This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday: December 15 – 21

Undisclosed: Photographs from the Hidden Lightner Exhibition
For the past two years, photographer Theresa Segal has explored the historic Lightner Museum’s restricted fourth floor: 44 small rooms that were the servants quarters of the Alcazar Hotel, but now make up “the best attic in the world,” says Segal. This new exhibition features a selection of 20 of her photographs that chronicle the museum’s hidden, stored collections. Regular museum admission is $10 adults; $6 for active duty military; $5 college student and youth ages 12-18; under 12 are free. Located at 75 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2874 or visit www.lightnermuseum.org.

Dressing of the Palms in Vilano Beach
The third 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. Prizes for the best decorated palms will be awarded December 6 at the first Saturday Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration. Vilano Beach Main St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 910-8386 or visit www.vilanobeachfl.com.

The First City through the Eyes of the Masters
This 450th Commemorative exhibition features St. Augustine-themed works from perhaps the best collection of Florida painters in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This includes the work of Frank Henry Shapleigh, who wintered at Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel from 1886 to 1887 and was the hotel’s resident artist from 1889 to 1892. The exhibition is uniquely displayed in a then and now format. Each early St. Augustine painting is accompanied by a current photograph of the exact same location and perspective for visitors to explore how America’s first city has changed throughout history. The exhibition also features a walking tour brochure that provides locations, descriptions and distances to all of the St. Augustine historical sites depicted in the exhibition’s artwork. Free admission. Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, 10 West Castillo Dr. staugustine-450.com

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. The Menorcans are the foundation of St. Augustine as a living, viable city. 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. Located at 14 St. George St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-0192 or visit www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com.

Lightner Museum Exhibition of Felix F. de Crano Paintings
This major exhibition features more than 30 local scenes, landscapes and portraits by Felix F. de Crano, arguably the most sophisticated and versatile artist in Henry Flagler’s colony of St. Augustine painters. This never before seen by the public compilation of 19th century oil and watercolor paintings is a colorful reminder of the splendor of St. Augustine’s Gilded Age. The museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Admission is: $10 adults; $6 active duty military with ID; $5 college student with ID; $5 ages 12-18; free for children under 12 (with adult). Located at 75 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2874 or visit www.lightnermuseum.org.

Nights of Lights
During Nights of Lights, nearly three million tiny white lights bring the glow of holiday magic to St. Augustine – from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 and 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world. Holiday music, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and an exciting countdown add to the splendor of the lighting of this dazzling holiday light display. 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. The lights are displayed through February 1. www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights/

Nights of Lights Tours
There are numerous special Nights of Lights Tours offered through the Holiday Season. Special Trolley and Train tours, food tours, carriage rides, history tours, helicopter tours, electric car tours and more – all providing brilliant adventures to enhance the St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights experience. Nights of Lights Tours. 

Ongoing Special Tours
For a complete list of Nights of Lights, eco/kayak, food, history, and other tours taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this week, visit things-to-do/sightseeing tours.

Tuesday: December 16

GTM Research Reserve Marineland Lecture
This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office.  The series is designed to help inform the public about their coastal natural world. The lectures are free so space is limited and reservations are requested. Located at 9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. For more information, call (904) 823-4500 or visit gtmnerrmarinelandlecture.eventbrite.com.

Wednesday:  December 17

Farmer’s Arts and Crafts Market
Farmer’s Market located at the oceanside St. Johns County Pier Park featuring selections of fresh produce, plants, baked goods, fine art, jewelry and more! Open 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. Call (904) 347-8007, for more information.

Florida Agriculture During the Gilded Age
Charles Tingley, senior research librarian for the St. Augustine Historical Society Library, presents a lecture on how Florida agriculture grew and changed from the 1880s through 1913 – especially with regard to Henry Flagler’s work in providing fresh vegetables for the guests at his St. Augustine luxury hotels. The lecture is at 2 p.m. at the Florida Agriculture Museum in Palm Coast. Admission is free, but donations at the door to support the museum are appreciated. Located at 7900 Old Kings Rd., Palm Coast. Call 386-446-7630 or visit www.floridaagmuseum.org.

Pecha Kucha Vol. 6
At 6 p.m., presenters in design, architecture, photography and other creative fields showcase their work in concise, fast-paced slide presentations. This Pecha Kucha (“chit-chat” in Japanese) is part of “A December to Remember” at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Admission is free and the event is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. Located at 1340 C A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com and www.facebook.com/adecembertoremember.

Giant Menorah Lighting at the World Golf Village
Hot Latkas! Music! Donuts and Dreidels! The World Golf Hall of Fame Plaza will host a Giant Menorah Lighting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, email dini@jewishsjohnscounty.com. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 

Wednesday & Thursday: December 17 & 18

EMMA Concert Performance: Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
This 7:30 p.m. concert features the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Pops Concert”. Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $35. Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 797-2800 or visit www.emmaconcerts.com.

Thursday – Sunday: December 18 – 21

Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Limelight Theatre
Based on the movie of the same name, Miracle on 34th Street The Musical features a book and score by Meredith Wilson. The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City and follows the impact a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa has on a child. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25; $22 seniors; $20 student and military. Located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 825-1164 or visit www.limelight-theatre.org.

The Hobbit:  There & Back Again at the IMAX Theater
The Hobbit: There & Back Again opens at The IMAX Theater at World Golf Hall of Fame. A digitally re-mastered image and sound quality of An IMAX 3D Experience will make you feel as if you are in the movie. Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for showtimes at www.worldgolfimax.com or call (904) 940-4123. Located at One World Golf Place, St. Augustine.

Friday: December 19

“A Christmas Story” at Anastasia State Park
As part of “A December to Remember,” Anastasia State Park hosts a bounce house beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a drive-in movie presentation of “A Christmas Story” at 7 p.m. Admission is free and the event is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. Located at 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com and www.facebook.com/adecembertoremember.

Celebrating 150th Class Reunion
From 6 – 9 p.m., The Oldest Wooden School House celebrates the 150th Class Reunion with descendants of the last graduating class — the Class of 1864! This is a St. Augustine 450th Anniversary Commemorative event. Admission is $4.95 Adults, $3.95 Children (6-12), under 6 free. Located at 14 St. George St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-0192 or visit www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com.

Saturday:  December 20

Old City Farmers’ Market
Features locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, plants and more. Located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A, St. Augustine. Open 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (904) 471-3733.

Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach
Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location on A1A, South Ponte Vedra Beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. Located at 1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Photography Challenge Event
Photographers, from beginners to professionals, compete to take the best photo at three designated locations within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Maps to the featured locations can be obtained from the Ranger Station or from volunteers in the main parking lot. Each month, park volunteers will select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the VIC kiosk and the park’s gift shop. There is no cost to compete. Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist. Located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. For more information, call 609-247-8146 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks.

Nocatee Farmer’s Market
Nocatee Farmer’s Market takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. every third Saturday. This free family-friendly event has over 80 local vendors selling everything from produce, crafts, jewelry, herbs, unique foods and more. Free face painting will be available for the little ones, along with bounce house. Located at 245 Little River Rd., Ponte Vedra.  http://nocatee.com/

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour
Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in the State of Florida with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.tolomatocemetery.com

Fountain of  Youth: Cherokee History Presentations
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., native Cherokee historians describe how their people interacted with the local Timucua for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. The presentations take place in the living history village of Seloy at the Fountain of Youth Park. Park admission is $12 Adults, $11 seniors, $8 Children 6 – 12 applies (local discount available). Located at 11 Magnolia Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-3168 or visit www.fountainofyouthflorida.com.

Faver-Dykes Holiday in the Woods
Faver-Dykes State Park hosts Holiday in the Woods — an opportunity to join park staff to fashion “take-home” Christmas ornaments such as painted shells, reindeer boot jacks and pine cone ornaments. The ornament workshop is from noon to 3 p.m. and is included in the $5 per vehicle entry fee. Located at 1000 Faver-Dykes Road, St. Augustine. Call 386-864-0589 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/faverdykes/.

Photography Challenge Event
Photographers, from beginners to professionals, compete to take the best photo at three designated locations within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Maps to the featured locations can be obtained from the Ranger Station or from volunteers in the main parking lot. Each month, park volunteers will select the winning photo which will then be displayed at the VIC kiosk and the park’s gift shop. There is no cost to compete. Park admission is $5 per vehicle; $2 per pedestrian/bicyclist. Located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. For more information, call 609-247-8146 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/.

Chili Cook Off and Christmas Double Feature
As part of “A December to Remember” the St. Augustine Amphitheatre opens its doors at 12:30 p.m. with train rides, face painting, bounce house and the St. Augustine Fire Department Chili Cook Off. Santa arrives at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is shown followed at 8 p.m. by “Elf”. The day of holiday fun is presented by Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Admission is free! Located at 1340 C A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com and www.facebook.com/adecembertoremember.

Navidad en el Viejo San Agustin (Christmas in Old St. Augustine)
Hosted by Florida Living History, Inc., Mission Nombre de Dios and the Diocese of St. Augustine, this annual heritage event features the Christmas music and customs of 16th century Spanish St. Augustine from 6 – 9 p.m. Free admission. Located at 27 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 824-2809 or visit www.floridalivinghistory.org.

The Downtown Bazaar
The Downtown Bazaar is held from 6 – 10 p.m. on the grounds of the Colonial Quarter. The event is open to the public and includes a free concert, art show, magician, face painters a flag raising ceremony and more. Come check out what’s behind the walls of the Colonial Quarter… you’re sure to have an inspiring evening. Located at 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 315-7454 or visit www.thedowntownbazaar.com.

“Miracle on 34th Street” at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
As part of “A December to Remember,” the classic Christmas film “Miracle on 34th Street” will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Admission is free and the event is presented by Precision Turf. Located at 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.facebook.com/adecembertoremember.

Saturday – Sunday: December 20 & 21

Black Raven’s Annual Christmas Show
Santa Claus returns to the Black Raven Pirate Ship to visit all the good pirate boys and girls. See what happens when Blackbeard and Captain Hook steal Santa’s bag of presents! Come aboard and help the Black Raven’s crew rescue Christmas! The Black Raven sets sail at 2:15 p.m. from the St. Augustine City Marina for this special 90-minute holiday cruise – call for reservations. Adults $34.95; children ages 3-12, $24.95. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine. Call 877-578-5050 or visit www.blackravenadventures.com.

The Nutcracker
The St. Augustine Ballet presents the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College.  This year’s performance features five former students at the National Ballet School of Cuba — this will be their first time on stage together since leaving Cuba. Performance times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $30 each ($25 for seniors over 65 and children under 12). Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-1746 or visit www.saintaugustineballet.com.

Sunday: December 21

Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration
Enjoy the first winter sunrise of the year on the beautiful coquina beach at Washington Oaks Gardens. The 7-8 a.m. event features a presentation on myths and legends of the winter solstice — plus hot coffee and cocoa. Regular park entry fees apply –$5 per vehicle up to eight passengers and $4 for vehicle with single occupant. Located at 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast. Call 386-446-6783 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/.

The Magic of Christmas with Trey Dees
The Pioneer Barn at Fort Menendez hosts a “Branson Style” Christmas show at 7 p.m. with the incredible Trey Dees. Tap your feet to the beat with a mix of 60’s R & R, Motown, and Vegas style music. Hum or sing along with the Christmas music of Dean Martin, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole and more. Tickets are $10 / $8 Seniors. Located at 259 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-8874 or visit oldfloridamuseum.com.

NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, 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 and St. Augustine Distillery 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.