City prepares for season of music and lights

Historic City News readers are reminded that St. Augustine served as the capital of Spanish La Florida for nearly 250 years. During that time, the residents marked the holiday season with a single white candle burning in a window at each home.

Today, the Nights of Lights continue that happy tradition in a grand style that reflects the city’s 445 years of history.

In addition to the enjoyment that comes from strolling the ancient streets lit by the glowing lights or enjoying the nightly reflection of lights on the waters of Matanzas Bay, both visitors and residents can enjoy a wide range of memorable events, including:

November 19 – January 2
WINTER WONDERLAND AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Winter Wonderland features a real ice skating rink, ice slide, Elf Express train rides, The Elf Village, sleigh rides and SNOW! There are even scheduled visits from Santa. St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A St. Augustine. Hours are November 19 through December 17, Monday through Thursday 4 to 10 p.m.; Fridays from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sundays noon to 10 p.m.; and December 18 through January 2, Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. Admission is free with activity participation fees. For more information, call 904.209.0367 or visit www.WinterWonderlandFlorida.com.

November 19 & 20
HOLIDAY SHOPPES
Get extraordinary one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from hand-picked vendors at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. Gifts for the whole family! Proceeds benefit the Center’s art programs. For more information, visit www.ccpvb.org or call 904.280.0614.

November 20 – January 31
17th ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION
Selected by AAA in 2009 as one of the 12 best events for holiday cheer in the U.S. and Canada and named one of the American Bus Association’s top 100 destinations for 2011, Nights of Lights is a two-month long celebration of the Holiday Season. More than two million tiny white lights glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest city. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s 445-year history while creating a beautiful setting for the holidays through January 31. For more information, call 800.653.2489 or visit www.NightsofLights.com.

November 26 & 27, December 18, 27- 30
CANDLE LIGHT TOURS OF VILLA ZORAYDA
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda, decorated for the Holiday season, featuring a Christmas tree in the “Court of Lions”, decorated in the Villa’s traditional red and gold and a beautiful crèche nativity scene that that has been a Villa tradition since the 1930s. Starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Then the guided candlelight tour begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street in St. Augustine. Reservations are suggested. For more information, visit www.VillaZorayda.com or call 904.829.9887.

November 27 & 28
FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. Enjoy unplugged entertainment, plein air artists at work, and the Kids Art Zone. One of the region’s most prestigious juried art festivals, it takes place at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility located on West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. The festival is sponsored by the St. Augustine Art Association and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

November 27 & January 29
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
Galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open from 5 to 9 p.m. and feature book signings, live music, refreshments and other activities. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. For more information, call 904.823.9263.

December 1
LUMINARY NIGHT AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
See the lights of old St. Augustine from the top of the tower as well as the twinkling glow of hundreds of luminaries far below! Bring the kids, enjoy holiday music, cider, and even take time out to visit Santa! Luminary night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue on Anastasia Island. For more information, call 904.829.0745.

December 3 and January 7
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries – plus, great food courtesy of the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com .

December 3 & 4, 10 & 11 and 17- 23
SANTA’S FAMILY FUN HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Visit Santa’s Village and Toy Workshop for holiday family fun in St. Augustine. Children will get to make his /her own ornament, enjoy holiday treats and visit with the jolly old elf himself – Santa! Fun for kids of all ages, admission is $3 per person or free with the purchase of a Red Sightseeing Nights of Lights Train ticket. Santa’s Village takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sightseeing Trains Depot on the corner of Orange Street and Cordova Street. For more information, call 904.829.6545 or visit www.redtrains.com.

December 3
BRITISH NIGHT WATCH OPENING EVENTS
Get immersed in St. Augustine’s British history when at 4 p.m. three captured signers of the Declaration of Independence arrive to be imprisoned. It’s a raucous occasion until order is restored at the City Gate, Plaza de la Constitucion and Government House. For more information, call 904.819.2629 or visit www.britishnightwatch.org.

December 4 & 5
BRITISH ENCAMPMENT AND GRANDE ILLUMINATION
Experience life in St. Augustine during the 1763-1784 British occupation of the old city. The British encampment, located at the Colonial Spanish Quarter at 29 St. George Street, is open 9 a.m. to dusk. Activities include Fife and Drum Corps, authentic 18th century British soldiers, musket competitions and more. At 8 p.m., the Grande Illumination and British Night Watch Parade, an impressive pageantry of color and light that reflects the customs of St. Augustine’s 18th Century British occupants, begins at the Government House on the Plaza de la Constitucion. Following the parade, the British Governor’s holiday proclamation is read and soldiers fire their muskets in a Volley of Joy to salute the season! Free admission. For more information, call 904.829.5318 or go to britishnightwatch.org.

December 4
ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS
St. Augustine Community Orchestra features a guest Chorus and offers holiday season classics amid the historical and artistic beauty of Lightner Museum. The performance takes place at 8 p.m. in Lightner Museum, 75 King Street in St. Augustine. Admission is $10 for adults and children are free. For more information, call 904.825.1766 or go to: www.staugustineorchestra.com.

December 4
56TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE
The 56th Annual Christmas Parade has grown to be one of the largest parades in north Florida and includes floats, marching bands, cars, horses, and the arrival of Santa. The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on West Castillo Dr. For more information, call 904.824.4997.

December 4
SURF ILLUMINATION
Light up your evening at St. Augustine Beach’s Surf Illumination. This sparkling event includes the ceremonial lighting of the seasonal tree, city buildings and the park facilities with nautical-themed displays. Food and beverages are available and local arts and crafts vendors provide convenient shopping for the holiday season. It all takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion on A1A. For more information, call 904.347.8007 or visit www.thecivicassociation.com.

December 5
ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA WITH CHORUS
St. Augustine Community Orchestra with a guest Chorus offers holiday season classics at 3 p.m. at Switzerland Community Church, 2179 State Road 13, Switzerland, Florida. Admission is $10 for adults and children are admitted free. For more Information, call 904.825.1766 or go to: www.staugustineorchestrra.com.

December 5
42nd ANNUAL GARDEN CLUB CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES
Enjoy the St. Augustine Garden Club’s annual tour showcasing eight private homes along the city’s southern Bayfront. These beautifully-decorated historic Florida style homes give participants a taste of nostalgia in the colorful floral decorations and arrangements composed of natural materials designed and hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine. Tickets include admission to a Tea and Boutique held in the Trinity Episcopal Church Hall on Artillery Lane. The Red Train will provide complimentary transport for visitors between homes and the Downtown Historic Parking Facility. The tour takes place from noon to 5 p.m. The Tea and Boutique starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 day of tour. For more information, call 904.826.0024 or visit www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org .

December 10 – January 9
G.I. HOLIDAY JUKEBOX AT LIMELIGHT THEATRE
Set during Christmas in World War II, four fictitious Hollywood stars put together a string of 1940s hits to entertain the boys at the front. The show takes place at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and military. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org .

December 11
REGATTA OF LIGHTS
Beginning at 6 p.m., a holiday parade of boats including sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels featuring brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. Awards will be made for the best theme, most colorful, best in class, and best overall. The Regatta of Lights is sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. For more information, call 904.824.9725 or visit www.sayc2000.com.

December 11 & 12
17TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOUR OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS
Tour St. Augustine’s historic Bed and Breakfast Inns, all decorated in Holiday finery. In addition to enjoying each Inn’s dazzling Christmas season displays, tour participants will enjoy taste treats provided by St. Augustine’s leading restaurants. The tour takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and half on Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 each after November 20. Proceeds from the Holiday Tour will go to local charities. For more information, visit www.staugustineinns.com.

December 11 & 12
HANDEL’S MESSIAH AND OTHER SEASONAL MUSIC
The St. Augustine Community Choir presents its annual holiday performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and other seasonal music. The concerts, conducted by Ted Mathews, take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Cathedral Basilica located 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Students with I.D. and children 12 and under are $5. For more information, visit www.StAugustineCommunityChorus.org.

December 12
PILOT CLUB LUMINARIES
See the Lightner Museum all aglow from 5 to 8 p.m. when the St. Augustine Pilot Club presents hundreds of candlelit luminaries. This event is sponsored by and benefits the Pilot Club. For more information, call 904.824.2486.

December 12
BEACHES UNPLUGGED CONCERT
Enjoy local musicians performing a variety of music live on stage at this program that is part of a series of free community concerts in Ponte Vedra. The concert takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. For more information, call 904.280.0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

December 17 – 19
ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY BALLET PRESENTS NUTCRACKER
Enjoy a holiday classic filled with spectacular scenery, beautiful Sugar Plum Fairies, falling snow, dancing mice, fighting soldiers and of course, the Nutcracker. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for preferred seating. For more information, call 904.810.5670 or visit www.saintaugustinecommunityballet.com.

December 31
BEACH BLAST OFF 2011
Kick off 2011 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach event! 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 8 p.m. After things cool off from the chili – the Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. This display will delight visitors and help usher in the New Year! Admission is free. The Beach Blast takes place at the St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach. For more information, visit www.beachblastoff.com.

JANUARY

January 8
TWELFTH NIGHT BALL
Relive the old tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany with a costume ball at St. Augustine’s Government House. Participants must be dressed in 18th century costume of any nation, as well as bring one pot luck dish and wine, if so desired. Each attendee should also provide his or her own antique plate and eating utensils. Turkey, ham and punch will be served. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per couple or $15 for an individual. For more information and advance ticket purchase, call 904.794.2507 or email chkdale@comcast.net

January 8
SORDS AND PONTREMOLI VIOLIN AND PIANO
Violinist Andrew Sords, one of the preeminent faces of classical violin and pianist Anita Pontremoli will perform together at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com.

January 19
SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR
Enjoy the sunset and moonrise and the last chance to view St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine – the top of the Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee for the event, which includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, and light refreshments, provided by The Reef, is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. For more information, call 904.829.0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.com.

January 22
30th ANNUAL MATANZAS 5K & FUN RUN
Take the lead, just keep pace, or cheer from the sidelines at one of
St. Augustine’s most popular races. This 5K run begins from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine, and continues downtown along the bay front. The race begins at 9 a.m. with an awards ceremony after the race. Registration is $15 in advance, $25 the day of the race. For more information, please call Nancy Hollingsworth 904.797.7575 or visit www.ancientcityrr.org.

January 22
AN EVENING OF SWING
Celebrate a vibrant moment in St. Augustine’s history when German saboteurs and submarines were at our beaches and the Coast Guard replaced our town’s tourist economy. This big band concert and swing dance will be headlined by the acclaimed 18 piece Florida Swing Orchestra, with highlights such as a stirring “Tribute to Our Armed Forces” and an opening floor demonstration of the evolution of swing dance. It all takes place from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 190 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35 general admission; $45 for reserved seating. For more information, visit www.RomanzaFl.org or call 904.794.7564.

January 22 & 23
FIRST COAST OPERA – TOSCA
Enjoy Pucinni’s classic opera Tosca. This opera is sung in Italian with supertitles in English. The performances take place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For tickets or more information, call 904.417.5555 or visit www.firstcoastopera.com.

January 29
TRIO SOLISTI PIANO TRIO
These threebrilliant musicians – violinist Maria Bachmann, cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach and pianist Jon Klibonoff – have earned a reputation for soulful and passionate performances marked by virtuosity, high energy, seamless ensemble playing and thrilling abandon. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call 904.797.2800 or visit
www.emmaconcerts.com.