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This Week on Florida’s Historic Coast

December 14, 2015 
Monday – Sunday, December 14 – 20  
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
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 14 – 19
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, December 15 
 
GTM Research Reserve Marineland Lecture
This lecture series is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 – 11 a.m. at the GTM Research Reserve Marineland Field Office. The series is designed to inform the public about their coastal natural world. The lecture is free so space is limited and reservations are requested. 9741 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Marineland. 904-823-4500 www.gtmnerr.org/Marineland-Programs.php
Tuesday – Sunday, December 15 – 20
 
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 16
 
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
EMMA Concert Performance: Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
EMMA Concert Association presents the Southwest Florida Symphony Holiday Pops at 7:30 p.m. at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium. Hear all of your favorite songs and carols of the season performed by the SWFS. Tickets are $35 ($5 for students) and may be purchased in advance on the website. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are strongly encouraged. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 904-797-2800
www.emmaconcerts.com
Thursday, December 17
 
Leon Russell Concert at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts music legend Leon Russell for an 8 p.m. concert (doors open at 7 p.m.). A master of a variety of genres. Leon’s songs, albums and collaborations have earned him two Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets $49 first 8 rows; $39 all remaining seats. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com
Thursday – Sunday, December 17 – 20
 
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. Thursday – Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Plus, there is a Terrific Tuesday performance at 7:30 p.m. on December 15. Tickets are $26; $24 seniors; $20 student and military. 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org
Friday, December 18
 
Local Honey Documentary and Concert at The Colonial Quarter
A special showing of “Local Honey,” a documentary devoted to the past and present of music in St. Augustine, takes place at The Colonial Quarter. The event includes performances before and after the film by many of the musicians featured in the documentary, including Lu Rubino, Chelsea Saddler, Bob Patterson, Hunter Miller and many others. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 or the donation of a toy for the Betty Griffin House. 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-342-2857 www.colonialquarter.com


Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19
 
Festival of Light: An Intimate Evening with Matisyahu at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
Raggae and hip hop artist Matisyahu and his “Festival of Light” Tour performs for two nights at the Ponte Vedral Concert Hall at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Matisyahu has established a reputation for following his muse–from the stripped-down roots reggae of the gold-certified Live at Stubb’s to the trippy ministrations of Youth to the polished pop eclecticism of Light. Tickets are $48.50 for the first 10 rows, $38.50 all remaining rows. 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-209-0399 www.pvconcerthall.com
Friday – Sunday, December 18 – 20 
 
Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens at the IMAX Theater
The IMAX at World Golf Village presents the latest Hollywood film “Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens”. A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas set thirty years after Star Wars: Episode VI – The Return of the Jedi (1983). Adults $13, Seniors/Students/Military $12, and Children 3-12 $10. Visit the website for show times. One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. 904-940-4123 www.WorldGolflIMAX.com
Saturday, December 19
Guided Beach Exploration Guana South Beach
Join GTM Research Reserve Docents from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. for a beach walk at the Guana South beach location on A1A, South Ponte Vedra Beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach home as well as seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. There is a $3/per vehicle parking fee. 1768 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-823-4500 http://gtmnerr.org/News-and-Events.php
Tolomato Cemetery Guided Tour
Tour the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida with burials starting during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Tours are from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 16 Cordova St., St. Augustine. www.tolomatocemetery.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 6:30 p.m. with refreshments featuring homemade Christmas cookies, a special Holiday punch and hot coffee served at 6 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
Saturday & Sunday, December 19 & 20
The Nutcracker
The St. Augustine Ballet presents their seventh annual production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker,

at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Saint Augustine Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a magical show that features mischievous mice, dancing dolls, sparkling snowflakes, elegant costumes, custom-designed scenery, and skillful athletic dancing that will charm the entire family. Arionel Vargas, former Principal dancer with English National Ballet and international dance film star, will partner with Marize Fumero, former dancer with the English National Ballet and member of Milwaukee Ballet, to perform the principal roles of Cavalier and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Performance times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $30 each ($25 for seniors over 65 and children under 12). Audience members are encouraged to bring a canned good with them to help fill the pantry at St. Francis House. 14 Granada St., St. Augustine. 855-222-2849 www.saintaugustineballet.com

Sunday, December 20
 
Knights of Lights Concert at the Colonial Quarter
A free, Christmas sing-along featuring The Knights of Lights takes place 6 – 8 p.m. beneath the towering oak at St. Augustine’s Colonial Quarter. Refreshing beverages available at the venue’s Pescado House. 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. 904-342-2857  www.colonialquarter.com
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