A St. Augustine Christmas

A St. Augustine Christmas will leave you with memories you will cherish forever. I can't think of a more lovely place to spend Christmas than right here in St. Augustine, Florida.

St. Augustine Christmas Lights

Thousands of beautiful white lights turn our quaint little town into a wonderland. Arriving into the downtown area you are greeted with a spectacular site.

The large oaks in the Plaza are draped with strand after strand of twinkling white lights.

Much of the community joins in, outlining their houses and businesses. It truly is a sight to see.

St. Augustine Christmas Events

Throughout the Christmas season there are a multitude of holiday events that you won't want to miss.

Poinsettia in the Plaza

• Nights of Lights - On November 21st the switch will be flipped and thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate St. Augustine. 6:30 p.m. Plaza de la Constitucion Downtown St. Augustine.

November 21 - January 4

• Winter Wonderland - Ice skating, sleigh rides, s'mores, lighted nature trails, visits with Santa. St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

• Luminary Night at the Lighthouse - St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

December 4 - 5

• British Night Watch - take a step back in time and join over 400 re-enactors from around the United States for this special celebration. I highly recommend this event. Downtown St. Augustine.

December 5

• St. Augustine Christmas Parade - Beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios. Bands, floats, antique cars, horses and Santa Claus wind their way through downtown St. Augustine.

December 6

• 41st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes - presented by the Garden Club of St. Augustine.

December 12

• Regatta of Lights - Parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights. St. Augustine Bayfront. 6:00 p.m.
• Holiday in the Gardens - Washington Oaks Gardens State Park 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Annual Holiday Tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns - sponsored by St. Augustine Historic Inns.

• Regatta of Lights - A glittering array of boats all decked out in their Christmas finery join in for this dazzling parade in the Matanzas Bay. Viewing at the bay front 6:00 p.m.

• Handel's Messiah - Cathedral Basilica 3:00 p.m.

• Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops - Emma Concert Series, Flagler Auditorium 8:00 p.m.

For a complete list of upcoming events subscribe to our monthly newsletter St. Augustine Traveler's Tidbits. Every issue has news and a complete listing of upcoming events. You won't want to miss this monthly dose of St. Augustine sunshine.

St. Augustine Christmas Shopping

Finding just the right Christmas gift is easy. Take a stroll down most any of our brick lined streets and you'll find wonderful shops with quite a variety of nice gift ideas.

For the history buff you might check out the gift shops at the Castillo de San Marcos or the Oldest House.

Do you have a surfer in the family? Stop by one of our many surf shops. A St. Augustine beach pass makes a great stocking stuffer.

Does that special someone appreciate art? Our art galleries offer the works of talented local artists. Now that is a gift that is sure to please.

If you are looking for more traditional gifts we have two huge Outlet malls close by. You'll find many of your favorite stores offering great deals. Recently Macy's was added to the long list of fine retailers. The outlet malls are at the intersection of I-95 and SR 16.

You'll be able to finish all of your Christmas shopping right here in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine Christmas Services

Jesus is the reason for the season! All of our local churches have special services throughout Advent; everyone is welcome. Wonderful music, nativity scenes, and candlelight services on Christmas Eve are just a few of the special offerings. Our historic churches are the perfect place to celebrate the joys of Christmas.

Make your plans to spend Christmas in the Nation's Oldest City. Gosh, you could bring the family and rent a beach house. Imagine waking up Christmas morning to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Just the thought of it brings a smile.

A St. Augustine Christmas is one you won't soon forget.