Deck the Chairs
When: Runs through Jan. 1
Where: Seawalk Pavilion and Latham Plaza
Starting on Nov. 21 and continuing for six weeks, guests can marvel at all the holiday magnificence decorating the Latham Plaza and Seawalk Pavilion area at Jacksonville Beach. Forty lifeguard chairs will be covered top to bottom in shining decorations during the month of December as a way to promote local business, instill public pride and share cultural diversity through creative expression. The area will also be home to a 30-foot hand-crafted musical tree, the Kids’ Creative Space and multiple digital light shows. All month long, guests can stroll among the decorated chairs and celebrate the holiday season for free.
Jax Illuminations Drive-Through Holiday Light Show
When: Sunday-Thursday, 6-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 6-10:30 p.m., through Jan. 2
Where: Morocco Shrine Center
No need to worry about social distancing at this drive-through light spectacular. Load up your family and friends and cruise through millions of twinkling and sparkling holiday lights at the Morocco Shrine Center, where you can celebrate the holidays from the safety of your vehicle. Jam out to their coordinated holiday music station, or rock out to your own holiday favorites. Either way, guests are in for an illuminated treat. This year the drive-through features a 300-foot tunnel of lights and two mega Christmas trees. Weekday admission is $20, and on weekends it is $25. Passenger vans can also enter for $35.
Luminary Nights (Reimagined)
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum
COVID-19 regulations may have changed this time-honored tradition, but they can not stop it completely. This year Luminary Nights at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum will take place over two different nights. On the first night, guests can attend a drive-through in the parking lot where various festive stations will be set up along the way for families to enjoy. This event will have holiday elves roaming the grounds, as well as holiday carolers. For the second night of event, families around the community are encouraged to light their pre-purchased luminary kits at 6:30 p.m. and share photos of the displays online with the hashtag #Luminary2020. To order a luminary kit or learn more about the event, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and go to the Maritime Museum website.
Christmas Boutiques & Crafts Expo
When: 10 a.m.-3p.m., Dec. 5
Where: St. John Paul II Catholic Church, Nocatee
The Christmas Boutiques & Crafts Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church located at 127 Stone Mason Way in Nocatee. Outdoor Vendors will be offering Christmas decorations, apparel, cosmetics, food products, home decor, religious items, jewelry, accessories, unique gifts and more! Come and shop local.
Palm Valley Boat Parade
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 5
Where: Intercoastal Waterway, Palm Valley
A decades-old tradition, the residents of Palm Valley delight in gathering together to host an annual boat parade and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Known as the “Mardi Gras” of boat parades, this event is like no other. Members of the community help one another pull off this amazing display and welcome all newcomers with a friendly hand. This lighted parade stretches over seven miles of the Palm Valley waterways, where spectators can watch from hundreds of different docks, restaurants and designated viewing areas. The Palm Valley Boat Parade hopes to create lasting memories for both guests and participants alike.
Holiday Nights at Lightner
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 11 and Dec. 12
Where: The Lightner Museum, St. Augustine
On Dec. 11 and Dec. 12, The Lightner Museum will host the St. Augustine Orchestra for two nights of holiday cheer. Enjoy festive music as the orchestra performs throughout the museum: In the grand lobby, in the music room and in the historic casino of the former Alcazar Hotel. While enjoying the music, guests can also shop for unique holiday gifts, tour the museum and enjoy drinks outside on the garden terrace. The event will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. both nights. General admission is $25 and $15 for children. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. For more information or to order tickets, go to lightnermuseum.org/event/music-at-the-museum-holiday-nights-at-the-lightner.
Holiday Gift Wrapping
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays beginning Dec. 12; Friday, Dec. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 23; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 24
Where: South Beach Regional Mall, Jacksonville Beach
Multiple Sclerosis Society volunteers are returning to The Beaches for the seventh year in a row to offer free holiday gift wrapping. Located outside sponsoring businesses Gretchen’s Hallmark and Five Below in the South Beach Regional Mall, MS volunteers will wrap packages purchased from all local stores and online services. Donations to the Society help provide programs and services for the thousands of North Floridians impacted by the disease. Wrapping will be available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. starting Dec. 12. The free service will continue Friday, Dec. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 23, same hours. Christmas Eve wrapping will be available 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shoppers this year may also take advantage of a limited concierge service being offered by volunteers. By dropping off large amounts of gifts, volunteers will wrap overnight and deliver locally within 24 hours.
Tails for the Holidays
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 12
Where: Pet Supermarket Parking lot area,
880 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach
SAFE Pet Rescue is holding a holiday dog adoption event with lots of fun activities. Santa will be in attendance for pet photos, from noon to 2 p.m. There will be music and a bake sale hosted by Girl Scout Troop #843, plus several silent auction items. The SAFE mobile adoption van will be at the Pet Supermarket parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. CDC guidelines will be followed.
Santa Brunch Buffet
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 13
Where: TPC Sawgrass
Experience a delicious brunch at the beautiful Nineteen restaurant and enjoy a morning of holiday magic. Kids can also meet Santa Claus and discuss their deepest Christmas wishes. Adult entry to the buffet is $60, children ages 6-12 are $30, while little elves under 6 are free.
ART CAMP: Impressions of the holidays
When: 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 28 through Dec. 30.
The St. Augustine Art Association hosts a three-day winter art camp where students will study the art of 20th Century French artist Marguerite Castaing. They will learn to utilize Impressionist techniques through shading methods, brush strokes and color principles. Students will work in pencils, pen and ink, pastels and paints to create colorful rolling landscapes, seasonal scenes and delicate portraits. Ideal for children ages 6-12. The cost is $75, which includes supplies. To register, go to www.staaa.org/artcamp. For questions or assistance, call the St. Augustine Art Association at (904) 824-2310.
