushroom,-cognac reduction - all for $75 per person. For reservations, call 904.471.7332 or go to www.cafeatlantico.net . Get a taste of France when Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard shares the award-winning menu he presented in November at the James Beard House in New York City. This special New Year’s Eve treat begins with a mise en mouche and climaxes with a pear poached in Beaujolais Nouveau -- all for only $69 per person, plus tip and taxes. Bistro de Leon is located on St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion at 12 Cathedral Place/ Phone: 904.810.2100 or www.bistrodeleon.com For more continental cuisine, enjoy fine dining with a Russian flair a Sara’s Crepe Café. From 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., enjoy a three-course pre-fix menu featuring appetizers like blini with caviar, fried potato with mushrooms, and shrimp cocktail followed by entrees including prime rib, Cornish hens in garlic sauce and pasta with fresh basil oil sauce. For the perfect conclusion, there’s dessert and champagne. The dinner package is $75. Plus, there is live entertainment throughout the evening! Sara’s Crepe Café is located at 100 St. George Street, Suite F in St. Augustine. Call 904.810.5800 or go to www.sarascrepecafe.com . And for the golf fan, there’s nothing more memorable than New Year’s Eve dinner at the beautiful TPC Sawgrass. From 5-9 p.m. enjoy a delicious a la carte dinner and live music in an unmatched setting. For details and reservations, call 904.453.5105   

Wine, Food and Carriages Too: Explore the Oldest City’s culinary, wine and beer heritage on a series of New Year’s Eve walking and carriage tours. Taste the best St. Augustine has to offer on the three-hour Vittles and Vino Carriage Tour. Sample wines and food at one-of-a-kind specialty shops and eateries with transportation provided by a horse-drawn carriage. Tours are priced at $99 per person and depart at 2 p.m. Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tours take you on a tour of the spectacular Night of Lights aboard a horse-drawn carriage while indulging in delicious Spanish boutique wines. These one-hour tours are available for $45 per person and depart at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Private tours can also be arranged.) Departing at 5 p.m., the Barley and Hops Beer Tours features a walking tour filled with fascinating facts about brewing as well as sampling of outstanding local brews. Tickets are $46 per person. Start the New Year’s Eve celebration at 4 p.m. with the Wine About Town tour - a 2.5 hour strolling tour featuring exclusive wine samplings gourmet cheese and fresh baked breads. Tickets are $56 each. For details, reservations and more information about these tours, call 904.325.3911 or visit www.thetastingtours.com  

Seagoing Celebration: Head out from Mayport aboard the Jacks or Better Casino Cruise and welcome the New Year at sea. Sumptuous buffet, wine & cheese, shrimp and sushi, champagne toast at midnight and much more! Book in advance at $60 single/$100 couple or at the door $75 single/$100 couple. For more information, go to http://jacksorbettercasino.com or call 877.605.6673