This Week in St. Johns County

Monday – Sunday: December 1 – 7

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

Interstellar: The IMAX Experience
A group of explorers make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations of human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage. This IMAX theater features the largest 3-D screen in the Southeast. 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.

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.

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.

Monday – Saturday: December 1 – 6

Currents/Correntes Art Exhibition
“Currents/Correntes,” a collaboration between visual artist Cyriaco Lopes and poet Terri Witek, is on display at Flagler College’s Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. The exhibition features photos printed on fabric and acrylics with accompanying sound to document the watery link between a Brazilian island, Florida and New York. The museum is open Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Located at 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-8530 or visit www.flagler.edu.

Wednesday:  December 3

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.

Lightner Museum Curator Tour
Lightner Museum curator provides a themed interactive tour designed to give participants an opportunity to see acquisitions in operation rather than just as static displays. The tour, which is included in admission, takes place at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Lightner Museum. Regular admission is $10 adults; $6 for active duty military; $5 college student and youth ages 12-18; under 12 are free. Locaed at 75 King St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-2874 or visit www.lightnermuseum.org.

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum
The highlight of the holiday season at the lighthouse is Luminary Night. Visitors are invited to enter the lighthouse grounds for a free evening of children’s holiday crafts, warm refreshments, live music performances (including a string quartet inside the lighthouse tower), visit with Santa, and an up-close look at the museum’s Christmas decor. This is a special evening the whole family will enjoy. Located at 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.

5th Annual Candlelight Tour of Villa Zorayda
Experience a holiday Candlelight Tour of St. Augustine’s beautiful Villa Zorayda Museum. 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. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Admission of $15 for adults; Children 7 – 12 are $6. Children 4 – 6 are free. The candlelight tours are not recommended for children 3 and under. Located at 83 King St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-9887 or visit www.villazorayda.com.

Thursday – Saturday: December 4 – 6

Small Objects Exhibition
This exhibition features “small objects” created by local artists for sale just in time for your holiday shopping. All original works are priced at $350 or less. Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach gallery is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 280-0614 or visit www.ccpvb.org.

Friday: December 5 

Hypolita Festival
Experience the new brick pavement and streetscape enhancements along St. Augustine’s Hypolilta Street. This grand re-opening of St. Augustine’s crossroads is from 4-9 p.m. and features two stages of live music, speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony, shopping discounts, specials and giveaways – and free bicycle parking! staugustine-450.com

First Friday Art Walk
From 5 – 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. The event is held rain or shine inside the member galleries and is a free, self-guided walking tour (tour maps available at participating galleries). Plus, Art Walk Trolleys and Trains provided by St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys, provide free transportation throughout downtown for the art walk. Call 832-779-2781 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org.

Amiro Art & Found Displays “Playing With Metal”
As part of St. Augustine’s Art Walk from 5 – 9 p.m., Amiro Art & Found hosts works of Marcia Myrick Siany created with a variety of mediums focused on metalsmithing. The Gallery is open Thursday-Monday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 7 p.m. Located at 9C Aviles St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 824-8460 or visit www.amiroartandfound.com.

Plum Gallery Grand Opening
From 5 – 9 p.m.,The Plum Gallery opens its doors at its new location at 10 Aviles Street in St. Augustine. Three times larger than the original gallery, the new Plum Gallery features a superb assembly of great and diverse artists in several mediums and styles — plus handmade jewelry and other creations. Located at 10 Aviles St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 825-0069 or visit sushelman.wix.com/plum-gallery.

First Fridays: Meet The Treasure Hunters
From 6 – 8 p.m., The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum hosts Mark Anthony, a treasure diver and collector known worldwide and founder of St. Augustine’s ‘Treasures by Mark Anthony’. To have an item appraised by Anthony, send a photo of it along with a brief description to tracey@thepiratemuseum.com, in advance. The event is free. Located at 12 S. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. Call 877-467-5863 or visit www.thepiratemuseum.com.

Friday & Saturday: December 5 & 6

40th Annual British Night Watch and Grande Illumination
Re-live the British Period (1763-1784) in St. Augustine in this colorful and exciting re-enactment featuring hundreds of British troops, their Native American allies and civilians. On Friday from noon to 5 p.m., visit the British Night Watch Encampment at Francis Field located behind the city’s parking garage. Visit with soldiers, stroll the Colonial Market, meet the Native Allies who guided the British troops, meet colonial craftsmen and enjoy the antics of the Faire Wynds Circus. On Saturday at 10 a.m., the encampment re-opens with a full day of entertainment by 18th century musicians and performers. At 2 p.m. is the Trooping of the Colors followed by drilling by British Redcoats, cannon firings and music by the Fife and Drum Corps. This is good time to meet townsfolk concerned about their liberty and to become immersed in St. Augustine’s 18th century lifestyles and politics. At 7:30 p.m., the public gathers in the Plaza and at 8 p.m. the Grande Illumination Parade begins through the historic streets. Bystanders are encouraged to join the parade (candles provided for a small donation) for a thrilling and memorable holiday experience that ends with a musketry volley of joy and best holiday wishes for King George! Located at 48 King St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-5318 or visit www.britishnightwatch.org.

SEA’s 3rd Annual Rails to Trails Festival
Freedom Trails: The Gullah Geechee Corridor is the focus of the festival by SEA Community Help Resource Center. On Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. cyclists, naturalists and those who enjoy the great outdoors can take advantage of the nature and cycling trails while learning the history of those black families that provided the labor for Henry Flagler hotels as well as timber and turpentine farm camps. Free admission. Located at 4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton. 32033. For more information, call (904) 806-3939 or visit seachrc.org.

Nights of Lights Full Moon Sail
Experience the beauty of the full moon and the luminosity of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights — from the deck of the Schooner Freedom! This special, 1 hour 15 minute-tour is offered only on these two nights. Sail across Matanzas Bay and listen to the waves lap the hull and the distant hum of the sea — while bathed in the light of the full moon. Tickets are $35 each and includes complimentary soda, water, beer, wine and hot chocolate. Call for reservations (904) 810-1010 or visit www.schoonerfreedom.com. Located at 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine.

Nativity Celebration
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints presents a nativity celebration featuring hundreds of nativities, constant musical performances, children’s activities, artwork, tours, refreshments and a living nativity. This special holiday Gift of Love presentation is 5 – 9 p.m. each evening. Please bring canned goods to benefit local food bank. Located at 5490 County Road 210 W., St. Augustine. www.christmasnativity.org/jacksonville

Friday – Sunday: December 5 – 7 

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 is set 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. Friday – 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.

Saturday:  December 6

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.

PAL Day
Sponsored by the Greater Jacksonville USO, St. Augustine area attractions provide free admission for active duty servicemen and their families. A free lunch is provided by the St. Augustine Elks Lodge, 1420 A1A S. (free shuttle service provided from downtown). For more information, call (904) 778-2821.

GTM Research Reserve Guided Cultural Hike
At 8:30 a.m. a Guided Cultural Hike that focuses on the Guana Peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history begins. This 1.5 mile guided walking tour departs from the Trailhead Pavilion located just west of the Guana Dam. There is a $3 parking fee. Located at 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Call (904) 823-4500 or visit gtmnerr.org.

60th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade
St. Augustine’s Annual Christmas Parade is one of the largest in North Florida and includes floats, marching bands, cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre De Dios on San Marco Avenue, continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and ends behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. Call (904) 824-4997, for more information.

Living History Day at Fort Matanzas
From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad reenactors demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located at 8635 A1A, approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 471-0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm.

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. Plus, author P.C. Zook discusses and signs copies of his book “Native Lands.” It all takes place in the living history village of Seloy at the Fountain of Youth Park. PAL Day admission is free for military ID and there is a $2 discount for military family members. Non-military 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.

St. Augustine Distillery 2nd Annual Sugar Cane Harvest
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. watch sugar cane milled in a cast iron sugar mill built in 1883 and enjoy a traditional old fashioned cane boil. Plus, there’s a music fair, fresh-from-the-farm drinks, delicious meals, games and tractor tours. The event features a solo performance by JJ Grey of JJ Grey & Mofro, the Rivernecks and more. Local restaurants, farmers and artisans that obtain their produce and ingredients locally are showcased. Admission is $5 per person and all ages are welcome. Parking is $10 per car. Located at KYV Farm, 7086 County Road 16A. Call (904) 501-0826 or visit staugustinedistillery.com.

Gamble Rogers Fest
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall welcomes the First Annual Gamble Fest! Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the event will feature food trucks, art booths, musical memorabilia, and a raffle for a variety of must-have treasures. A stunning lineup of live musical performances begin at 1:30 p.m. and include Michael Jordan, The Rubies, Sam Pacetti, Carlos and Carlos, Flagship Romance, Wild Shiners, The Willowwacks, Amy Hendrickson, and closing out the bill — The Currys. This event complements the annual schedule of concerts and the Gamble Rogers Music Festival held in May. Admission is by donation – a $15 donation is suggested. Located at 1050 A1A, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.gamblerogersfest.org.

St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
Experience the newest holiday production from The Dance Company in the nation’s oldest city! A family friendly holiday production filled with high kick dancers, ballerinas, acrobats, and actors amidst dazzling costuming and props. Performances take place at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are sold online in advance for assigned seats ($15-20), and at the door if available ($20-25). Located at 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. Call (904) 471-4946 or visit www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com.

Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration
A celebration of a spectacular sunset across the bay featuring dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more at the Vilano Pier on the Intracoastal Waterway.   Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. Located at 260 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. Call (904) 540-0402 or visit www.vilanobeachfl.com.

Glassblowing Demonstration
Nationally-known artist Thomas Long and his crew present an evening of glassblowing demonstrations and beautiful glass art. The demonstrations, from 4 – 8 p.m., are part of the Creative Studios’ annual open house – the gallery is normally open by appointment only. The stone works of local artist Paul Braun will also be featured. Located at 25 Palmer St., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 826-0004 or visit www.thomaslongglass.com.

Sunset/Moonrise at St. Augustine Lighthouse
Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from the top of the Lighthouse! The $25 admission 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. Located at 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 829-0745 or visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.

5th Annual Candlelight Tour of Villa Zorayda
Experience a holiday Candlelight Tour of St. Augustine’s beautiful Villa Zorayda Museum. 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 5:30 p.m. and the tour starts at 6 p.m. Admission of $18 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.

Camachee Cove Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Boats and businesses at St. Augustine’s Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor light up for the holidays at this special 7 p.m. lighting ceremony. Through December 18, the public is invited to tour the harbor, see the decorations and vote for the best displays. The Kingfish Grill provides a free drink to anyone with a ballot. Located at 3070 Harbor Dr., St. Augustine. Call (904) 829-5676 or visit www.camacheeisland.com.

Osprey Full Moon Cruise
Cruise from Camachee Cove on the Osprey for a full moon excursion along the Oldest City’s bayfront, historic Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. This is a age 21 and up only cruise and passengers are welcome to BYOB. Tickets are $30 each. Located at 252 Yacht Club Drive, Dock A-19 (behind Kingfish Grill), St. Augustine. www.jaxwatertours.com

Daryl Hall & John Oates Concert
Daryl Hall and John Oates, the number one selling duo in the history of music, perform. Inducted this year into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the duo established themselves in the mid-’70 through the mid-’80s when they scored six #1 singles, five Top 10 singles and six consecutive multi-platinum albums. Tickets range from $39.50 to $89.50. The concert starts at 8 p.m. (gates open 7 p.m.) Located at 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 209-0367 or visit www.staugamphitheatre.com.

Saturday – Sunday: December 6 & 7

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 2:45 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.

Sunday: December 7

Divas Half Marathon and 5K
Run Like a Diva in this fun and glam women’s running series! Staged in the nation’s best vacation settings, the series comes to St. Augustine Beach with a 7 a.m. half marathon and a 7:25 a.m. 5K – both starting and finishing at the St. John’s County Ocean Pier. These exciting races each include a Boa and Tiara Station just before the finish line so runners can finish like a Diva. Plus, the event features a 2-day Health & Fitness Boutique and participants receive shirts, backpacks, awesome goody bags, roses and bubbly at the finish line and amazing medals for each finisher! Awards given to the top three finishers in 14 age groups ranging from 14 and under to 75+. Register online and book a hotel for the weekend! $100 for Divas Half Marathon; $65 for the Divas 5K. Located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. www.runlikeadiva.com

46th Annual Garden Club Christmas Tour of Homes
This annual tour showcases holiday decorations at a selection of St. Augustine’s most outstanding private homes. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Ancient City”. 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. In addition, 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. Call (904) 797-0660 or visit gardenclubofstaugustine.org.

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.