Nights of Lights and More are Happening This Week on Florida’s Historic Coast! – North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)

Get ready for another week of exciting things happening on Florida’s Historic Coast. Nights of Lights is on and dozens of exciting holiday events and tours by land and sea are available to make the experience even more special.

Please check to make sure events are on schedule and the attractions you plan to visit are open and tickets are available before traveling long distances.

Daily Events, December 12 – 18

29th Annual Nights of Lights with Tours and More

During this festival of lights, downtown St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and it’s free of charge. From electric cart tours with the Grinch or a horse drawn buggy to a sightseeing train or a sailing vessel on the Bay, there are dozens of ways to enjoy a fun tour of celebrating this special time of year in Historic St. Augustine. Learn more here: www.floridashistoriccoast.com/blog/nights-of-lights-by-land-or-by-sea

Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine at Lightner Museum

Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine explores the urban fabric of St. Augustine through large-format photographs, hand drawn maps, and interactive photographic flip books. The project seeks to define St. Augustine through the residential streets and neighborhoods that have long been inhabited by the people that help support the city as a premier tourist destination. Through interactive sequential images, visitors to the exhibition will uncover the overlooked aspects of everyday life in America’s oldest city. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine.

904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Bouke de Vries: War & Pieces at Lightner Museum

This exhibition of London-based Dutch artist Bouke De Vries’ War & Pieces has been described as a “masterwork” by art critics. The monumental artwork, crafted from thousands of fragments of porcelain, re-imagines the decorative centerpieces that adorned seventeenth- and eighteenth-century banquet tables. War and Peices will be on exhibit through December 31. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts at Lightner Museum

Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts invites viewers to read quilts as maps, tracing the paths of individual stories and experiences that illuminate larger historic events and cultural trends. Spanning the nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, the exhibition brings together 18 quilts from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum, New York, representing a range of materials, motifs, and techniques—from traditional early American quilts to more contemporary sculptural assemblage. This exhibit is on display through January 20. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Audrey Hope: Disappointed Tourist at Lightner Museum

For her first solo museum exhibition, Audrey Hope presents a selection of collages, photographs, and mixed media sculptures. Titled Disappointed Tourist, the series is a deeply personal meditation on nature, religion, personal trauma, and creativity. In Disappointed Tourist, Hope addresses several expansive themes—the complicated relationship between nature and travel, desperation in creativity, and the magical capacity objects have for representation. This exhibition is on display through January 20. Lightner Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $10 ages 12-17, under 11 are free. 75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org

Lighthouse Illuminations

Discover twenty-one uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event. Explore the Keepers’ House and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Tickets are $21.95 for adults and seniors and $19.95 for children. 100 Red Cox Dr., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745

www.staugustinelighthouse.org

Monday – Wednesday, December 12 – 14

The Polar Express is back in IMAX for a Limited Time!

This holiday-themed film, based on the classic Caldecott medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, is directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. The Polar Express tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Showing through December 14, check website for showtimes. Admission is $14Adults, $13 for Seniors/Students/Military, $11 for Children under 12. World Golf IMAX, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. www.worldgolfimax.com

Monday – Friday, December 12 – 16

From River to Ocean: Plein Air

The St. Johns Cultural Council presents an Art in Public Spaces exhibition featuring the beauty of St. Johns County through the eyes of twenty-eight artists painting en plein air. Free and appropriate for all ages. The Rotunda Gallery is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine. 904-808-7330 www.historiccoastculture.com

Tuesday, December 13

Rails to Trails Bike Ride

Bring your bike and join this Rails to Trails ride from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Cora C. Harrison Preserve Trailhead, 8989 State Road 207. This beautiful ride will take your through the trails in Hastings to Deep Creek. The program is free and open to all ages; however, riders should be able to stay with the group for a 2-mile ride. Participants must bring their own bikes and register here. the Cora C. Harrison Preserve, 8989 State Road 207, Hastings. 904-209-0335 www.sjcfl.us/recreation

Holiday Night Market at The AMP

The Holiday Night Market is BACK! Featuring food trucks, desserts, quality arts and crafts, a full bar, and live music from The Spaceheaters and Claire Vandiver. From 5-9 p.m., the Market is free and open to the public. 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com

Tuesday – Sunday, December 13 – 18

Fantastic Florida at St. Augustine Art Association

The natural beauty of the Sunshine State shines here! This vivid display explores a wide range of artistic interpretations of Florida’s wild side from the plants and animals to the wilderness and waterways. The Fantastic Florida Show is on display both in-gallery and online through December 30, 2022. Admission is free and gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. 22 Marine St., St. Augustine. www.staaa.org

Wednesday, December 14

Wednesday Pier Farmers Market

The Wednesday Pier Farmers Market offers oceanfront shopping at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park from 8 a.m.-noon. Approximately 60-80 vendors sell locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, arts, crafts and more. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine. 904-315-0952 www.wednesdaypierfarmersmarket.com

Pecha Kucha

Join us for a new slate of electrifying local speakers on at the Elks Lodge Pavilion. Social hour is at 6 p.m., speakers start at 7 p.m. with non-stop inspiration where community comes together around creative ideas. This event is called Welcome to Volume 16: Get Real. A $10 donation is requested at the door to help cover costs. Food and drink are available for purchase. Pecha Kucha is Japanese for chit chat. Speakers share their stories in 400 seconds against a rolling backdrop of 20 images. 1420 A1A S., St. Augustine. www.facebook.com/PechaKuchaStAugustine

Improv Night @ Colonial Oak Music Park

First Coast Comedy veteran professionals have no plan and willingly dive headfirst into almost any challenge the audience will throw at them, resulting in unforgettably hilarious moments. This show is for everyone so bring the whole family because these improvisers ensure the show is always clean and never mean. Pay what you will, all seating is general admission. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.firstcoastcomedy.com

Mindi Abair “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” with Special Guest Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley, and Lindsey Webster at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $61-$105.50. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

EMMA Concert Association Presents Holiday Pops Concert

Enjoy the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Pops Concert presented by the EMMA Concert Association at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $60/$55 limited view. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine.

904-797-2800 www.emmaconcerts.com

Wednesday & Sunday, December 14 & 18

Yoga on the Lawn at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Enjoy yoga on the lawn at the historic Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This one-hour vinyasa flow is perfect for all levels. Bring a beach towel or mat and water. Free parking behind the museum is available, but limited. Access the parking lot from Cadiz Street. Instructor will contact you by phone if class is canceled due to weather. Practice gets underway at 8 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour. Cost is $15 and registration is required. 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine. www.pilatesyogaloft.com

Thursday, December 15

Night Market at Coconut Barrel

From 5-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, come enjoy fresh food, live music, craft shopping & fun at the Coconut Barrel Artisan Market. 3175 U.S. Highway 1 South, St. Augustine. www.coconutbarrel.com/pages/farmers-market

Jess Zimmerman Band at the Colonial Oak Music Park

Catch the Jess Zimmerman Band at The Oak at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Thursday & Friday, December 15 & 16

Madness + Malice True Crime Tour

The Madness + Malice True Crime Tour is a new tour for mature audiences developed with the help of a retired law enforcement professional to give a gripping, gritty, and accurate insight into some of St. Augustine’s chilling crimes and murders! Tours are at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $35 per person. Tours depart from 76 Spanish St., St. Augustine. www.anightamongghosts.com

Friday, December 16

Matanzas Inlet Hike

Join GTM Research Reserve partnered with the National Parks Service on this guided interpretive walk around the Matanzas Inlet. Your guide will explain the inlet dynamics and movement of the sand as the sea constantly rearranges the shore. Hikers will explore the incredibly rich and diverse communities of plants and animals throughout the ecosystem and witness how hurricanes have affected the inlet. This hike is from 9-11 a.m. and event meets at the Matanzas Inlet west parking lot. This event is free, but registration is required. gtmnerr.org/event

Homegrown Holiday Pop-up Market and Winter Party Featuring Music by Jory Lyle

This holiday season the classic Café Homegrown Holiday Pop-up event combined with the Winter Appreciation Party returns. There will be live music from Jory Lyle and a fun celebration from 6-10 p.m. and more than 20 local and regional artisans offering unique gifts and decorations from 6-9 p.m. at The Original Café Eleven. Parking is in the rear lot or across the street at the 10th St. beach parking lot. Admission is free, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. originalcafe11.com

Sounds of the Season with the St. Augustine Orchestra at Kelly Farms

Sounds of the Season features Holiday favorites; Sleigh Ride, Frosty the Snowman, Carol of the Bells, Charlie Brown Christmas, Sleigh Ride, T’was the Night Before Christmas. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. at Kelly Farms. General admission tickets are $50 adults; $25 ages 3-12; Youth under 3 are free. 5895 CR 214, St. Augustine. www.staugustineorchestra.com

Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17

Quackery: The Dark Side of Medicine

Join the tour that focuses on a time in history when the most outrageous, ridiculous, and downright deadly treatments were preformed, all in the name of medicine. Tour times 7 and 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday nights only. This tour is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Adults only 18 and older. Reservations are required. Tickets are $24.95 per person. Space is limited so book your tickets in advance . The Spanish Military Hospital Museum is located at 3 Aviles St., St. Augustine. 904-342-7730 www.smhmuseum.com

Holiday Traditions by Candlelight at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Holiday Traditions by Candlelight Tour at the circa 1798 Ximenez-Fatio House Museum in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Held during the festive Nights of Lights, this family-friendly nighttime event will feature holiday stories of the 1800s. The 45-minute tours will begin at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. each night.Tickets are $15 per guest. Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles St., St. Augustine www.ximenezfatiohouse.org/candlelight

Christmas on the Farm at Sykes Family Farms

Enjoy a hayride through this ¾ miles drive thru Christmas light display at Sykes Family Farms, 5995 Brough Rd., Elkton. Bring the family, sip on hot chocolate or apple cider while roasting s’mores over the large fire pit. Mr. & Mrs. Claus are visiting from the North Pole so be sure to get some great pictures. Admission is $16 for ages 3 & up, ages 2 and under are free. www.sycofarms.com/christmas-on-the-farm

Friday – Sunday, December 16 – 18

St. Augustine Scavenger Hunt

Search for clues and solve puzzles with your own group of family and/or friends on a St. Augustine Scavenger Hunt with The 13 Keys Scavenger and Mystery to find 13 locations throughout the nation’s oldest city. Choose from a History Hunt, Haunted Hunt, or a Lovely Hunt and have a blast learning more about St. Augustine while exploring. The Scavenger hunts take place between 2:30 and 4 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday and depart from 76 Spanish St., St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 per person. www.the13keys.com

Northeast Winter Solstice Festival

Florida Solstice Festivals is launching its first Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Festival. This ticketed wellness festival features onsite camping, outdoor yoga, open-air gyms, 50 classes and workshops, live bands, performances, arts, crafts and more for everyone to enjoy right before the holidays. Hours and advance admissions are Friday, 4-10 p.m., $25 per adult / $5 per teen; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., $85 per adult / $25 per teen; and Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., $60 per adult / $25 per teen. Kids 12 and under are free. Day of show tickets are an additional $5 each. All three-day Villager Experience Ticket (Must be a registered camper) is $240 per adult. Primitive campsite reservations start at $60 for the weekend with access to onsite bathrooms and showers. It all takes place at the 39 acres of the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 SR 207, Elkton. www.floridasolsticefestivals.com

Venardos Circus at The AMP

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre welcomes back the Venardos Circus! Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the Venardos Circus wraps world-class circus acts into a Broadway Musical-style format that is called “the American Circus with the heart of a Broadway Show.” There are no animals in Venardos Circus. Guests can expect to be transported back in time to the center ring of a centuries-old tradition, but one that has been reinvented for the next generation.

Performances are held on Friday 7 p.m. Saturday 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 4 p.m. Admission starts at $27 adults and $16.50 Children 12 and under. 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-209-0367 www.venardoscircus.com

Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Cast out your cockneys and leave the stale fruit cake at home—enter a world of grits and gravy, red velvet cake, and the occasional glass of sweet tea. “Eb Scrooge” is a modern spin on a timeless classic set in present-day Northeast Florida, maintaining the spirit of Dickens’s beloved tale of greed and redemption. Performances are Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances on Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25. 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-834-1351 www.pvconcerthall.com

Saturday, December 17

St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market

From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. shoppers stroll up and down the vendor-lined pathways of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market, browsing more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 1340 A1A S., St. Augustine. 904-315-9252 www.theamp.com/farmers-market

Beach Exploration at the GTM Research Reserve

Join GTM Research Reserve docents from 9-11 a.m. for a beach walk! You will learn about the animals that call the beach their home, as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike will begin at the Visitor Center where you will learn about the different habitats on our beautiful seashore. The group will then walk across the street to the beach for this salty adventure! Parking for this event is located in front of the visitor center. There is no fee for this lot, but registration is required. www.gtmnerr.org/events

Nocatee Farmer’s Market

Enjoy a traditional market with a unique theme every third Saturday from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Nocatee Farmers Market. The Nocatee Farmers Market is full of activities, shows, and demonstrations for the entire family. 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. www.facebook.com/NocateeLiving

Geocaching 101

Join a St. Johns County Parks Naturalist at Canopy Shores Park for a special geocaching hunt and maybe you’ll find your first treasure! This event starts at 10 a.m. and is free, registration is required.

804 Christina Dr., St. Augustine. www.sjcfl.us/recreation

Joyfully Thankful presents at Joyful Christmas at Alpine Groves Park

Don’t miss this free fun-filled classic Christmas event. Get your last-minute Christmas shopping done at their Maker’s Market and Artisans’ Alley where you’ll find handmade items made by local artists. Activities include guided tours of the Historic Bennett Home, a cocoa & confections bar, Christmas caroling, scavenger hunts, photo op stations. Enter competitions for gingerbread house, sugar and Christmas cookie decorating; as well as, wreath and Christmas ornament and luminaries. 2060 SR13 N., Switzerland. www.joyfullythankful.com/christmas

Huguenot Cemetery Guided Tours

Tour the first cemetery in St. Augustine dedicated for Anglo-American civilians. The Huguenot Cemetery was a Protestant burial ground from 1821-1884. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 3 Cordova St., St. Augustine. 904-829-6451 www.memorialpcusa.org/visitors/huguenot-cemetery

Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tours

Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida with burials from the First Spanish Period, 1565-1763. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 14 Cordova St., St. Augustine. 904-257-3273 www.tolomatocemetery.com

Villa Zorayda Candlelight Tour

A spectacular Christmas tree takes centerstage in the Court of Lions with decorations in colors of the Zorayda – red and gold. Find traditional decorations and over 100 candles among stunning watercolors, tapestries, hand-carved wood furniture, and more. Take a guided audio tour of this historic home in English, Spanish and French. Enjoy refreshments and the grand lighting of the Christmas tree. The tours start at 5:30 p.m. Adult admission is $22.99, Children 6 – 12 are $12.99. The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 5. 83 King St., St. Augustine. www.villazorayda.com

“Noches de Navidad” and Las Posadas at Mission Nombre de Dios

Our Lady of La Leche invites you to experience a truly silent night on the Sacred Acre, complete with a Live Nativity, Eucharistic Adoration, cookies and hot cocoa. A 16th-Century Spanish procession of “Las Posadas” (the Inns) is presented by Historic Florida Militia. Tours begin at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Reservations required. 101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. wwwmissionandshrine.org

Vilano Beach Artisan Market Walk

The Vilano Beach Market Walk takes place from 4-8 p.m. along the sidewalks near the Vilano Beach Pier. Local artisan-made items, plants, home décor, datil pepper sauces, and much more. Free parking and admission. Vilano Beach Pier, 259 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. www.vilanobeachfl.com

Cruise-In St. Augustine Cruisers

Check out the classics during St. Augustine Cruisers Car Club Cruise-In. Held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 5-7 p.m. There will be music, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing! Cruise in and check it out! The Cruisers promote interest in various types of special auto activities, create good fellowship and sportsmanship among the members, and support charities! 4370 U.S. Highway 1 South, St. Augustine. www.ccmstaug.com

Baba Caiman at the Colonial Oak Music Park

Catch Baba Caiman at The Oak at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Food and drink available for purchase. 21 St. George St., St. Augustine. www.thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Live from The Waterworks: A Gamble Rogers Concert Series

The St. Johns Cultural Council and Gamble Rogers Music Festival present a new concert series honoring the legacy of legendary St. Augustine performer Gamble Rogers. This months performers are Michael Reno Harrell with Bob Patterson. The performance take place at the 1898 St. Augustine Waterworks, a venue that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Doors at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30. Ticket prices begin at $20. 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. 904-808-7330 www.gamblerogersfest.org

Nights of Lights Under the Sea

Have a fun evening at the St. Augustine Aquarium with Holiday Mermaids including a meet & greet and photo opportunities, a Mermaid Candy Chute, under water Santa, snow, Shark & Ray presentations with feeding & touching opportunities, and more. The event takes place each Saturday in December from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $14.99 for Adults, $9.99 for Children 2- 12, 2 & under free. 2045 State Rd 16, St. Augustine. 904-429-9777 www.saaquarium.com

Saturday & Sunday, December 17 & 18

Saint Augustine Ballet presents Nutcracker Ballet

Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 14th annual Nutcracker Ballet. The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer and all the Nutcracker characters will return to the St. Augustine stage for three performances this holiday season. This timeless classic features professional ballet dancers and dance students from St. Augustine and surrounding areas. Tickets are $35-$50 each. The performances are Saturday at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-810-5670 www.saintaugustineballet.org

Sunday, December 18

St. Augustine Bird Expo

The Exotic Bird Expo features a large variety of exotic birds from finches to macaws. Guests can talk to breeders and suppliers in addition to finding accessories like cages, toys, bird food and other pet bird goods and services. Admission: $5 adults and students. Free for children 10 and under. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

190 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. www.staugustineexoticbirdfair.com

Unscripted Comedy in the Limelight – a Holiday Extravaganza

The Adventure Project presents the holiday edition of Unscripted Comedy in the Limelight – a show that features a variety of troupes showcasing improv comedy that’s smart and from the heart! This holiday edition of Unscripted Comedy in the Limelight features talent from Orlando to St. Augustine to Jacksonville with special guest More Cowbell – Jax’s fully improvised musical. Tickets are $10 in advance/$15 at the door. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Limelight Theatre offers beer, wine, and soft drinks as well as free parking.

11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. www.adventureproject.com