Here’s a look at some of the events being held this holiday season on the First Coast. Many events are free to attend; for those that are not, fees for admission or registration are noted.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
29TH ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
When: Nightly through Jan. 31
Where: Downtown St. Augustine
More than 3 million lights brighten the historic district in a display National Geographic magazine called one of the 10 best places in the world to see holiday lights.
Nights Of Lights Aboard Schooner Freedom
When: 4:15 p.m. until Jan. 7
Where: 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
Admission: $70
Enjoy the sunset and then a watch spectacular display the perfectly lit historic downtown St. Augustine come to life. Refreshments provided. Blankets provided for chillier evenings. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 904-810-1010
A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY & ART
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Jan. 6
Where: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine
Admission: $25 adults, $20 seniors, teachers
Celebrate art and history through a festive holiday display of the 14 fireplaces, mantels and chimney walls in the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM
When: 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 16
Where: Sykes Family Farm, 5995 Brough Road, Elkton
Admission: $16 ages 3 and up, $15 age 65 and up and military with ID. Free for children 2 and younger.
Enjoy this 3/4-mile Christmas light show on a hayride while sipping hot apple cider, hot chocolate or coffee. There will be bounce pads, swings, tube slides, a barnyard ball zone and more available. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will visit. Cozy up around the campfire and watch Christmas movies on the big screen while roasting marshmallows or decorate your own Christmas ornament! S’mores kits and ornaments sold separately. For more information or to buy tickets, go to sycofarms.com/christmas-on-the-farm.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS AT THE VILLA ZORAYDA MUSEUM
When: 5:30 and 7 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 8, 16, 18, 22, 27 and 30
Where: Villa Zorayda Museum, 83 King St., St. Augustine
Admission: $24.99 adults, $12.99 children 6-12. Not recommended for children younger than 6
The villa is decorated for the holidays with a spectacular Christmas tree and more than 100 candles throughout the museum. For more information, go to villazorayda.com/candlelighttours.
LIGHT UP THE BEACH
When: Nightly through Jan. 1
Where: A1A Beach Boulevard and the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, St. Augustine Beach
Admission: Free
Enjoy the colorful light displays.
A CHORAL CHRISTMAS
When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 1
Where: Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach
Admission: $20-$40
A Choral Christmas presented by UNF Choirs kicks off the season with their acclaimed ensembles the Chamber Singers, Osprey Treble and Coro Profundo. Instrumentalists provide accompaniment and soloists offer renditions of timeless standards. A grand finale featuring The Hallelujah Chorus encourages audience members to raise their voices in rousing song. For tickets, go to pvconcerthall.com/events.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
When: 9 a.m. Dec. 2
Where: Downtown St. Augustine
Admission: Free
Experience St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade with floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa.
COLONIAL NIGHT WATCH
When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 2.
Where: Downtown St. Augustine
Admission: Free
Historical interpreters recreate 18th century combined Spanish, British, French, colonial militia and Native American military arts, culture and lifestyles throughout the day at the Colonial Quarter and Castillo de San Marcos. The St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade is at 7 p.m. from the Castillo to the Governor's House Cultural Center & Museum.
PALM VALLEY BOAT PARADE
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: South Roscoe Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach
Admission: Free
Celebrate the holiday season with the lighted boat parade. The parade route is seven miles of the Intracoastal and starts one mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge and travels north.
For information, call 904-814-0988 or go to palmvalleyboatparade.com
SURF ILLUMINATION
When: 4-7 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park
Admission: Free
Features a ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree, a visit from Santa, music, arts and crafts andchildren’s activities.
VILANO HOLIDAY VILLAGE
When: Dec. 2-Jan. 2
Where: 101 Vilano Road, St. Augustine
An 18-foot Christmas tree shines as the centerpiece of festive joy at Vilano Holiday Village. Enjoy music, local authors, delectable food and a Christmas Artisan Market for unique gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make special appearances.
SANDY CLAUS MARATHON, HALF-MARATHON AND 10K
When: 6:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 3
Where: Nocatee Field Station, 245 Nocatee Center Parkway, Ponte Vedra
Registration: $15-$70
Runners will wind along the Greenways Trails and through some of the neighborhoods in Nocatee. Go to runsignup.com/Race/FL/PonteVedra/SandyClauseHalfMarathon
ONE ACCORD CHRISTMAS CONCERT
When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Gazebo, Plaza de la Constitucion, 170 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine
Admission: Free
Bring a chair or blanket, hear some great music, make new friends, relax and enjoy.
PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach
Admission: $69-$121.50
A magical night of Christmas classics and smooth jazz hits, featuring Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala. For tickets, go to pvconcerthall.com/events.
LUMINARY NIGHT
When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine
Admission: Free
Visit with Santa, enjoy yuletide refreshments and see the lighthouse’s spectacular holiday decorations and lighting displays.
HOLIDAY MARKET AT LIGHTNER MUSEUM
When: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine
Admission: Free to attend
Local artisans showcasing their ware will be on display at the Lightner Museum Holiday Market.
“THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER”
When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8
Where: APEX Theatre Studio, 425 West Town Place, unit 112, St. Augustine
Admission: $25
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is an adaptation of Barbara Robinson's timeless holiday tale, depicting a couple's challenges in organizing a church Christmas pageant. Their dilemma lies in casting the Herdman kids, who are arguably the most creatively mischievous children ever encountered. Go to apextheatrejax.com.
LIGHTHOUSE ILLUMINATIONS
When: Select nights through Jan. 13.
Where: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine
Admission: $24.95 adults, $22.95 children.
See 21 different themed Christmas Trees on select nights at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. This year's event takes place November 22, 2023 through January 13, 2024.
For information or tickets, go to store.staugustinelighthouse.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventid=1000137
“THE TROUBLE WITH TRADITIONS — A HOLIDAY DETOUR”
When: 7:30 p.m. nightly (2:30 p.m. Sundays), Dec. 7-17
Where: Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave.
Admission: $20
The Novak family has had a decades-long Christmas tradition of dinner on Christmas Eve. When Richard Novak finds out his family plans to skip it this year for a theater play, he becomes desperate to keep their tradition alive. For information, call 904-825-1164 or go to limelight-theatre.org.
SANTA SUITS ON THE LOOSE 5K
When: 8-10:30 a.m. Dec. 9
Where: St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine
Registration: $30-$40
Join this walk/jog/run starting and ending at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park along a flat 3.1-mile course through St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods. For more information, go to runsignup.com/Race/FL/StAugustine/SantaSuitsOnTheLoose5KWalkJogRun.
HOLIDAY REGATTA OF LIGHTS
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos
Admission: Free
This annual holiday tradition features boats decorated with brilliant lighted displays.
Regatta Of Lights Aboard The Victory III
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine
Admission: $45. Reservations required.
Be a part of St Augustine's holiday lighted boat parade during the Regatta of Lights aboard the Victory III. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are included. Go to scenic-cruise.com.
HASTINGS HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE
When: 10 a.m. Dec. 9
Where: Main Street in Hastings
Admission: Free
Continue the holiday celebration after the parade at the Hastings Main Street Market until 3 p.m. at the newly restored old Ford Building, 301 N. Main St., Hastings.
HOLIDAY MARKET AT ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
When: 3-7 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine
Admission: Free to attend
Stroll through the market where you will find local vendors with offerings for everyone on your holiday gift list. Capture the family fun at the grinchy-themed photo booth, discover delicious treats to take home, all while enjoying the vibrant light displays at Pier Park.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT IN VILANO
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: 80 Vilano Road, behind Publix.
Admission: Free
Wear your favorite pajamas, grab your chairs and/or blankets and don’t forget the kids! Head over to Vilano Main Street Square for a free outdoor viewing of the “ELF” Christmas movie.
KIDZ ENTREPRENEURS HOLIDAY MARKET
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: The Tringali Barn, 7310 U.S. 1, St. Augustine.
Admission: Free to attend
More than 40 young vendors (ages 4-17) will offer seasonal gifts. There will be a visit by Santa, food trucks, a DJ and more. Parents can register kid vendors by emailing weeventinc@gmail.com (limited spaces available). The Saucey Pig & Sonny's BBQ will be there, with proceeds from The Saucey Pig supporting a local charity, and Sonny's BBQ providing lunch to kid vendors.
THE GARDEN CLUB OF ST. AUGUSTINE HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine
Admission: Get tickets at gardenclubofstaugustine.org.
Experience the exquisite Tea and Boutique at the River House. Then join the captivating tour, featuring six houses beautifully decorated by the Garden Club of St. Augustine. Marvel at live floral arrangements and greenery designed to enhance each home's charm. Don't miss the raffle with cash prizes or the Boutique's festive wreaths, ornaments, gift baskets and gourmet treats.
ST. AUGUSTINE WINTER SPECTACULAR
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine
Admission: Go to staugustinewinterspectacular.com/tickets.
This family-friendly, entertaining holiday production follows a young girl’s journey home for the holidays. Expect high-kick dancers, ballerinas, acrobats, actors and more amidst dazzling costuming and props.
CHRISTMAS JOY PRESENTED BY ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY CHORUS
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 2 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine
Admission: $30 adult, $15 youth, $10 military. Free to children age 10 and younger.
This celebration of community and music is centered around a theme of “Toward a more perfect peace.” This is the chorus’ 75th season. For information and tickets, go to staugustinecommunitychorus.org/event/christmas-joy.
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE SEASONAL NIGHT MARKET
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine
Admission: Free to attend
There will be live music, exquisite handmade arts, crafts and goods, and a delightful selection of local food trucks.
EMMA CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine
Admission: $40
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will present this Holiday Pops Concert. For tickets, go to emmaconcerts.myboxoffice.us.
NOCHE DE NAVIDAD AND LAS POSADAS
When: 3-9 p.m. Dec. 16
Where: Mission Nombre De Dios, 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine
Admission: Free
Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The tour begins at 3 p.m. for Las Posadas and the Living Nativity.
MEET AND GREET WITH SANTA
When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 15
Where: Gazebo, Plaza de la Constitucion, 170 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine.
Admission: Free
Bring the family to meet with Santa. There will be free face painting and a photo booth available.
SAINT AUGUSTINE BALLET PRESENTS NUTCRACKER BALLET
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 16, and 2 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine
Admission: $35-$50
Saint Augustine Ballet presents its 15th annual Nutcracker Ballet. This performance features professional ballet dancers and dance students from St. Augustine and surrounding areas. For tickets, go to saintaugustineballet.org.
DECK THE HALLS WITH HOLIDAY STORIES
When: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine,
Admission: $10, free to children age 12 and younger.
Sing, dance and immerse yourself in these captivating performances. Plus, don't miss the chance to snap a memorable selfie with Mrs. C and indulge in some delicious cookies. For tickets, go to taletellers.org.
MESSIAH SING-ALONG
When: 3-4 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church, 3375 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine
Admission: Free. Goodwill donations accepted.
Join St. Augustine Community Chorus for their unique Messiah Sing-Along this Christmas as they celebrate their 75th anniversary season. Sing the Christmas portion of this classic and experience the magic of choral music uniting the community in a shared journey toward a more perfect peace.
SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Kelly Farm, 5895 County Road 214, St. Augustine
Admission: $100 VIP tickets, $50 general admission, $25 children ages 3-12, $40 with ID for seniors (60+), veterans and first responders.
St. Augustine Orchestra will present this delightful holiday extravaganza featuring all your favorite classics: "Sleigh Ride," "Frosty the Snowman," "Carol of the Bells," "Charlie Brown Christmas," "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and more. This enchanting event will take place at the picturesque Kelly Farm. A silent auction will benefit the St. Augustine Orchestra. Tickets are available at kellyfarmevents.com and staugustineorchestra.com.
CHRISTMAS FANTASTIQUE 2023
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine.
Admission: $20, $25 and $35.
Christmas Fantastique takes the audience along young Clara’s Christmas Eve dream as her toys come to life and she travels with a young prince to the Land of Sweets. There she meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and a host of dancers of different genres from exotic lands. Throughout it all, the timeless music of Tchaikovsky’s score evokes the holiday spirit. Presented by Zoika’s Dance.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT! NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW
When: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach.
Admission: Free
DUVAL COUNTY
“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”
When: Various days and times. Now through Dec. 24
Where: Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville
Admission: Varies
Based on the classic holiday film with book and music by Meredith Willson, follow the story of a single mom who doesn’t want her daughter’s head filled with fairy tales. When the new department store Santa introduces himself as the real Kris Kringle, the two will need to open their minds … and their hearts. To make a reservation, go to alhambrajax.com.
DECK THE CHAIRS
When: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. nightly, Nov. 22-Jan. 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion and Latham Plaza Park, 75 1st St. North, Jacksonville Beach
Admission: Free
Special events include:
DAZZLING NIGHTS
When: 5:30 p.m. (last entry 8:30 p.m.) Nov. 24-Dec. 29
Where: Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville
Admission: $22 adult, $19 child, plus fees. Free to children age 2 and younger.
Have a snowball fight; traverse a candy-cane corridor; see thousands of twinkling lights and snowflakes, illuminated flower paintings and a forest of lasers; discover a path of 1,000 brilliant fireflies; stop at the giant, shimmering Christmas tree. Of course, there will be a nightly snowfall. Light bites, hot chocolate, beer and wine are available to purchase. To schedule a visit and buy tickets, go to dazzlingjax.com.
34TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MADE IN THE SOUTH
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Where: Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $9. Children 12 and younger admitted free.
Amazing makers, outstanding art, unique gourmet food and diverse entertainment. Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that fill the festival: silk wearables to fabric bags, dichroic glass jewelry to close-up photography of nature's funniest and fiercest creatures all await and more. Advance tickets at madeinthesouthshows.com/jacksonville-detail.
JACKSONVILLE LIGHT BOAT PARADE
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 25
Where: St. Johns River, downtown Jacksonville
Admission: Free
The boat parade has been a holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors alike gather downtown along the North and Southbank Riverwalks to witness this magical event. Following the parade, the evening concludes with a fireworks show featuring the one-of-a-kind waterfall fireworks on the Main Street and Acosta Bridge.
“FROSTY: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE”
When: 10 a.m. and noon Nov. 27
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville
Admission: $8.50
An orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas? Join them on a thrilling quest through New York City as they discover that the real magic of the Season is Love. For kindergarten through grade four. Go to floridatheatre.com/events/detail/frosty-a-musical-adventure.
DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023
When: 8-10 p.m. Nov. 20
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville
Admission: $45-$87.50
Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz presents Christmas with special friends Jonathan Butler, Rebecca Jade, Marcus Anderson and Justin Lee Schultz. Together, the five remarkable artists will perform fresh renditions of Christmas classics as well as a Chanukah medley and hits from their respective catalogs.
JACKSONVILLE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 (four shows)
Where: Ritz Theatre and Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Jacksonville
Admission: $75-$125
The Jacksonville Christmas Spectacular is an evening of holiday entertainment with three unique, magical stories in one show! Created by producer Jason Woods, it features hilarious characters, heartwarming stories and holiday surprises, including a special appearance by the Jacksonville Jaguars Drumline for some festive, percussive fun. More information at jasonwoodsproductions.com.
Three shows:
HOLIDAY POPS — MATINEE
When: 11 a.m. Dec. 8
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $29-$44
Jacksonville’s most vibrant holiday tradition returns with guest conductor Tim Hankewich, Broadway veteran Ryan Silverman, the Symphony Chorus and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and rejoice in holiday classics as a stunning indoor snowfall swirls all around Jacoby Symphony Hall and the stage sparkles under the spotlight to discover true, magical wonder this holiday season. For tickets and information: specialevents.coj.net/All-Events/Submit-An-Event/Holiday-Pops-Matinee.aspx.
SARAH BRIGHTMAN — A CHRISTMAS SYMPHONY
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $66-$107.50
Sarah Brightman is the world’s best-selling soprano and UNESCO Artist for Peace ambassador. For tickets, go to fscjartistseries.org/tickets/sarah-brightman-a-christmas-symphony.
POP UP IN THE PARK: HOLIDAY MARKET
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: James Weldon Johnson Park, 135 Monroe St. West, Jacksonville.
Admission: Free to attend
Expect a day full of local vendors, food trucks, games and all-around family-friendly fun! There will be live music from Says Who and The Rip Currents; Santa Claus, the Grinch and more.
CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS
When: 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $77.85
On Christmas Eve, Lewis hosts a group of Americans who are "Christmassing" in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections, which stimulates a whole range of emotions. Above all, they will discover how an encounter with J.R.R. Tolkien forever changed Lewis’ Christmas celebrations. Tickets and further information at fscjartistseries.org/tickets/christmas-with-cs-lewis.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS HOLIDAY CONCERT
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $10 adult, $5 child. Go to my.jaxsymphony.org/jsyo23-24/3474.
“A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: LIVE ON STAGE”
When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville
Admission: $29.50-$49.50
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols.
Go to floridatheatre.com/events/detail/a-charlie-brown-christmas-live-on-stage.
FIRST COAST NUTCRACKER
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 15-17
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $28-$64. Go to my.jaxsymphony.org/first-coast-nutcracker-23.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17
Where: Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville
Admission: $32-$93. Go to my.jaxsymphony.org/handel-messiah-23.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16
Where: Sweet Pete’s, 400 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville
Admission: $50 adult, $35 child. Free to infants 24 months and younger.
The breakfast is hosted on the third floor of the candy mansion. Enjoy a short private visit with Santa where you can take photos, a breakfast buffet and make candy canes.
Cash bar available for sodas and cocktails. For information, call 904-643-4172.
CIRQUE MUSICA HOLIDAY WONDERLAND
When: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville
Admission: $29.50-$59.50
Featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica with all-new acts, spectators will be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer.
Go to floridatheatre.com/events/detail/cirque-musica-holiday-wonderland-1.
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE 2023
When: 7-10 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville
Admission: $49-$109+ Parking: $20
Go to vystarveteransarena.com/events/2023/trans-siberian-orchestra-the-ghosts-of-christmas-eve-2023.
THE NUTCRACKER JAX CITY BALLET
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 22
Where: Betsy Lovett Arts Center at the Bolles School, 2264 Bartram Road, Jacksonville
Admission: $38-$53. Go to eventbrite.com/e/the-nutcracker-ballet-tickets-718717472307?aff=oddtdtcreator
A holiday ballet classic tale of little Clara and the enchanted Nutcracker has captivated audiences for over a century!
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
When: 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 27
Where: Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville
Admission: $35.50-$178.50. Go to floridatheatre.com/events/detail/nutcracker-magical-christmas-ballet.
Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
When: 10:30-11 p.m. Dec. 31. Fireworks at midnight
Where: Along the St. Johns River, downtown Jacksonville
Admission: Free
Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River. Make your way down to the waterfront with friends or family before midnight to snag a great seat for the festivities. Fireworks will begin exactly at midnight.
NASSAU COUNTY
LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 2
Where: Parade begins in Central Park, Fernandina Beach
Admission: Free
The parade will consist of lighted floats, dancers and more. The parade is organized by America's Youth Inc. If you are interested in participating, please contact John Gilbert at 904-624-5383 or americasyouthin@comcast.net.
DICKENS ON CENTRE ILLUMINATED PROCESSION
When: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
Admission: Free
Take a stroll through Fernandina's historic district for an evening of music, food and aerial drone light show!
DICKENS ON CENTRE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10
Where: Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
Admission: Free
Travel back in time during the ninth annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach on beautiful Amelia Island. Free to the public, this Victorian holiday festival is sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Throughout the weekend, feel the spirit of the holiday with Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages, family fun in Tiny Tim's Kids Zone, including visits with St. Nick, holiday shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies and plenty of Christmas inspiration.
Special Events Include:
More fun — There will be holiday entertainment, vendors, a Parade of Paws, a Christmas Wish Tree and Letters to St. Nick. Movies to be shown at the Old Vic Theatre in Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone are: “The Santa Clause,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8; “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” 10:15 a.m. Dec. 9; “The Man Who Invented Christmas — The Charles Dickens Story,” noon Dec. 9; “Polar Express,” 2 p.m. Dec. 9; “Elf,” 4 p.m. Dec. 9; “The Santa Clause,” 6 p.m. Dec. 9; “The Man Who Invented Christmas — The Charles Dickens Story,” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10; “Elf,” 12:50 p.m. Dec. 10; “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” 3 p.m. Dec. 10.
For information, go to ameliaisland.com/dickens-on-centre.
NEW YEAR'S EVE SHRIMP DROP
When: 5-8 p.m. Dec. 31
Where: Historic Downtown Fernandina
Admission: Free
Light up Amelia with the City of Fernandina and Florida Public Utilities presents the annual New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop and fireworks display. This event features music, a laser show, food and non-food vendors and party favors courtesy of Florida Public Utilities. The shrimp drops at 7 p.m., followed by the fireworks display.
FOR MORE: Go to https://www.ameliaisland.com/activities/list/page/3/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
