Holiday entertainment around St Augustine

St. Augustine Visitors and Convention Bureau Communications Director Jay Humphreys informed Historic City News reporters that Nights of Lights is right around the corner.

The 18th annual edition of St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights will sparkle to life at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19 when the flick of a switch will illuminate the oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny, white lights.

Selected in 2009 by AAA as one of the 12 best places in the United States and Canada to experience holiday cheer and named last year as one of the Top 100 events in the U.S. by the American Bus Association, the Nights of Lights provides a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31.

To add to this year’s excitement, the iconic Bridge of Lions will once again provide an incredible display of lights. For the past five years, the bridge has been dark during the Nights of Lights due to a complete renovation and re-construction. This year, the bridge and the two new parks at each end, will add tens of thousands of lights to the spectacular lighting display.

The inaugural St. Augustine Marathon will take place November 19 and 20. Featuring a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids’ races, the event provides a fun, family weekend of running through the streets of the nation’s oldest city combined with the holiday splendor of the Nights of Lights. Winners will get to drink from the Grail of Endurance filled with fresh spring water from the world famous Fountain of Youth.

In addition, on November 26, Winter Wonderland returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with outdoor ice skating, a giant ice slide, carriage rides, fun for all ages and snow each evening – guaranteed through January 1.

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 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

MAYOR’S HOLIDAY LIGHTING GALA

Be a part of St. Augustine Mayor’s Holiday Lighting Gala. The fun begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Government House at 5:30pm. At 6:30 p.m., from the King’s Balcony, the Mayor will welcome the crowds in the Plaza de la Constitucion, for the Nights of Lights Lighting Ceremony. Following the Lighting Ceremony, Gala participants will be led by a 1740 Color Guard to the Courtyard of the historic Lightner Museum, located at 78 King Street, for dinner catered by Casa Monica Hotel, dancing to the music of The Committee and a silent auction. Tickets are $150.per person. All proceeds benefit the St. Francis House Transitional Housing Project. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 904.825.1004.

November 19 & 20

ST. AUGUSTINE MARATHON WEEKEND

Put on your running shoes and participate in a foot-race that suites your running level. On Saturday there will be a 10K run at 7 a.m.; a Family 5K Run at 7:15 a.m.; and the St. Augustine’s Kids Race at 9:30 a.m. Then on Sunday at 6:05 a.m., the St. Augustine Full Marathon & Half Marathon wheelchair participant starts and at 6:15 a.m. the St. Augustine Full Marathon & Half Marathon starts. The Marathon course will be USATF certified. Each run take place at various locations between St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach and Crescent Beach. For more information and registration, visit www.StAugustineMarathon.com or call 305.716.1111.

November 19

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS LIGHT UP NIGHT ABOARD VICTORY III

Hop aboard the Victory III Scenic Cruise at the St. Augustine Marina to watch the city come to light during the 18th annual lighting of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Boarding is at 6 p.m. aboard the Victory III located at St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 11 Avenida Menendez, just south of the Bridge of Lions. Tickets are $17.76 (includes tax) for all ages and include free hot cocoa and cookies.. For additional information call (04.824.1806 ext 210 or visit www.scenic-cruise.com.

November 19 – January 31

ST. AUGUSTINE GOLD TOURS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Tour the dazzling display of lights in comfort and style with just 7 passengers on all electric silent shuttle bus with individual seat restraints. All tours are $7 (inclusive of 3D glasses) starting and finishing at the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street where the kids can meet Santa.

Tours take place each night, except Tuesday from 5 till 10 p.m. For more information, call 904.325.0547, or visit www.staugustinegoldtours.com.

November 20 – January 1

SANTA’S BIG RED CHRISTMAS TRAIN

Come ride Santa’s Big Red Christmas Train this Ho-Ho-Holiday Season! Get into the holiday spirit as our Big Red Trains transport you through our magical city to view the Nights of Lights celebration nightly from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 -9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $7 for adults ages 12 and over and $3 for children ages 3-1. Ticket includes complimentary magical glasses that make the light displays extra amazing. December 2nd through 24th tours include stops at Santa’s Village and Prancer’s Putt-Putt for only $1 each! 904.824.1606 www.redtrains.com

November 20 – December 31

HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR

Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine’s historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Each guest will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses that will enhance the twinkle and glimmer of the lights. And, children and adults alike will get the chance to meet Santa during the tour. Tours are nightly and take place between 6 and 8 p.m., departing from the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, located at 11 W. Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call 904.829.3800.

November 20 -January 31

PRIVATE NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR CHARTERS

Plan a private tour of the Nights of Lights for your large group. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a special 40 minute tour for groups of 20 or more. Tours are available in advance every nights except Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Private tour rates are $9 for adults and $4 for children. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center, located at 11 W Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.3800.

November 25 & 26; December 2 & 3; December 9 &10; December 16 & 17; 23; 27; and 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 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Then the guided candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 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.villaZoryada.com or call 904.829.9887.

November 26 – January 1

WINTER WONDERLAND AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE

Bring the whole family to enjoy St. Augustine’s Winter Wonderland which 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. Adults are welcome to relax and enjoy refreshments in the Igloo Lounge (21 and up only). St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A St. Augustine. Hours are November 26 through December 16, Monday through Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m..; and December 17 through January 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. daily except Christmas Day (5 – 10 p.m.) and New Year’s Eve (noon to 5 p.m.) Admission is free with activity participation fees. For more information, call 904.209.0367 or visit www.WinterWonderlandFlorida.com.

November 26, December 31 and January 28

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

Enjoy the Nights of Lights, experience live music, refreshments, new exhibits, book signings and much more at the galleries, antique stores and unique shops on St. Augustine’s San Marco Avenue between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios. The Mission Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING. For more information, call 904.823.9263.

November 26

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: WOLFGANG DAVID & DAVID GOMPPER

Enjoy a musical presentation by international violin recitalist Wolgang David and pianist/composer David Gompper at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25 per person. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.

November 26 & 27

46TH ANNUAL FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. More than 150 artists from around the USA are juried into this Thanksgiving Weekend art festival 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 takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

DECEMBER

December 2

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at more than 20 St. Augustine art galleries. Park for free at the San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street, where sightseeing trains and trolleys offer free round-trips to the heart of the art district – or go on your own self-guided art walk. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com.

December 2

BRITISH NIGHT WATCH OPENING CEREMONIES

Publicly declare your support for King George III in an authentic St. Augustine celebration from 1776. At 4 p.m., gather in the Plaza de la Constitucion and receive the news of the heinous Declaration of Independence. Join the loyal St. Augustine Garrison and townsfolk as they hang the traitors John Hancock and Sam Adams in effigy and march them to and fro. Meet beneath the balcony of Government House to learn of the rebellious acts of the “patriots” in northern colonies. Redcoats will be on alert to quell any dissention from the crowd. Experience a colonial mob firsthand! For the latest information, go to www.britishnightwatch.org

December 2 – 11

7th ANNUAL ST JOHNS COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE

The St. Johns County Convention Center and Renaissance World Golf Village Resort will showcase trees and wreaths decorated and donated by local businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. The display will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. Admission is free. The trees and wreathes will be part of a silent auction and visitors will also be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorites. Proceeds will benefit the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County. The World Golf Village is located at Exit 323 off I-95 in St. Augustine. For more information, visit the events calendar at www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

December 2 – 30

LIMELIGHT THEATRE: DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL

Enjoy this family-friendly performance about two bumbling duck hunters in the Alabama swamp manage to shoot an angel and are then pursued by the tabloid media. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 730 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All performances take place at the Limelight Theatre, located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. 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 2 – 30

FANTASTIC FLORIDA ART EXHIBIT

Stop in to the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery to view artistic impressions at one of the Association’s most popular shows that exhibits celebrates the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna that make Florida fantastic. The gallery is located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

December 3

SURF ILLUMINATION

Light up your evenings when the Surf Illumination complements the seasonal lighting of A1A Beach Boulevard. The event includes the ceremonial lighting of the seasonal tree by the Mayor. Food and beverages are offered by local restaurants and many local arts and crafts vendors provide convenient shopping for the holiday season. Santa, musical performers and traditional carolers make it fun for all. This season’s lighting will be expanded to illuminate four buildings and most of the trees at Pier Park, creating St. Augustine Beach’s winter wonderland. For more information, call Robert Samuels at 904.347.8007.

December 3, 10 & 17

DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE

Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.

December 3

57TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE

The 57th 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. by the Mission of Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Dr. Pictures with Santa will follow in the Plaza de la Constitucion. For more information, call 904.824.4997.

December 3

PAL DAY

Military service personnel and families enjoy a free day at area attractions on the town, sponsored by the Greater Jacksonville USO. Please bring your military ID. A free lunch will be provided at The St.Augustine Elks Lodge, 1420 A1A S 471-2829 If you have any questions regarding this event, please visit www.jaxuso.org

December 3

BRITISH CAMP OPENS

At 9 a.m., enter St. Augustine’s Francis Field and experience Colonial Market Days featuring 18th century musicians and itinerant travelling performers that will delight all ages. Marvel at the skill of a Colonial Conjurer, watch a Punch and Judy Puppet Show, and enjoy the balancing act of Signora Bella. At 1 p.m., learn about Colonial Clothing of the era, when the Parade of Fashion is presented at 1 p.m. Then witness British Redcoats drill, meet a British Army Surgeon, interact with Townsfolk concerned about their liberty, immerse yourself in 18th lifestyles & politics of St. Augustine. For more details, go to www.britishnightwatch.org .

December 3

THE GRANDE ILLUMINATION PARADE

March to the fifes and drums down the same St. Augustine streets marched through by British troops over 200 years ago. Then form up for the parade at 7:45 p.m. in front of Government House. The parade proper starts at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd. Non-reenactors and other persons who wish to march along with the parade are invited to fall in behind the Civilians and Distaff. Candles will be made available for a donation from 18th Century Folk in the west garden of the Cathedral Basilica. For further information and updates, go to www.britishnightwatch.org

December 4

43rd ANNUAL GARDEN CLUB CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

Enjoy the St. Augustine Garden Club’s annual tour that showcases a selection of St. Augustine’s most outstanding private homes. These beautiful decorated historic Florida style homes, welcome you to enjoy a taste of nostalgia in the colorful floral decorations and floral arrangements composed of natural materials designed and hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine. In addition, your ticket includes a delightful tea. The tour takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $20. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org.

December 10

REGATTA OF LIGHTS

Regale your eyes with a holiday parade of boats from 15 to 85 feet in length – 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 Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. 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 10

REGATTA OF LIGHTS ABOARD THE VICTORY III

Hop aboard the Victory III to be a part of St. Augustine’s Annual Regatta of Lights. Board this double-decker sightseeing tour boat at the City Marina, located at 11 Avenida Menendez (just south of the Bridge of Lions). Tickets are $25 per person and include hot cocoa, hot apple cider and cookies. For additional information call 904.824.1806 ext210 or visit www.scenic-cruise.com.

December 10

SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR

Enjoy the sunset, moonrise and Night 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, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.StAugustineLighthouse.com, or to reserve a spot, call 904.829.0745.

December 9 & 11

ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA PERFORMS HOLIDAY FAVORITES

Come enjoy an orchestral presentation of Holiday Favorite music. St. Augustine Orchestra celebrates its 50th concert season with stellar performances in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. On Friday, the Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m. at Lightner Museum, 75 King Street in St. Augustine and at 3 p.m. at Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church, 76 Roscoe Boulevard in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www.staugustineorchestra.org.

December 10 & 11

ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY CHORUS, SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS

Enjoy this concert of English Carols and selections from “Messiah” presented by St. Augustine Community Chorus. Sing We Now of Christmas will take place at the Cathedral Basilica on St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion. The concerts will take place Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org.

December 10 -11

18TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOUR OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS
Tour St. Augustine’s historic Bed and Breakfast Inns, all decorated in Holiday finery. This year’s tour theme is “Ghosts of Christmas Past” This year the innkeepers invite tour guests to peek into the past and learn about the sentimental stories or supernatural secrets that have inhabited their historic homes for decades, many for 100 years or more. In addition to being able to enjoy each Inn’s dazzling Christmas season displays, tour participants will be able to enjoy taste treats throughout the Holiday Tour: Each Inn unites with one of St. Augustine’s leading restaurants and confectioners, who serve complimentary samples. The tour takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and half on Sunday. Ticket purchased online are $25. After November 20, tickets are $35. Proceeds from the Holiday Tour will benefit the St. Augustine Record “Empty Stocking Fund”. For more information, visit www.staugustineinns.com

December 11

PILOT CLUB LUMINARIES

See Lightner Museum all aglow when the St. Augustine Pilot Club presentS hundreds of candlelit luminaries from 5 to 8 p.m. Join in singing traditional carols. This event is sponsored by and benefits the Pilot Club. For more information, call 904.824.2486.

December 14 & 15

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS

Once again the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will regale St. Augustine with the ever popular Holiday Pops concerts. The concerts will be conducted by Mathew Kraemer, Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. both evenings at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.

December 17 & 18

ST. AUGUSTINE BALLET PERFORMS THE NUTCRACKER

Bring the children along to enjoy this delightful traditional holiday ballet. The performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Performances are at the Flagler College Auditorium, located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30. For more information, visit www.saintaugustineballet.com or call 904-810-5670.

December 28-29

OLD TOWN ART & CRAFT SHOW

Enjoy this juried art and fine craft show featuring artists and craftsmen from St. Augustine and from around the nation. Paintings, pottery, glass, metal, jewelry, mixed media, fiber art, photography, wood working and much, much more will be featured! The show takes place each day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Francis Field, 14 W. Castillo Drive. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.holidayartshows.com/old-town-art-craft-show.html or email lynn@holidayartshows.com.

December 31

BEACH BLAST OFF 2012

Kick off 2012 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 St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach. For more information, call 904.829.5681 or visit www.beachblastoff.com

January 3

ST. AUGUSTINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION LECTURE

Learn about the archeological work of accomplished archeologists and findings at historic sites from around the country at this fascinating presentation hosted by St. Augustine Archeological Association. The presentation takes place at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room at Flagler College, 74 King Street in St. Augustine. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://saaa.shutterfly.com.

January 6 – 29

FIGURE AND PORTRAIT ART EXHIBIT

Stop in to the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery to view artistic works with a primary subject of the human body or face. Figure studies, including academic drawings, formal portraits or busts, people in groups. The gallery is located at 22 Marine Street in St. Augustine. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

January 7

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: TRIO CON BRIO COPENHAGEN

Enjoy a beautiful musical performance by Trio con Brio Copenhagen, whose family ties, cultural blending and musical connections all converge to color, shape and energize the concerts they present worldwide. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.

January 14

LIMELIGHT THEATRE 20Th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Enjoy twenty songs form twenty seasons celebrating 20 years of great theatrical performances at Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine. This dazzling performance features cast members and musicians form previous Limelight productions and guest artist appearances form First Coast Opera, St. Augustine Community Chorus and the St. Johns County Center for the Arts. The celebration takes place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. For ticket prices and show times, visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

January 15

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: AMERICA’S DREAM CHAMBER

Experience America’s Dream Chamber Artists musical performance that is changing the face of chamber music, bringing about a resurgence of the great chamber music masterworks with renewed and energized freedom and expression, making it approachable and enjoyable to all audiences. The concert takes place at 2 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.

January 8

SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR

Enjoy the sunset, moonrise AND 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, hors d’oeuvres from The Reef and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. The tour takes place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. For more information, call 904.829.0745 or visit www.StAugustineLighthouse.com.

January 20 & 22

FIRST COAST OPERA PERFORMS THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Enjoy an operatic performance of Rossini’s Masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, the first installment of the Figaro story. The Barber of Seville is an energetic tale that shows the meaning of “zest for life” as young love blossoms against the odds. The performance is sung in Italian, with supertitles in English. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Kirk Auditorium at the Florida School for The Deaf & The Blind, located at 207 N. San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Students with ID are $10. For more information, visit www.FirstCoastOpera.com or call 904.417.5555.

January 20 – February 12

HARVEY AT LIMELIGHT THEATRE

Enjoy this family friendly comedy production about mild-mannered Elwood who insists his imaginary friend Harvey – a man sized rabbit – is real and his sister decides to have him committed. Performance times are Thursday through Saturday at 730 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. All performances take place at the Limelight Theatre, located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. 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.

January 21

MATANZAS 5K & FUN RUN

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. An awards ceremony follows the race. Registration is $15 in advance, $25 the day of the race. 904.461.1615; www.ancientcityrr.org.

January 28

EMMA CONCERT SERIES: MARIKA BOURNAKI

Enjoy a piano concert by nineteen year old pianist Marika Bournaki. Bournaki is quickly emerging as an exciting young artist with an extraordinarily engaging musicianship; as one critic noted, her playing exudes passion. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.EmmaConcerts.com or call 904.797.2800.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum.

For more information on events and activities, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1.800.653.2489.
Jay Humphreys, Communications Director
St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
29 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084