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.
Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach Moving Sale
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 10
Where: 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach
The Cultural Center is holding a moving sale. Wreaths, holiday decor, art supplies, desks, chairs, filing cabinets, furniture, event/catering/kitchen items and more will be avialable for purchase. Also, explore the Cultural Center’s Market full of handmade works made by the talented Cultural Center artists. The Market is currently stocked with Santas, Christmas trees, ornaments, bears, gnomes, and wreaths. For more information, go to www.ccpvb.org.
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.
Holiday Night Market
When: 4-8 p.m., Dec. 12
Where: St. Augustine Beach Pier Park
Bring the whole family to the inaugural Holiday Market at the pier. Stroll through the market where there will be local vendors with offerings for everyone on your holiday gift list. The market will offer gift wrapping as well. Capture the family fun in a Grinchy-themed photo booth, discover delicious treats to take home, all while enjoying the vibrant light displays at Pier Park. The event is put on in association with the Wednesday Pier Farmers Market.
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.
ZOOLIGHTS
When: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 17-20, Dec. 26-31, Jan. 1-3
Where: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
ZOOLights, presented by Community First Credit Union, is set to return in December for its ninth year, transforming Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a fantastical holiday light experience. During this event, the animals settle down for their long winter’s nap, while the lights take center stage. The season will come alive with twinkling animal replicas, strolling performers, carolers, hot chocolate, s’mores, and adult beverages. A few themed areas will evoke joy and nostalgia for guests of all ages, such as Polar Village, Charles Dickens Village and Toy Land. A kaleidoscope of color and lights will shine on 8-10 foot flamingos, penguins, fish, dolphins and more. Programmed lighting synchronized to holiday music will bring Palm Plaza to life. Children can also visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, while the live “Jingle Box” musical performance will take place on the Great Lawn. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers and must be purchased online, in advance at JacksonvilleZoo.org/ZOOLights. Admission includes unlimited rides on the Wildlife Carousel for children ages 12 and under.
Art walk/Shop and Dine the Beach
When: 4-8 p.m., Dec. 19
Where: Pope Road to A Street, St. Augustine
Take a stroll down A1A Beach Boulevard and visit local artists in various locations including parkettes as well as outside local businesses. In association with the Art studio of St. Augustine Beach, this event will feature artists and artisans with many diverse items to offer from paintings, photography, prints, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and stained glass. Offering many holiday-themed pieces as well as affordable gift items, all handmade and local.
ART CAMP: Impressions of the holidays
When: 9 a.m.-noon, Dec. 28 through Dec. 30.
Where: 22 Marine St., St. Augustine
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.
