This Week on Florida's Historic Coast

November 30, 2015

Monday – Sunday, November 30 – December 6

Dressing of the Palms in Vilano Beach

The fourth annual Dressing of the Palms along Vilano Beach features palm trees decorated in holiday finery. The trees showcase creative talents of residents, artists, businesses, clubs, schools, and organizations. Prizes for the best decorated palms will be awarded December 5 at the first Saturday Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration. The Dressing of the Palms will be on display through December 31. Vilano Beach Main St., St. Augustine.

www.VilanoBeachFL.com

Tour of Trees at TPC Sawgrass

Come experience the self-guided tour of the clubhouse to view the spectacular decorations in each room! The tour is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-543-5105 http://www.tpc.com/sawgrassevents

Holiday Trees at World Golf Village

See outstanding holiday trees decorated and donated by the public at the special event at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. The trees are on display from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. On December 12, the trees will be auctioned off — all proceeds benefit Home Again St. Johns. 500 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine. Email –

904-687-5043

Obelisk Art 450

A temporary public art initiative of Compassionate St. Augustine, Obelisk Art 450 pays tribute to the 450th anniversary of the nation’s oldest city in 2015 while promoting a legacy of compassion. This very first St. Augustine’s public arts exhibit features 25 artistically interpreted 8.5-foot tall obelisk replicas of the Monumento a la Constitución on St. Augustine’s Plaza de la Constitucion. Each of the 25 renowned artist’s obelisks demonstrates a story line and the four foundational values to the monument originally dedicated in 1813: Freedom, Democracy, Human Rights and Compassion. Each obelisk will be located at a site in St. Augustine that relates to the artist’s interpretation. The Obelisk’s will be on display through January 2016. For more details and obelisk descriptions and locations, visit compassionstaugustine.org

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 at the IMAX Theater

The IMAX at World Golf Village presents the “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.” Adults $13, seniors/students/military $12, and children 3-12 $10. The Hunger Games will be playing at World Golf IMAX 3D through November 30. Visit the website for show times. One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.WorldGolflMAX.com

Nights of Lights

St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops through January 31. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 and 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city. 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 450-year history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. For a complete list of holiday events, special tours and more on Florida’s Historic Coast, visit www.NightsOfLights.com

Tuesday, December 1

Flagler College Community Lecture Series

As part of the Community Lecture Series marking the 450th year of St. Augustine’s official founding, Tracy Upchurch presents “Reunion: St. Augustine After the Civil War.” Admission is $5 (4 lecures for $15) to the 10 a.m. lecture in the Ponce Hall Solarium at Flagler College. A coffee and pastry reception will follow. Reservations required. 74 King St., St. Augustine. 904-826-8617. www.flagler.edu

Tuesday – Sunday, December 1 – 6

St. Augustine Art Association Exhibit Florida: Paradise Lost & Found

St. Augustine Art Association’s Florida: Paradise Lost & Found runs through January 3 and highlights the flora and fauna, history and happenings, people and places that are unique to Florida, both past and present The gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 22 Marine St. St. Augustine. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org

Wednesday, December 2

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Inc.

The highlight of the holiday season at the lighthouse is Luminary Night. From 6 to 9 p.m., visitors are invited to enter the lighthouse grounds for a free evening of children’s holiday crafts, warm refreshments, live music performances including the St. Augustine Youth Chorus at 7:15 p.m. (plus a string quartet inside the lighthouse tower), visits with Santa, and an up-close look at the museum’s Christmas decor. This is a special evening the whole family will enjoy. Admission is free. 81 Lighthouse Ave., St. Augustine. 904-829-0745 www.StAugustineLighthouse.org

6th Annual Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda

See the historic Villa Zorayda in the glow of more than 100 candles on this popular holiday tour of one of St. Augustine’s most iconic buildings. The Villa is beautifully decorated with a spectacular Christmas tree adorned in red and gold, the Zorayda’s colors, located center stage in the Court of Lions. Docents guide visitors on the 90-minute tours that begin at 6 p.m. Tour tickets are $15 adults; $7 ages 7-12; free for ages 4-6; not recommended for children 3 and under. Call for reservations. 83 King St., St. Augustine. 904-829-9887 www.villazorayda.com

Wednesday & Thursday, December 2 & 3

Senior Conservatory One-Acts (presented over two nights)

Senior-directed one-act plays serving as capstone projects for Theatre Arts majors at Flagler College are presented to the public over the course of two nights. $5 admission is good for two nights of these one-act presentations. Show times are at 7 p.m. in Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-826-8600 flagler.universitytickets.com

Thursday, December 3

Lucero Concert

Alternative country band Lucero performs at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. This outstanding band from Memphis mixes country rock, soul and R&B into a unique sound that has a passionate, national following. Tickets for this standing room only show are $28 advance; $32 day of show. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399

www.pvconcerthall.com

Friday, December 4

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, free Art Walk Trolleys and Trains provided by St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys, provide free transportation throughout downtown for the art walk. 832-779-2781 www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.org

Small Objects Holiday Art Sale and opening of Allison Watson “Florida” Exhibit at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach

This Cultural Center annual art sale offers works from more than 30 well-known local artists and includes handcrafted jewelry, glass work, paintings, pottery and more. All work is priced from $25-$350. The sale coincides with the opening reception of art instructor Allison Watson’s “Florida” Exhibit. It all takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. and includes appetizers by Ruth’s Chris and wine. The exhibit will be on display and the Small Object Sale will be available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. through December 28. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

Friday & Saturday, December 4 & 5

4th Annual Rails to Trails Festival

Celebrate the continued success of converting abandoned railroad right-of-ways to enjoyable biking and hiking trails in Northeast Florida. This annual festival features arts & crafts, country cooking, Farmer’s Market, bike rides, great live music and much more! The event takes place 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Armstrong Park in Elkton. Admission is free. 4950 Harvey Ave., Elkton. 904-806-3939

Saturday, December 5

First Saturdays: GTM Research Reserve Guided Cultural Hike

The first Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. features a Guided Cultural Hike that focuses on the Guana Peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history This 1.5 mile guided walking tour departs from the Trailhead Pavilion located just west of the Guana Dam. The programs are free. There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr.org

61st 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, continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and ends behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. 904-824-4997

58th Annual PAL Day in St. Augustine

Active military personnel and their families enjoy free admission to many St. Augustine attractions. The Elks Lodge offers free lunches from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides Checker Cab shuttle service from the Elks Lodge parking lot to the downtown National Guard HQ. The city also offers free parking at the Historic District Parking Facility (10 West Castillo Drive) to military personnel. Free admission for military families is offered at the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Colonial Quarter, Fort Menendez, Fountain of Youth, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, Old Jail, Oldest Store, Pirate and Treasure Museum, Potter’s Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Red Train included), St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Villa Zorayda Museum, World Golf Hall of Fame and the Ximenez-Fatio House. The Elks Lodge is located at 1420 A1A South.

Living History Day at Fort Matanzas

From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically-clad re-enactors 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. 904-471-0116 www.nps.gov/foma

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. Two performances 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). 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-471-4946 www.StAugustineWinterSpectacular.com

UNF Christmas Messiah Evening Performance at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Join a joyous annual Ponte Vedra holiday event – the performance of George Frideric Handel’s famous 1741 composition – The Messiah by the UNF Chamber Singers and Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Cara Tasher. There will be two shows. The Matinee Performance, featuring Messiah Favorites, will begin at 3 p.m. and it will be an abbreviated version. The Evening Performance, featuring the Christmas Messiah, will begin at 7 p.m. and will last approximately two hours. Tickets are $20 General Admission. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-messiah-evening-performance-tickets-17498551639

Vilano Beach Sunset Celebration

Features a spectacular sunset across the bay plus dozens of market vendors, live music, local arts and crafts and more at the Vilano Pier. Activities are from 3 p.m. – dusk. Admission is free. 260 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine. 904-540-0402 www.vilanobeachfl.com

6th Annual Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda

See the historic Villa Zorayda in the glow of more than 100 candles on this popular holiday tour of one of St. Augustine’s most iconic buildings. The Villa is beautifully decorated with a spectacular Christmas tree adorned in red and gold, the Zorayda’s colors, located center stage in the Court of Lions. Docents guide visitors on the 90-minute tours that begin at 6 p.m. with refreshments featuring homemade Christmas cookies, a special Holiday punch and hot coffee served at 5:30 p.m. Tour tickets are $18 adults; $8 ages 7-12; free for ages 4-6; not recommended for children 3 and under. Call for reservations. 83 King St., St. Augustine.

904-829-9887 www.villazorayda.com

A December to Remember:
Clint Black at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre

One of country music’s brightest stars, Clint Black performs a free concert at the amphitheatre. The performance begins at 8 p.m. — doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of at least one non-perishable canned food item per entry for United Way. The event is presented by the Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine. www.staugamphitheatre.com

St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch

Historic re-enactors representing the City of St. Augustine from 1739-1785 participate in a colorful torch-lit parade celebrating the holidays. Participants include Spanish and British military units, Native Americans, and Florida militias of the period. The parade begins at 7 p.m. from the Castillo de San Marcos and when it reaches the City Gate, the public is invited to follow along to the parade’s destination at Government House where a welcoming speech will be heard and Christmas carols will ring in the holiday season. 48 King St., St. Augustine.

904-501-0391 www.hfm.club

Sunday, December 6

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 the diva runs Sunday with a 7:15 a.m. 5K and a 7:30 & 7:32 a.m. wave half marathon — 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! $110 for Divas Half Marathon; $65 for the Divas 5K. 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, www.runlikeadiva.com