This Week on Florida's Historic Coast

December 7, 2015

Monday – Sunday, December 7 – 13

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. 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

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

Monday – Saturday, December 7 – 12

Small Objects Holiday Art Sale at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach

This 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 Small Objects art sale is available through December 28. The Cultural Center hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

Allison Watson “Florida” Exhibit at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach

This exhibition showcases the Florida landscapes of artist and art instructor Allison Watson and will be on display through December 28. Cultural Center hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-280-0614 www.ccpvb.org

Tuesday – Sunday, December 8 – 13

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

Thursday, December 10

A December to Remember: Drive-In Movie Night at The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Bring the family out and celebrate the holidays on the lawn of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall with a free showing of “Home Alone” on a giant inflatable screen. The film begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399

www.pvconcerthall.com

Evenings at Whitney Lab Lecture

At 7 p.m., Todd Osborne, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Biogeochemistry, Whitney Laboratory of Marine Bioscience, presents “Evolution of Coastal Ecosystems in Florida: A Story of Time and Climate”. Admission is free. The lecture takes place at the Center for Marine Studies at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd., St. Augustine (in town of Marineland). 904-461-4000 www.whitney.ufl.edu

Thursday – Saturday, December 10 – 12

Flagler College Student Art Exhibition

Flagler College Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts candidates showcase their artwork at the Crisp-Ellert Art Museum. The exhibit includes drawings, paintings, sculptures and mixed media. On Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m., a free reception takes place for the artists. The museum will be open on Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Admission is free. 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine. 904-826-8530 www.flagler.edu/crispellert

North Florida Antique Tractor Show/Market Days

The Florida Agricultural Museum hosts a three-day arts and crafts show featuring the handmade creations of area artists and top-quality crafts makers – plus, a wide variety of antique engines, tractors and other mechanical equipment presented by the North Florida Antique Engine Association. The event includes holiday crafts for kids, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and wagon rides. Hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Admission is $5 per person; $2 for a wagon ride. 7900 Old Kings Rd. N, Palm Coast. 386-446-7630

www.FloridaAgMuseum.org

Friday, December 11

A December to Remember: Drive-in Movie Night at Anastasia State Park

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at this free showing of “A Christmas Story” on a giant inflatable screen at Anastasia State Park. The movie starts at 7 p.m.; gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of a canned food item. 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine. www.StAugAmphitheatre.com

St. Augustine Orchestra and Jacksonville Masterworks Chorale Holiday Concert

Under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Mark Stallings, the St. Augustine Orchestra and the Jacksonville Masterworks Chorale provide a beautiful and moving holiday music experience. The 8 p.m. performance at Lightner Museum Cafe Alcazar and Antique Courtyard includes seasonal favorites, as well as a sing-along with the chorus and orchestra. General admission is $20; $5 for students. 25 Granada St., St. Augustine. www.staugustineorchestra.org

Loudon Wainwright III Live at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Folk musician and humorist Loudon Wainwright III performs at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Wainwright’s 43-year career includes 26 albums, including his latest Haven’t Got the Blues Yet. His songs have been recorded by an array of stars including Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash and Earl Scruggs. He has also appeared as an actor in a number of TV shows and feature films. Tickets are $40 each for the first 6 rows; and $35 each for remaining seats. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

Friday & Saturday, December 11 & 12

24th Annual A Bethlehem Visit

Take a walk through the town of Bethlehem and see how it might have looked on the night of Jesus’ birth. A cast of more than 280 people, plus live animals, portray the town’s residents, merchants and craftsmen. Seek out the lowly manger and the Christ Child. Admission is free. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Presented Friday 6 – 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 5 – 8:30 p.m. at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church. Parking is $5 per vehicle at the PGA Tour lot off CR 210. The church is located 2.5 miles west of A1A at 4510 Palm Valley Rd. (CR 210), Ponte Vedra. 904-285-8225 www.pvpc.com

Friday – Sunday, December 11 – 13

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Limelight Theatre

This holiday, family production features a couple struggling to produce a church Christmas pageant. They must cast the Herdman kids – the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem! Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $26; $24 seniors; $20 student and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org

Saturday, December 12

Santa Suits on the Loose 5K Walk/Jog/Run

St. Augustine Youth Services hosts a 5K at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. The race begins at 8 a.m. (6:30 a.m. registration begins). Early registration $25 (before Nov. 1); $30 (after Nov. 1) and $35 the day of the race. The race is professionally timed and scored and follows a flat 3.1 mile course through St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods. Choice of Santa suit or T-shirt (Santa Suit to first 100 registrants only). 350 A1A Beach Blvd. www.racesmith.com/races/SantaSuitsOnTheLoose5K.html

GTM Reserve Guided Trail Hike

Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. for a 1.5 mile guided walk along the Guana Trail. After the walk, visit the GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center (EEC). There is a $3 parking fee. 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr2ndtrailhike.eventbrite.com

Cherokee Native American Interpretive History Demonstrations

Enjoy a day of demonstrations by Cherokee Native Historians at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., listen and learn about how the Southeastern Cherokee nation interacted with the Timucua tribes in the area for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans. The lectures and demonstration will take place in the living history village of Seloy. Come see our nation’s history told from a fascinating angle! Admission is $15 adults, $14 seniors, $9 children 6-12, Under 5 free. 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine 904-829-3168 www.FountainofYouthFlorida.com

Castillo Holiday Open House

This annual holiday event offers visitors free admission to the Castillo de San Marcos from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Guests can experience the Castillo after dark and meet a variety of historic military personnel portrayed by park rangers and volunteers. These re-enactors bring to life the soldiers, sailors, marines and civilians who have served within the Castillo walls throughout its long history from the 16th through the 20th centuries. The event will open with a three-gun cannon firing, and additional cannon demonstrations will take place during the evening.

1 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www.nps.gov/casa

Music in the Park

Just listen or bring an instrument and join this open jam session at the Island Beach Grill inside Anastasia State Park. The session is 6 – 9 p.m. and admission is free. 1340A A1A, St. Augustine. 904-461-2035 www.floridastateparks.org/park/Anastasia

Gamble Rogers Music Festival Concert Series

The amazing Jack Williams and Magda Hiller perform on stage at Lohman Auditorium, located behind the Whitney Lab at Marineland. The music starts at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $20 at the door (if available) or $15 in advance. Purchase online at www.gamblerogersfest.org or at Music Matters, Simple Gestures, The Bead Chick or by calling 904-794-4163. 9505 Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland

Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra Concert

Award-winning singer/songwriter Kevin Griffin performs at 8 p.m. at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. His songwriting talents are widely recognized in both LA and Nashville. His song “Juicy” was at the theme for ABC’s Desperate Housewives and his “Stuck Like Glue” was a No. 1 hit for Sugarland and is the 11th most-downloaded song in country music history. Tickets are $36 each for the first eight rows; $32 each for the remaining seats. Doors open at 7 p.m. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com

A December to Remember: St. Augustine Fire Department Chili Cook-Off and Double Feature

Create a memorable family holiday celebration at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre with the best local chili cooked up by the St. Augustine Fire Department – and enjoy a movie double feature – “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at 6 p.m. and “Christmas Vacation” at 7:45 p.m. Plus the family can enjoy a snowfall, visit with Santa, wander the Elf Village, visit the Bounce House and take a train ride! It’s all free. Gates open at 2 p.m. Presented by Friends of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. 1340 C, A1A South, St. Augustine. www.staugustineamphitheatre.com

Regatta of Lights

Annual holiday parade of motorized vessels – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Awards will be made for the best theme, most colorful, best in class and best overall. Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and

Castillo de San Marcos. The Regatta of Lights is hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. 904-824-9725 www.staugustineyachtclub.com

Saturday & Sunday, December 12 & 13

22nd Annual Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour

This is a two-day tour from 1- 5 p.m. each day featuring 24 inns throughout historic St. Augustine. Each day, 12 inns open their doors to display entertaining decorations and scenes based on Christmas carols, holiday pop tunes and other music of the season. Each inn is paired with a distinguished St. Augustine restaurant or other culinary partner offering savory nibbles, sweet treats and other refreshments. The self-guided tour is easily navigated on foot, but a special tour shuttle also will offer transportation along the route. Tickets are $30 and should be purchased in advance on the website (partial proceeds benefit a local charity). www.staugustinebandbtour.com

St. Augustine Community Chorus: Christmas Tableaux

The 100-voice strong St. Augustine Community and Youth Chorus present the 67th Annual Christmas and Holiday Concert. Titled “Christmas Tableaux – Peace, Hope, Joy and Awe,” the performance features beautiful and festive works ranging from traditional to contemporary, including choruses from Handel’s “Messiah.” The holiday concert takes place in the beautiful Cathedral Basilica on Saturday at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20 in advance from website; $25 at the door; $5 for students. 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine.

904-982-2210 www.StAugustineCommunityChorus.org

Sunday, December 13

Brunch with Santa at TPC Sawgrass

Bring the children to visit Santa Claus as he travels all the way from the North Pole! This special family event is from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. and includes a delicious brunch, Tickets are $49.00+ for adults and $18 for kids 6-12 yrs. 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach 904-543-5105 www.tpc.com/sawgrassevents

Holiday in the Gardens

From noon – 4 p.m., Washington Oaks Gardens State Park hosts its annual “Holiday in the Gardens.” Children’s activities include photos with Santa ($5), Tea with Mrs. Claus ($10 per child), arts and crafts, face painting, games and more! There’s a 4-H Club Fashion Show at noon; a dance exhibition at 1 p.m., and at 1:45 p.m. Michael Jordan performs holiday songs. Free entry with can good donation. 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast.

386-446-6783 www.floridastateparks.org/park/Washington-Oaks

St. Augustine Youth Chorus at the Lightner

Enjoy an outdoor holiday performance by the St. Augustine Youth Chorus in front of the city’s beautifully-decorated Lightner Museum. The 5 p.m. performance is presented free of charge. 75 King St. 904-495-8601

Rising Appalachia Live at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

The soulful sisters of Rising Appalachia and their band perform modern-day world, folk and soul at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. Advance purchase of general admission standing room tickets are $20; day of the show $22. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com