This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday : December 23- 29

Nights of Lights
Selected by National Geographic Traveler in 2011 and 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights 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 449-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. http://www.nightsoflights.com/

Nights of Lights Tours
The City of St. Augustine shines a little brighter during Nights of Lights. There are several tours available that make the holiday experience even more brilliant during this special time of year. Click here for a list of Nights of Lights Tours!

Holidays at Colonial Quarter
During the annual Nights of Lights event, the Colonial Quarter transforms into a fantastic holiday wonderland each evening beginning at 6 p.m. and the two-acre site will be open at no charge. S’more stations, hot chocolate, cider and mulled wine will be served up along with the joyous sound of carolers. You can even climb the 35 ft. watchtower for a spectacular view of the city sparkling with white lights. Located at 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 599-2113 or visit www.colonialquarter.com.

TPC Sawgrass Tour of Trees
Through January 1, 2014, experience the self-guided tour of the grandiose TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse to view the spectacular holiday decorations in each room! The Clubhouse is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 103 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 273-3235 or visit www.tpc.com/sawgrass.

Viva Florida Exhibit at the St. Augustine Art Association
Through December 29, Florida’s 500th Anniversary year concludes with this popular exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association celebrating the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna, history and happenings that are uniquely Florida. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day). Admission is free. Located at 22 Marine St. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit www.staaa.org.

Miniature Historic St. Augustine Village Holiday Exhibit
Through December 29, a miniature village of historic St. Augustine buildings, created by woodworker Leonard Ruel, is on display at the St. Augustine Art Association. This special holiday installation features 39 small-scale replicas of iconic buildings such as the Cathedral Basilica, Villa Zorayda, Government House, the Pena Peck House and others. The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-2310 or visit http://www.staaa.org/.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug at the IMAX Theater
The Hobbit trilogy continues at The IMAX Theatre at World Golf Hall of Fame through December 27. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com, or call (904) 940-4133. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

New World in the Eyes of Explorers Exhibit
Through January 5, 2014, this intriguing exhibit of images of the New World and its indigenous peoples and animals provide a fascinating look at the first encounter between the peoples of the Old World and the New World – an epic event that changed the world forever. The exhibit is located in the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center and is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Located at 10 West Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. staugustine-450.com

Dressing of the Palms in Vilano Beach
Through January 4, 2014, the second annual Dressing of the Palms along Vilano Beach features palm trees decorated in holiday finery — A Celebration of Coastal Living. The trees showcase creative talents of residents, artists, businesses, clubs, schools, and organizations. Located on Vilano Beach Main St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 910-8386 or visit www.VilanoBeachFL.com.

‘Playbook’ Art Exhibit at space:eight Gallery
Through January 30, 2014, space:eight hosts ‘Playbook,’ an exhibition of new works by Roswell, GA, artist George Long and Brooklyn artist Mario Schambon. The new series of works is pulled and pushed from a very diverse set of feelings and adventures fueled by desires, hunger, thirst. space:eight Gallery is open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. After hours by appointment. Located at 228 West King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-2838 or visit www.spaceeight.com.

For a  list of special eco-tours, food tours, pet friendly tours, and addition events on the VCB’s website click here!

Monday – Friday:  December 23 – 27

Small Objects Exhibition at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach
Through December 27, the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach hosts local artists selling hand-made items for the holidays. The prices range from $25 to $350. Admission is free. The gallery is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday; Closed Christmas Day. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Wednesday:  December 25 – Christmas Day

Click here for a list of Christmas Day Restaurant Openings

Friday and Saturday:  December 27 & 28

4th Annual Candlelight Tour of Villa Zorayda
Villa Zorayda staff provides holiday Candlelight Tours of the beautiful St. Augustine villa. A spectacular Christmas tree decorated in the colors of the Zorayda – red and gold – is located center stage in the Court of Lions. Over 100 candles are aglow throughout the museum. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the tour starts at 6:30 p.m.  Admission of $17 for adults; Children 7 – 12 are $8.  Children 4 – 6 are free. The candlelight tours are not recommended for children 3 and under. Located at 83 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-9887 or visit www.villazorayda.com.

Saturday & Sunday:  December 28 & 29

Old Town Art & Craft Show
Get ready to greet 2014 at this juried art and fine craft show at Francis Field featuring outstanding artists and craftsmen from St. Augustine and around the country. The show features the very best from exquisite jewelry to funky and functional pottery, abstract sculpture to glistening glass, hand-woven fashions to stunning photography, extraordinary paintings to wonderful wood carvings – and much more! Show hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Admission is free. Located at 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 794-0084 or visit http://www.holidayartshows.com/.

Saturday: December 28

Fourth Saturday: Family Seining at the GTM Research Reserve
Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. to learn how to pull a seine net, collect species of fish, crabs and more. Learn about the animals and their roles in the habitat. Waders and boots will be provided. The program is included with regular admission to the Reserve and takes place in the Environmental Education Center, located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit gtmnerrfamilyseine-eorg.eventbrite.com.

Markland House Tours
From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Flagler’s Legacy Historic Tours host a special holiday tour of Flagler College’s Markland House. Visitors will glimpse some of the original grandeur of this historic home as well as learn about the residence and its importance in St. Augustine’s rich history.  Reservations required. Admission is $12. Located at 102 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 823-3378 or visit legacy.flagler.edu.

Uptown Saturday Night
From 5 – 9 p.m. on the last Saturday of each month, 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.

Victory III Nights of Lights Cruise
See the beauty of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the Victory III operated by the St. Augustine Scenic Cruise. Board at 6 p.m., depart at 6:15 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Tickets are $16.50 per person. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-1806, ext 210. http://www.scenic-cruise.com/

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted FREE of charge to the Oldest House, Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, City Walks History Mystery Murder Evening Tour and the Hotel Ponce de Leon Legacy Tours at Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission is free to everyone at the Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed). Many other local attractions offer discounted admissions to St. Johns County residents with valid ID.

For more information on events and activities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489.