Nights of Lights in St Augustine, FL – 2018 – 2019

Information and a schedule of events for the 25th Annual Nights of Lights Celebration in Saint Augustine, FL 

November 17th, 2018 –  February 3rd, 2019

Some of the Locals’ Guides favorite things to do in town are on the events schedule. The Christmas Tour of Homes is a must but sells out early. We love Ripleys Red Train, Get your tickets early as the VIP tickets sell fast. St. Augustine Biplane Rides, The Community Chorus and the Holiday Regatta are fun to do. Want to know one of  best ways to see the town all lit up? The Gold Tours are great for small groups. Don’t miss the Lighting ceremony on  November 17th, the Holiday Regatta on December 8th or Beach Blast Off on New Years Eve!

There is plenty to do and see in this enchanting city by the sea, so check out the calendar and plan your holiday cheer here!!!

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On November 17th, we light this beautiful city by the sea up with over three million lights. It’s a sight to behold!

Leading up to the occasion is a free concert and a countdown, and the ceremony is followed by more live music. This has been a popular annual tradition in St. Augustine for over 20 years, and is all the more festive now that the Nights of Lights has garnered worldwide attention as a top destination to see holiday lights.
The event opens with a live performance at 4:00 p.m. outside the Lightner Museum, followed by a rousing concert by the All Star Orchestra at the city’s Plaza de la Constitución at 5:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the countdown for the lighting begins. After the lighting, the band will play again until 8:00 p.m. The large Christmas tree in the Plaza will also be turned on so visitors can get photos for their holiday Christmas cards.
Every year, the City of St. Augustine chooses someone in the community to light the tree. This season, the honor goes to Miss Carrie Johnson, a Lincolnville native and graduate of Excelsior High School. For many years, Miss Carrie led an annual holiday caroling event in the city during Nights of Lights. As Mayor Nancy Shaver remarks: “One would be hard pressed to find a better example of real, honest joy than Miss Carrie’s radiant smile and cheerful greetings that always improve the day for anyone she meets.”
There is no designated parking. Meter parking is free after 5:00 p.m. Pay-to-park lots are available downtown. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility charges $15 per car for all-day parking, but handicapped parking is free.

Free Park & Ride Shuttle on Busiest Nights
The City of St. Augustine provides a free park and ride shuttle service on the busiest dates in November and December 2018 for visitors who have come to see the lights. The shuttle operates from 1 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with pick-ups approximately every 20 minutes.
The shuttle service begins on Light-Up! Night, November 17, 2018, which is the opening night of the annual holiday lighting event. The shuttle will continue on Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend (November 23 and 24) and then every Saturday in December (December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2018).
The shuttle brings visitors to the Visitor Information Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive from two locations north of the city:
• St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
• Parking Lot at the northern end of San Marco Ave, 301 San Marco Ave.
On Light-Up! Night (November 17) ONLY from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., a shuttle will run on Anastasia Island from the following locations to the east end of the Bridge of Lions.
Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340- C A1A South
R.B. Hunt Elementary, 125 Magnolia Dr.

Shuttle maps, click here

Reserve Ripley’s St Augustine Deals on Wheels Combo Tickets today!

 

 

Need more parking info? Click this link.

November 16th

Surf Illumination at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park  – November 16th, 2018

This colorful and exciting event complements the seasonal lighting of A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine Beach.  The event, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the pier, includes the ceremonial lighting of the Holiday Tree by the mayor, food and beverages offered by local restaurants and many local arts and crafts vendors providing convenient shopping for the holiday season.  Local restaurants offer food and beverages and many local arts and crafts vendors provide convenient shopping for the holiday season. The St. Augustine Youth Orchestra will return for another live performance. Santa is there, of course, along with musical performers and traditional carolers, making it fun for all.

350 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org 350 A1A Beach Blvd.

St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www.thecivicassociation.org

 

November 17th, 2018 – February 3rd, 2019

Nights of Lights

St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops.  Selected by National Geographic  over and over again as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.  Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 450-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories.

Ripleys Red Trains

Click Here to reserve tickets –  A local tip – Reserve VIP seats early

Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights tour provides a magical trip through St. Augustine’s beautiful Nights of Lights celebration. More than three million holiday lights twinkle in St. Augustine’s historic district during the Nights of Lights festival, which has received world-wide recognition and acclaim as one of the best places anywhere to see holiday light displays.
Relaxing aboard one of Ripley’s festive red trains for a “lightseeing” tour of the Nights of Lights, guests can delight in the special effects of their magical viewing glasses on the dazzling light displays, join in the holiday caroling, or just enjoy the company and the holiday spirit. The tour runs from November 18, 2018, through January 5, 2019 (excluding Christmas day), and on Friday and Saturdays only January 11 – 26, 2019. Hours are 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. See below for prices.
Additionally, on Friday and Saturday evenings from November 23 through December 22, 2018, Ripley’s will host a free Christmas party on the grounds of the Believe It or Not! Museum, which is the departure location for the Red Trains Nights of Lights tours. There will be holiday movies, performers, balloon artists, face painters, gifts from Santa, and a giant marshmallow pit.
Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights Tour offers a “no waiting” option with a reservation-based VIP tour that’s available only on Fridays and Saturdays. The price is slightly higher than the regular tour ($14.99 for adults and $5.99 for kids), but for those who want to avoid waiting in line it may be well worth it.
Admission: Tickets for the Ripley’s Nights of Lights Red Train are $11.99 for adults and $5.99 for kids. VIP tickets with reserved seating are available on Friday and Saturday nights only; prices are $14.99 for adults and $5.99 for kids.
Combo options are available for the 2018-19 season as well. The Combo Ticket (includes Nights of Lights Train, a one-day Red Train Pass, and a round of miniature golf at Bayfront Mini-Golf) is $30.99 for adults, $14.99 for kids ages 5-11, and $5.99 for kids ages 3 to 4. The Super Combo Tickets (includes Nights of Lights Train, one-day Red Train Pass, Mini-Golf, and ticket to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum) is $44.98 for adults, 22.98 for kids ages 5 to 11, and $5.99 for kids ages 3 to 4. The Nights of Lights Museum Combo includes the Nights of Lights tour and admission to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and is $23.98 for adults, $13.98 for kids ages 5 to 11, and $5.99 for kids ages 3 to 4.
When: Ripley’s Red Train Nights of Lights tours go out nightly, beginning on Sunday, November 18, 2018, and continuing through January 5, 2019, with the exception of Christmas Day. The tours will continue on Fridays and Saturdays only January 11 – 26, 2019. Tour times are from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Tours depart from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum at 19 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine.

Reserve tickets

November 17th

“Holly Jolly Shopping Spree”

Now that summer is over and cooler winds prevail, our eyes turn to our football, décor, and favorite recipes. At season’s end comes Thanksgiving, then colder weather and the enchanting noels of Christmas. The months come upon us so quickly. For those savvy planners who want a head start on holiday shopping – a chance to find thoughtful gifts and seasonal clothing – Colonial St. Augustine Foundation has organized a unique event just for you.

The 8th annual Holly Jolly Shopping Spree will be held on Saturday, November 17th from 9:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. Gifts, holiday decorations, and other special treasures will be there for the picking. It’s also an opportunity to support local Uptown businesses who so generously support our community.  you’ll catch a sightseeing trolley (Old Town Trolley Tours) for a journey designed specially for you—a whirlwind shop-a-thon that meanders from along San Marco Avenue, with lots of stops along the way.

The Holly Jolly Shopping Spree tour begins at the Old Jail at 167 San Marco Avenue, just north of downtown St. Augustine, where Carrera Wine Cellar will host their Sparkling Soirée from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., with complimentary sparkling wine. The Spice and Tea Exchange will offer cocktails and mocktails during the same time.
From there, guests will catch a trolley for a special tour of shopping in the Uptown San Marco area, with stops at participating retailers. Raintree Restaurant provides the delicious brunch (at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m.) included in the tour, where tour members have a chance to win raffle prizes and bid on silent auction items.
Participating retailers offer shopper discounts, special purchases and shopping bags full of samples. Free parking is available at Old Town Trolley’s main depot at the Old Jail, at 167 San Marco Ave.
Admission: Tickets are $45 per person and participants will choose the beneficiary during brunch. Price includes trolley ride, lunch, shopping bag and special offers. Options to reserve tables for 8 or 10 are available. Visit here for details on these options, to make reservations and to purchase tickets.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

http://www.colonialstaugustine.org

Nights of Lights

November 17th – February 3rd

Nights of Pints

Nights of Pints is a bar-hopping special offered by four local St. Augustine breweries during the Nights of Lights season 2018-19. Participants can enjoy a seasonal pint on the house at any time between November 17, 2018, and February 3, 2019, from any of these four breweries:
Ancient City Brewing Downtown Taproom, 18 Cathedral Place
Bog Brewing Company, 218 W King Street
Dog Rose Brewing, 77 Bridge Street
Old Coast Ales, 300 Anastasia Boulevard
For $30, participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and a passport that entitles them to a free pint at the four local breweries above at any time during the Nights of Lights event.

Oldest Wooden School House:

A Traditional Menorcan Christmas

Celebrate a Traditional Menorcan Christmas at The Oldest Wooden

British Night Watch

British Night Watch

School House. Located in what was known as the Menorcan

Quarter of historic St. Augustine, the School House dates back

to the 1700s. Stop in to see the beautiful museum and garden

lit by the soft glow of the Nights of Lights as well as a traditional

Christmas tree and decor.

The Oldest Wooden School House, located in the old Menorcan quarter of historic St. Augustine, presents a Traditional Menorcan Christmas display this year.
The museum and garden will be lit up with the white lights of the Nights of Lights, a tradition that stems from the white candles used during the holidays in Colonial times. Inside the School House, Menorcan decorations and a fully decked-out Christmas tree will set the stage for visitors to experience what it was like to celebrate Christmas in the late 1700s in St. Augustine.
When? November 17, 2018 – February 3, 2019. Winter hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day of the week of December 23, 2018 – January 3, 2019.
Where? The Oldest Wooden School House is located at 14 St. George Street in St. Augustine.
Admission: $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for children ages 6 – 12; kids under 6 are free.
For more information, call (904) 824-0192

St. Augustine. 904-824-0192 www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com

Tree Lighting November 23rd

The Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass offers a free holiday tree lighting ceremony for the whole family to enjoy. The event will take place from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., with the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018. There will be complimentary music and hot cocoa for everyone.
A buffet dinner follows the tree lighting ceremony for anyone interested in making a night of it. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (904) 543-5105.
Admission: The tree lighting ceremony is free. The optional dinner afterwards is $50.00 for adults and $25 for children ages 5–11.
When: From 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m.
Where: TPC Sawgrass is located at 110 Championship Way in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Holiday Regatta of Lights

Holiday Regatta of Lights

November 18th – January 2oth

Gold Tour’s Private Nights of Lights Tours –

This is the Locals’ Guides favorite tour of the town.

See the world renowned St Augustine lights on a tour aboard a

quiet electric vehicle. Travel the narrowest and quaintest streets

of the ancient city to see all the lights and historic buildings up

close.

Peter Gold, a retired English barrister and judge, narrates the tour. He is an experienced St. Augustine licensed tour guide and tells the story of the nation’s oldest city in his own inimitable English style.
The tours are 45 minutes long and must be booked in advance. They begin at 6:00 p.m. every night except Saturdays in December (due to the heavy traffic during this very popular month for visitors), from November 18, 2018, through January 20, 2019.
Admission: $100 for a private tour of up to six adults and one child.
When: Nightly (except Saturdays in December) from November 18, 2018, to January 20, 2019. Call or text (904) 325-0547 to book a tour.
Where: Gold Tours’ Nights of Lights tour departs from the Love Tree Café at 6 Cordova St. in St. Augustine.
For more information and to book a tour, call (904) 325-0547.

www.staugustinegoldtours.com

November 17th – February 3rd

Nights of Lights Biplane Tours.

Return to the Golden Age of Aviation on this magical sunset

biplane flight that features an aerial view of St. Augustine’s

unforgettable Nights of Lights! Heated open cockpit holds two

passengers for a view of the Oldest City glowing in its holiday

finery.

St. Augustine Biplane Tours offers a sunset tour with a Nights of Lights add on.
This bird’s-eye view of the nation’s oldest city glittering with 3 million lights is truly spectacular — and the colors of the setting sun are a dazzling combo.
The biplane’s closed cabin is heated and seats two.
Call (904) 625-1450 or visit here for more information and to book your flight.
Admission: Contact for pricing.
When? Tours are by reservation only, and are available every evening from November 17, 2018 – February 3, 2019.
Where? 4796 U.S. Highway N. at the St. Augustine Airport complex.

November 17th – January 3rd

Nights of Lights Sunset Sail on Board the Schooner Freedom

See the beautiful Nights of Lights from aboard the Schooner

Freedom. Daily sunset two-hour cruise on Matanzas Bay departs

from the St. Augustine City Marina.

Advance reservations are required for all the Nights of Lights sails, and seating is limited. Reserve by calling (904) 810-1010 or visiting here. All sails depart from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, which is located at 111 Avenida Menendez.
Nights of Lights Grand Illumination Ceremony Sail
On Light Up! night (Saturday, November 17, 2018), when the mayor of St. Augustine throws the switch to turn on the lights, the Schooner Freedom offers a special Nights of Lights Illumination Ceremony Sail. The two-hour sail departs from the marina at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, which includes complimentary soda, water, beer, wine and hot chocolate if the weather is cold. Seating is limited, so early reservations are recommended.
When: On Saturday, November 17, 2018, only.
Nights of Lights Sunset Sails
After the Illumination Night Sail on November 18, the Schooner Freedom offers nightly Nights of Lights Sunset Sails through January 6, 2019. The Nights of Lights Sunset Sail departs at 4:15 p.m. and lasts two hours. The $50 per person rate includes complimentary soda, water, beer, wine and hot chocolate.
When: Nightly sails from November 18, 2018 to January 6, 2019.
Nights of Lights Moonlight Sails
Schooner Freedom also offers Moonlight Sails on Fridays and Saturdays only during Nights of Lights. These sails go out from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m., and include live music along with soda, water, beer, win, and hot chocolate. Blankets are provided on chilly nights. Reservations are required.
When: Fridays and Saturdays from November 18, 2018, to January 6, 2019.

www.schoonerfreedom.com

December 1 – January 3

Oldest Wooden School House: A Traditional Menorcan Christmas

Celebrate a Traditional Menorcan Christmas at The Oldest Wooden

School House. Located in what was known as the Menorcan Quarter

of historic St. Augustine, the School House dates back to the 1700s.

Stop in to see the beautiful museum and garden lit by the soft glow

of the Nights of Lights as well as a traditional Christmas tree and

decor. Winter hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday – Thursday & 9 a.m.

– 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well as the week of December

23 – January 3. Admission is $4.95 for adults; $3.95 for children ages

6 -12, under 6 free. 14 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-824-0192

www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com

Flagler College Winter Concert November 19th

Flagler College kicks off the holiday season with their Winter Concert on Monday, November 19, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.
The concert takes place in the Rotunda at Ponce de Leon Hall and features the college’s Chorale, a non-auditioned group of singers from a variety of majors and backgrounds, along with the audition-only Chamber Choir. This year will be the third annual performance for the vocal groups.
“It’s a nice send-off before Thanksgiving to help establish the mood of the season: one of joy and sharing,” said musical theater Assistant Professor Kip Taisey.
Admission: Free
When: Monday, November 19, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Flagler Rotunda is located in the main Flagler building (Ponce de Leon Hall) at 74 King St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.

December 5th

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum goes all out for Luminary Night, offering children’s activities and holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments, and live music, including a string quartet inside the Lighthouse tower.
Guests also get a close-up look at the St. Augustine Lighthouse’s spectacular holiday decorations and lighting displays. Nautical ornaments are donated by people from all over the country to grace the Christmas Tree set up in the Lighthouse Keepers’ House, and another tree, covered with glowing white lights, is set up inside the Lighthouse tower itself. Guests can climb the Lighthouse tower to see St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the top – it’s a spectacular view!
The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum has a couple of new experiences that guests can enjoy: the Legends of Light exhibition and the Maritime Archaeology & Education Center, which has special viewing spaces of the archaeology conservation lab and a View-From-the-Top Experience.
When: December 5, 2018, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 100 Red Cox Road in St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080, around the corner from the fire station and across from the Alligator Farm.
Parking is available onsite. For more information, please call (904) 829-0745

Holiday in the Gardens December 9th, 2018

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park hosts its annual Holiday in the Garden event, full of seasonal family activities, on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, the Holiday in the Gardens Celebration includes activities for the whole family, with holiday music, photos with Santa, children’s arts and crafts, and a variety of holiday-themed vendors.
Admission: Free entry with toy or canned good donation.
When: Sunday, December 9, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located at 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd. in Palm Coast FL 32137.
For more information, call (386) 446-6783 or visit here.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a Florida State Park located near Palm Coast, Florida, along A1A. The park is most famous for its formal gardens, but it also preserves the original habitat of a northeast Florida barrier island.

9th Annual Candlelight Tour of Villa Zorayda

Experience a holiday Candlelight Tour of St. Augustine’s beautiful

Villa Zorayda Museum. A spectacular Christmas tree and over 100

candles are aglow throughout the museum.

The Villa Zorayda offers their 9th Annual Candlelight Tours of the Museum on select dates during the holidays. As part of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights festivities, the Villa Zorayda’s popular Candlelight Tours take visitors on guided adventures through this exotic museum. Over one hundred candles illuminate the tours throughout this unusual former home. Lavish Christmas decorations in Zorayda colors of red and gold are everywhere, with a spectacular Christmas tree taking center stage in the interior Court of Lions.
Candlelight Tours are led by docents. The 90-minute tour begins at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m., depending on whether or not it is a tour that includes refreshments. The tour on Saturday, December 1, 2018, which does not include refreshments, starts earlier than normal (5:30 p.m.) so guests can attend the Colonial Night Watch parade at 7:00 p.m. that evening.
Refreshments include homemade Christmas cookies and punch, and are offered at 6:00 p.m. See schedule below for dates and times of tours both with refreshments and without. Visit here for more information. Space is limited, so reservations are required, which can be made by calling (904) 829-9887.

Community Chorus Concert – December 15th and 16th

The St. Augustine Community Chorus will perform a Christmas program entitled “Gaudete! Rejoice!” in their annual holiday performances at the Cathedral Basilica on Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16, 2018.
As it does every year, this holiday concert will feature selections from Handel’s Messiah, including the traditional sing-along of the “Hallelujah Chorus.” For more information, please visit here.
These annual concerts are a well-loved Christmas tradition in St. Augustine. The music is beautiful and the venue is simply stunning.
Admission: Tickets purchased online in advance are $20 for adults, $12 for youth ages 11 – 17, $5.00 for active-duty military with ID, and free for children under 11.
When: There are two performances: at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2018.
Where: The Cathedral Basilica is located at 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine FL 32084.
The St. Augustine Community Chorus was founded in 1948. Visit here for more information.

December 2nd

Annual Garden Club Christmas Tour of Homes –

This annual tour showcases holiday decorations at a selection of

St. Augustine’s most outstanding private homes.  Enjoy a taste of nostalgia in the

colorful and natural floral decorations and arrangements designed

and hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine.

A delightful tea is included in the ticket price. The tour takes place

from noon – 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 and should be purchased in

advance because of limited availability; $30 the day of the tour. 904-

797-0660 http://gardenclubofstaugustine.org/tourofhomes.html

December 8th 2018

Regatta of Lights

This is a fun family event sure to get you in to the spirit of Christmas.

Annual holiday parade of motorized vessels – sailboats, trawlers,

shrimp boats and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted

displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Awards will be made

for the best theme, most colorful, best in class and best overall.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas

Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. This is a Locals favorite for sure.

The Regatta of Lights is hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club.

904-824-9725 www.staugustineyachtclub.com

December 8th – 9th

Winter Spectacular

The Dance Company of St. Augustine presents its Winter Spectacular every year in the Lewis Auditorium of Flagler College. There will be two performances in 2018: at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Filled with a variety of dance styles, characters, and holiday scenes, the Winter Spectacular kicks off the holiday season. The Dance Company’s holiday production features its elite Performance Ensemble of 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 great way for visitors and locals alike to get into the mood for the holidays.
The Dance Company provides artistic and technical education in a variety of dance styles for aspiring and professional dancers in the St. Augustine area.
Admission: Tickets for the performances vary depending on time of purchase. They range from $15 to $20 if purchased in advance online and from $20 to $30 (if available, and cash or check only) if purchased at the door on the day of the performance.
When: At 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, is located at 14 Granada St.

25th Annual Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour –   December 8th and 9th

St. Augustine Historic Inns presents its Silver Jubilee Anniversary tour of over 20 downtown bed and breakfasts decorated for the holidays. This 25th Annual Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour will take place on Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9, 2018. Additionally, a number of museums, historical sites, and other cultural partners will be open in conjunction with the tour on both days and on the bonus day of Monday, December 10, 2018.
Guests are given a tour guide package with a map to help them navigate the tour. Along with showing off their best Christmas presentations, the bed and breakfasts partner with some of the finest restaurants in the area to provide delicious food and drink throughout the tour. Each inn partners with one restaurant or culinary specialist, so the samplings are representative of the best each individual local restaurant has to offer.
Tickets go on sale on Monday, September 3, 2018, and are good for all three days of the tour. The price is $40.00 through the month of September, increasing to $45.00 beginning October 1. The tour fills up quickly, so everyone is encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible. Visit here after September 3, 2018, to purchase tickets.
The Saturday tour features bed and breakfasts on the south side of the downtown area, while Sunday’s tour showcases the inns on the north side of the historic district. Monday is the bonus day that includes several museums, attractions, and cultural organizations, some of which are also available to visit on Saturday and Sunday. Please see below for a complete schedule for each day. Visit here for the most up-to-date list of participating inns and restaurants.
This is a self-guided walking tour. Each day, the inns are grouped into distinct geographical areas to keep the walking to a minimum, and there is also an option to hop on the complimentary Old Town Trolley shuttle. Though the shuttle doesn’t stop at every inn, it makes several stops at strategic locations along the route to provide guests with a break from walking. The Trolley shuttle will operate from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on every day of the tour except Monday. Instead of the complimentary shuttle service on Monday, December 10, Old Town Trolleys will offer tour participants a $10 discount on a full-day ticket for the regular trolley tour.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Participating Inns and Restaurants in South Area (1 – 5 p.m.)
Peace and Plenty Inn (87 Cedar St.) Restaurant Partner: Carrera Wine Cellar
Old City House Inn (115 Cordova St.) Restaurant Partner: Old City House Restaurant
Casa de Solana (21 Aviles St.) Restaurant Partner: Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille
Bayfront Marin (142 Avenida Menendez) Restaurant Partner: Taberna Del Caballo
At Journey’s End (89 Cedar St.) Restaurant Partner: Catch 27
St. Francis Inn (279 St. George St.) Restaurant Partner: Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood
Cedar House Inn (79 Cedar St.) Restaurant Partner: Collage Restaurant
Bayfront Westcott House (146 Avenida Menendez) Restaurant Partners: Bayfront Westcott Kitchen
Penny Farthing Inn (87 Cedar St.) Restaurant Partner: San Sebastian Winery
Kenwood Inn (38 Marine St.) Restaurant Partner: O.C. White’s Restaurant
Victorian House (11 Cadiz St.) Restaurant Partner: Chatsworth Pub
The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens (149 Cordova St.) Restaurant Partner: St. Augustine Distillery
Museums and Galleries on Saturday Tour (12 – 4 p.m.):
St. Augustine Art Association (22 Marine Street)
Father Miguel O’Reilly House (32 Aviles Street)
Government House (48 King Street)
Lincolnville Museum (102 Martin Luther King Avenue)
Trinity Episcopal Church (215 St. George Street)
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Participating Inns and Restaurants in North Area (1 – 5 p.m.):
Centennial House (26 Cordova St.) Restaurant Partner: Carrera Wine Cellar
Casablanca Inn (24 Avenida Menendez) Restaurant Partner: Brunch Cafe
63 Orange Street B&B Restaurant Partner: Florida Cracker Cafe
Old Powder House (38 Cordova St.) Restaurant Partner: Blackfly Restaurant
Carriage Way B&B (70 Cuna St.) Restaurant Partners: St. Augustine Distillery and Barley Republic
Inn on Charlotte (52 Charlotte St.) Restaurant Partner: La Pentola
Casa de Sueños (20 Cordova St.) Restaurant Partners: Mojo BBQ & Gifted Cork
Saragossa Inn (34 Saragossa St.) Restaurant Partner: The Floridian
Agustin Inn (29 Cuna St.) Restaurant Partner: Michael’s Tasting Room
44 Spanish Street B&B. Restaurant Partner: Ice Plant Restaurant
Castle Garden (15 Shenandoah St.) Restaurant Partner: Amici’s Italian Restaurant
Museums and Galleries on Sunday tour (12 – 4 p.m.):
St. Augustine Art Association (22 Marine Street
Colonial Oak Music Park (33 St. George Street)
Father Miguel O’Reilly House (32 Aviles Street)
Government House (48 King Street)
Lightner Museum (75 King Street)
Oldest House Museum (14 St. Francis Street)
Peña-Peck House Museum (143 St. George Street)
Monday, December 10, 2018
Museums and Galleries on Monday Tour (12 – 4 p.m.):
St. Augustine Art Association (22 Marine Street)
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (100 Red Cox Rd.)
Colonial Oak Music Park (33 St. George Street)
Father Miguel O’Reilly House (32 Aviles Street)
Government House (48 King Street)
Lightner Museum (75 King Street)
Oldest House Museum (14 St. Francis Street)
Peña-Peck House Museum (143 St. George Street)
Lincolnville Museum (102 Martin Luther King Avenue)
Trinity Episcopal Church (215 St. George Street)
Villa Zorayda Museum (83 King Street)
Tour participants will receive a packet containing all this information and a map when they pick up their tickets. Tour participants may begin at any inn which is on the tour that day and see them in any order they choose.
Major sponsors in 2018 include Herbie Wiles Insurance, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the St. Augustine Record, and Old Town Trolley Tours.
Admission: $40.00 per person from September 3 to 30, 2018. $45.00 per person after October 1, 2018. Ticket is good for all three days.
When: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, December 8, 9, and 10, 2018. Hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for the bed and breakfast tours, and from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for the museums and cultural organizations on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday,
Where: Participants can begin at any inn on the tour that day. Each inn will have tour packages available; tour participants need only bring their receipt of purchase.
For additional information, please visit here.

December 31st

Beach Blast-Off 2018 – 2019

Kick off 2019 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach

event! Voted the Best Family New Year’s Event in Florida, Beach

Blast Off features The Comfort Zone offering 30 food vendors and a beer, champagne and wine tent. Local bands provide the music and a 65-inch TV keeps everyone up-to-the-minute with the New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square and around the world. This year’s event features a rock wall, and a mechanical bull, and other rides. The Kids’ Zone area includes several inflatables and activities such as face painting and balloon twisting.

The event is 4-10 p.m. at  8:30 p.m., a huge fireworks show ushers in the New Year! Admission is free.

350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach.

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