Nights of Lights

Nights of Lights Calendar of Events

November-January

2009 - 2010

M

illions of white lights create a magical holiday atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city during the 16th Annual Nights of Lights Celebration in St. Augustine, Florida. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 444-year history while creating a beautiful setting for special memories. A dazzling array of special events and activities await visitors. Nighttime tours of ancient buildings and inns led by storytellers in period clothing, rollicking train and trolley tours through the narrow brick streets, art walks featuring more than 30 galleries serving free holiday refreshments on the First Friday in December and January, special Saturday night antique shopping events, a dazzling regatta, Florida ice skating, luminaries in the town plaza, holiday concerts – even a Christmas parade – are among the special events to be added to the memory books of visitors and residents alike. The Nights of Lights will sparkle in St. Augustine November 21 to January 31.

YEARLONG EVENTS First Monday of each month ART AT 3 Art lectures and demonstrations on the first Monday of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. Admission is $10 per person. 904.280.0614; www.ccpvb.org Last Monday of each month DINNER & A MOVIE AT GYPSY CAB COMPANY Enjoy dinner and an Independent Film presented by Gypsy Cab Company, The St. Johns Cultural Council, and The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The buffet dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $25 per person and include dinner, a non-alcoholic beverage, the movie, and a donation to the St. Johns Cultural Council. Reservations are suggested. Gypsy Cab Company is located on Anastasia Boulevard in St. Augustine. 904.824.8244 Wednesdays Farmers’ Market – Enjoy shopping at the Farmers’ Market located at the ocean-side St. Johns County Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine Beach. Open from 8 a.m. until noon. The Farmers’ Market features selections of fresh produce, green houseplants and more! Rain or shine. 904.347.8007 Wednesdays & Saturdays HISTORIC WEAPONS FIRING DEMONSTRATION AT FORT MATANZAS Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine.  From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort.  Admission is free.  Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.  904.471.0116; www.nps.gov/foma First Friday of each month FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries from 5 to 9 p.m. on the First Friday of each month. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries.  Admission is free.  Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street.  904.829.0065; www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

NOVEMBER Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays HISTORIC WEAPON FIRING DEMONSTRATIONS AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS Have a blast at St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos when authentically-clad re-enactors demonstrate how Spain’s famed artillerymen fired their cannons in the 1740’s. The cannons will roar at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11:00 a.m., 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. Firing times are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Admission is $6; free for children under 16. 904.829.6506; www.nps.gov/casa Saturdays Old City Farmers’ Market Features fresh produce, baked goods and plants directly from the producers. The Old City Farmers’ Market is located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine and takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is free. www.staugustinefm.com Last Saturday of each month Uptown Saturday night From 5 to 9 p.m., galleries, antique stores and unique shops in St. Augustine’s Uptown San Marco shopping district between Ripley’s Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open for this special event. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other activities contribute to the party-like atmosphere.  FREE PARKING at the Mission of Nombre de Dios and appetizers provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association (SAiRA). The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association.  904.824.3152 Fourth Saturday of each month FORT MATANZAS NATURE EXPLORATIONS These ranger-led walks are part of a series of excursions, each exploring a different habitat or ecosystem at Fort Matanzas. The tours take place on the 4th Saturday of each month from 9:30 to11 am. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904.461.0116; www.nps.gov/foma. Sundays Vilano Beach sunday Market Stop by the Vilano Beach community market for fresh produce, desserts, baked goods, on-site cooking, local arts and crafts, entertainment and much more. The market takes place at the Vilano Beach Pier every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. 904.540.8797; www.thesundaymarket.com

November 21 - January 31 16th ANNUAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the City of St. Augustine during this 10-week-long celebration of the Holiday Season. More than two million tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic buildings of the Nation’s oldest city through January 31, 2010. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a lighted white candle during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting in St. Augustine reflects the city’s 444-year history while creating a beautiful setting for the exciting events and tours that take place throughout the Nights of Lights season. Free. 800.653.2489; www.NightsofLights.com November 21 Nights of Lights Light-up Night! St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles will be joined by past mayors in the historic Plaza de la Constitucion to “flip the switch” to light up the Nights of Lights. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a spirited holiday performance by Showtime USA. At 5:30 p.m., the All Star Orchestra will perform in the Plaza’s Gazebo. Then at 6:30 p.m., all attending this festive event will be asked to participate in the countdown to the lighting. Free. 904.825.1004; www.NightsofLights.com November 21 MAYOR’S HOLIDAY LIGHTING GALA Be a part of St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles’, Holiday Lighting Gala. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Government House. At 6:30 p.m., the mayor will proceed to the Plaza de la Constitucion, for the Nights of Lights Lighting Ceremony. Afterwards, the mayor and Gala participants will be led by a 1740 Color Guard to the Courtyard of the historic Lightner Museum, located at 78 King Street, for dinner catered by Casa Monica Hotel, dancing to the music of The Committee and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 per person with parking provided. All proceeds benefit the St. Francis House Building Fund. 904.825.1004

NOVEMBER November 22 - January 31 HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS TROLLY TOURS Caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies add to the fun of these tours. Plus, guests receive complimentary magical viewing glasses handcrafted by Santa’s elves, that add a special twinkle to the Nights of Lights. Trolley tours depart continuously between 6 and 8 p.m. from the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center located at Castillo Drive and San Marco Avenue. $7 for adults and $4 for children. 904.829.3800 November 22 - January 31 SANTA’S BIG RED CHRISTMAS TRAIN Climb aboard St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains Santa’s Big Red Christmas Train for a spectacular tour of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Special tours featuring caroling along the streets of the Oldest City will take place throughout the Nights of Lights season. 904.829.6545; www.redtrains.com

NOVEMBER 27 & 28 VILLA ZORAYDA NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR Explore Villa Zorayda during a special Nights of Lights evening tour. The Villa will extend its hours to 7 p.m. to allow guests to experience this enchanting mansion and its fascinating collection of antiquities. Audio tours are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students and military; $4 for children ages 8 to 12; under 7 admitted free. Parking is free with paid admission. Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street across from Flagler College in St. Augustine. 904.829.9887; www.villazorayda.com November 28 & 29 FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL For more than 45 years, this annual art festival has attracted some of the finest artists and crafters from around the South to exhibit their works created from natural materials. This juried art festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility. Admission is a $1 donation. 904.824.2310; www.staaa.org November 20 – January 3 Winter Wonderland Step into a Winter Wonderland in the Florida sun at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Outdoor ice skating rink, exhilarating Ice Slide, nighttime horse-drawn carriage rides through an enchanted forest, s’mores on the fire pit, a magical elf village, “Elf Express” train, Santa Claus, and SNOW!! Plus, the Veddy Theatre Group will present “A Time for Everything”. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. daily with special hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.  904.471.1965; www.winterwonderlandflorida.com; E-mail: [email protected] November 27 – December 24 THE POLAR EXPRESS AT WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME & IMAX THEATRE Come see a great holiday story on the giant IMAX screen at the World Golf Hall of Fame. “The Polar Express” with the train’s conductor (voice of Tom Hanks) takes audiences on an amazing journey to the North Pole where a young boy receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.  The World Golf Hall of Fame & IMAX Theater is located at the World Golf Village, off I-95 at exit 323. Tickets to the IMAX Theatre are $8 adults; $7 seniors and students; $6 children. 904.940.4123; www.wgv.com   

DECEMBER DECEMBER December 1- 29 TUESDAY NIGHT CLASSIC THEATRE PERFORMANCE: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Enjoy this holiday classic every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. Tickets are $20. Call 904.829.5807 or email [email protected] December 2 LUMINARY NIGHT AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE Climb the tower and look down on hundreds of luminaries far below on the grounds of the St. Augustine Light Station. Bring the kids, enjoy holiday music, cider, and even take time out to visit Santa! Luminary Night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue on Anastasia Island. 904.829.0745; www.StAugustineLighthouse.com December 3 Classic Films AT Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts Enjoy a screening of Dead End, starring Humphrey Bogart at the Cyprian Center’s film series “Beating the Odds: Overcoming Economic Adversity”. Admission is free. The film begins at 7 p.m. at the Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts, 130 Martin Luther King Avenue. 904.806.4508; www.CyprianCenter.org December 4 -13 ST JOHNS COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES This beautiful holiday display features trees decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the local community, all to benefit two local charities - The St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund and The United Way of St. Johns County.  Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite trees with dollars (in $1 minimum bids).  The festival opens Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day, Dec. 13.   904.940.4059; www.wgv.com December 4 An Evening of British Isle Music Enjoy an evening of historical British music under the stars at St. Augustine’s Spanish Quarter Museum, 29 St. George Street. Entertainment will be provided by Father, Son & Friends, a traditional Scottish, Irish and, American folk band. The fun begins at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Admission is free. Refreshments and libations are available. 904.819.2629; www.BritishNightwatch.org

December 4 & 5 CLASSIC THEATRE PERFORMANCE: A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES Enjoy Dylan Thomas’ lyrical tale of a long-ago Christmas in a seaside town in coastal Wales. The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. Tickets are $20. Call 904.829.5807 or email [email protected] December 4 & 5 35th ANNUAL BRITISH ENCAMPMENT AND GRANDE ILLUMINATION The Grande Illumination and British Night Watch Parade present an impressive pageant of color and light that reflects the customs of the British during their 1763-1784 occupation of St. Augustine. Grande Illumination begins at 8 p.m. at Government House on the Plaza and includes a torchlight parade through the historic district and back to the plaza for the British Governor’s holiday proclamation. From 9 a.m. until dusk, a historic encampment will take place at the Spanish Quarter on St. George Street. Free. www.britishnightwatch.org

DECEMBER December 4 – January 31 THE ALPS AT WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME & IMAX THEATRE Filled with majestic views of Switzerland’s natural beauty, The Alps follows the true-life story of mountaineer and journalist John Harlin, III, who sets out on an epic personal journey to climb the deadly north face of Eiger, the steepest peak in all of Europe. The World Golf Hall of Fame & IMAX Theater is located at the World Golf Village, off I-95 at exit 323. IMAX Theatre tickets are $8 adults; $7 seniors and students; $6 children. 904.940.4123; www.wgv.com December 5, 12, 19, & 26 FORT MOSE GUIDED TOURS Experience the history of Fort Mose, the first legallysanctioned community for free blacks in the United States. Learn about the archaeology of the site, see remnants of daily life in Colonial Spanish Florida, and stroll along the boardwalk though a pristine salt water marsh. The guided tour takes place every Saturday at 11 a.m. Park admission is $4 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. 904.823.2232; www.floridastateparks.org/fortmose December 5 HOLIDAY TEA PARTY WITH MRS. CLAUSE Boys and girls, 5 to 8 years old, join Mrs. Clause for a Christmas wish list session, storytelling, and a souvenir photograph. Bring the kids dressed in hats, jewels and suits. The tea party takes place at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, located on Coastal Highway A1A in Palm Coast. Tickets are $20 per child. 386.446.6783; [email protected]

December 5 - 7 4th ANNUAL HANDA CUP TOURNAMENT Enjoy the international match-play competition at the final event of the 2009 The LPGA Legends Tour on the World Golf Village Slammer and Squire course. The Slammer and Squire is located at the World Golf Village, off I-95 at exit 323 in St. Augustine. Single day pass tickets are $10. www.thelegendstour.com December 5 SURF ILLUMINATION The lighting of the St. Augustine Beach Christmas tree, food from local restaurants, and holiday shopping opportunities provided by local arts and crafts vendors, caroling and much more make this a seasonal seaside favorite. Free. 904.347.8007; www.staugbchcivicassoc.com December 5 55TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS PARADE The St. Augustine Christmas Parade is one of the largest in North Florida and includes floats, marching bands, classic cars, horses, and the arrival of Santa. The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. 904.824.4997 December 6 41ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES Travel back in time to experience the charm, warmth and grandeur of the holiday season on the St. Augustine Garden Club Christmas Remembered holiday tour showcasing seven private homes in St. Augustine. The tours take place from noon to 5 p.m. and depart from the Historic Downtown Parking Facility aboard St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tour and include refreshments and admission to the Garden Club Boutique located in the Big Tent at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum. 904.230.2108, 904.826.0024; www.gardenclubofstaugustine.org December 8 Classic Films AT Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts Enjoy a screening of Grapes of Wrath, starring Henry Fonda at the Cyprian Center’s film series “Beating the Odds: Overcoming Economic Adversity”. Admission is free, however, donations are accepted. The film begins at 7 p.m. at the Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts, 130 Martin Luther King Avenue. 904.806.4508; www.CyprianCenter.org

DECEMBER December 10 13TH ANNUAL SILENT ART AUCTION AND WINE TASTING GALA Enjoy live music by the UNF Jazz Band, delicious food by 95 Cordova, and great wine, while contributing to Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine. A silent auction will showcase local artists as well as offer gift baskets. 6 to 11 p.m., Casa Monica Hotel ballrooms. 904.826.3252, ext. 2004

December 12 & 13 HANDEL’S MESSIAH The St. Augustine Community Choir presents their annual performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and other Christmas holiday music at the St. Augustine Cathedral Basilica, located at 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine. Presentations are at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 904.824.2806; www.StAugustineCommunityChorus.org

December 12 HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS Children share their holiday wish list with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Playground and enjoy hands-on arts and crafts and games. Free hot chocolates from Starbucks and a Gingerbread house contest for all ages! Admission to the park is a donation of a toy and non-perishable food items at the gate. Washington Oaks State Garden is located on Ocean Boulevard A1A in Palm Coast. 386.446.6783; [email protected]

December 15 Classic Films AT Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts Enjoy a screening of Tales of Manhattan, starring Charles Boyar, Rita Hayworth and Ginger Rogers at the Cyprian Center’s film series “Beating the Odds: Overcoming Economic Adversity”. In addition to the movie, there will be a discussion led by local film critic, Robert Pohle. Admission is free, however, donations are accepted. The film begins at 7 p.m. at the Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts, 130 Martin Luther King Avenue. 904.806.4508; www.CyprianCenter.org

December 12 REGATTA OF LIGHTS Dozens of sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels parade brilliantly lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Awards presented for best theme, most colorful, best in class, and best overall. At 6 p.m., the boats enter St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay. The Regatta of Lights is hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. Free. 904.824.9725; www.sayc2000.com December 12 & 13 16TH annual Holiday Tour OF BED AND BREAKFAST INNS Tour St. Augustine’s Historic Bed and Breakfast Inns, all decorated in holiday finery, and taste treats created by St. Augustine’s leading restaurants and confectioners. The tour takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and half on Sunday. Tickets purchased before November 13 are $25 per person and $35 thereafter. A portion of the proceeds from the Holiday Tour will go to the St. Augustine Record’s Empty Stocking Fund. 904.829.0079; www.staugustinebanbtour.com December 13 LUMINARIES IN THE PLAZA See St. Augustine’s historic Plaza de la Constitucion aglow with hundreds of candlelit luminaries from 5 to 8 p.m. Join in singing traditional carols. Sponsored by the Pilot Club. Free. 904.824.2486

December 16 & 17 JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS The 86-member JSO will present a selection of holiday favorites to help celebrate the EMMA Concert Association’s 30th anniversary. Performances begin at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. 904.797.2800; www.emmaconcerts.com

JANUARY December 18 – January 17 LIMELIGHT THEATRE: BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS Enjoy this exciting musical that mixes laughter and a little bit of spice when conservative sensibilities meet the ladies of the Chicken Ranch. Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Road in St. Augustine. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 adults, $22 seniors and $20 for students and military. 904.825.1164; www.limelight-theatre.org December 26 & 28 VILLA ZORAYDA NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR Explore Villa Zorayda during a special Nights of Lights evening tour. The Villa will extend its hours to 7 p.m. to allow guests to experience this enchanting mansion and its fascinating collection of antiquities. Audio tours are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students and military; $4 for children ages 8 to 12; under 7 admitted free. Parking is free with paid admission. Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street across from Flagler College in St. Augustine. 904.829.9887; www.villazorayda.com December 31 SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR View the sunset, moonrise and the spectacular Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. Tour is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. 904.829.0745 December 31 BEACH BLAST OFF 2010 Kick off 2010 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach event! Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures, and fireworks when several of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 10 p.m. After things cool off from the chili – the Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Beach Blast takes place at St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach. 904.982.2210; www.beachblastoff.com

JANUARY January 9 TWELFTH NIGHT BALL Relive the old tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany with a costume ball at St. Augustine’s historic Government House.  Participants dress in 18th century clothing and bring one pot luck dish, wine and antique plate and eating utensils.  Turkey, ham and punch will be served.  Festivities begin at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $20 per couple or $15 for an individual.  904.794.2507; E-mail: [email protected] January 9 FRIENDS OF WASHINGTON OAKS GARDENS PLANT SALE Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for their 2nd Saturday Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A portion of the plants for sale were propagated and grown right there in the park by volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Admission to the park is $5 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. 386.446.6783, E-mail: [email protected] January 9 BUGLISI DANCE THEATRE Experience a performance by the award-winning Buglisi Dance Theatre. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. 904.797.2800; www.emmaconcerts.com

JANUARY January 17 TALLAHASSEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra returns to St. Augustine, celebrating 29 years of wonderful music. This season’s EMMA performance will include Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 in d-minor and a flute concerto by W. A. Mozart, with flute soloist Eva Amsler. The Performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located on Granada Street. Tickets are $30. 904.797.2800; www.emmaconcerts.com January 18 Exploring Art History Lecture: 20th Century Prints and photographs Come learn about some of the finest prints and photographs produced in the 20th century. This enlightening slide show and discussion will be led by Maaren Van De Guchte, a former museum educator. The lecture takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904.280.0614; www.ccpvb.org January 22 - 31 FIRST COAST OPERA PRESENTS THE THREEPENNY OPERA This incredible “opera for beggars” satirizes traditional opera and operetta that created a new kind of musical theater based on the theories of two young German artists, composer Kurt Weill and poet-playwright Bert Brecht. This story of Mack the Knife takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at the Ponte Vedra High School Auditorium, 460 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for adults. Student tickets are $20 per person. 904.417.5555; www.FirstCoastOpera.com January 23 NATURE EXPLORATION AT FORT MATANZAS Enjoy a free walking tour exploring the park’s natural habitats. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.  For more information, call 904.461.0116 or visit www.nps.gov/foma January 23 30th ANNUAL MATANZAS 5K & FUN RUN This 5K run begins from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine, and continues downtown along the bay front.  The race begins at 9 a.m. An awards ceremony follows the race.  Registration is $15 in advance, $25 the day of the race. 904.461.1615; www.ancientcityrr.org

January 24 ALEXANDER MARKOV VIOLINIST WITH PIANO Internationally-celebrated violinist Alexander Markov, Gold Medal winner of the Paganini International Violin Competition, will present a program which includes works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Niccolo Paganini, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Tommaso Vitali. The performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $22. 904.797.2800; www.emmaconcerts.com January 29 SUNSET/MOONRISE TOUR View the sunset, moonrise and the spectacular Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse! This special event includes a champagne toast atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. Tour is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members. Reservations are required. 904.829.0745 January 30 SCHOOL OF THE 16TH CENTURY Come learn authentic 16th century living skills at this gathering and workshop organized by Historic Florida Militia. This educational event provides the opportunity for re-enactors (pros or novice), or anyone interested in the early settlers of St. Augustine, to exchange ideas and information about 16th century military life and society. Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, located at 11 Magnolia Street in St. Augustine. 904.534.6168; www. FloridaLivingHistory.org January 30 EMMA CONCERT – CLASSICAL JAM QUINTET This vibrant ensemble of flute, percussion, violin, viola and cello, is best known for its engaging and lively presentations for today’s contemporary audiences. The program will include compositions from Mozart to Gershwin, Piazzolla to Renaissance dances by Susato, Middle Eastern and Asian-inspired original works by members of Classical Jam. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located at 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $22. 904.797.2800; www.emmaconcerts.com

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Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

50 A1A South, Suite 102, Ponte Vedra Beach 904.285.2004 Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri. www.Getaway4Florida.com

State Parks

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St. Johns County Visitor Information Centers

Mainland 10 Castillo Dr., St. Augustine 904.825.1000 Open Daily 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. www.Getaway4Florida.com BEACHSIDE 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine 904.471.1596 Open Daily 8:30-5:30 www.Getaway4Florida.com

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Calendars of Events

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ith more than 180 years of experience in meeting the needs of vacationers, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches has developed unmatched expertise in providing the services needed by our guests. Whether it’s information, beach gear, a rental car or just a car wash, great service is a tradition. 13 No matter what our guests may need, their needs can be fulfilled simply – all they have to do is ask.

Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

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Fort Matanzas National Monument

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Editors Note: Please call to confirm events before driving long distances as some dates and times could vary. An updated calendar is available every 2 - 4 months. In addition, an updated calendar of events is available at the VCB’s website, www.Getaway4Florida.com or www.NightsofLights.com, or by calling 800.653.2489 or 904.829.1711.

Nights of Lights Calendar of Events

November-January

2009 - 2010