AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (November 3, 2011) – Northeast Florida’s Amelia Island has loaded up a fun-filled calendar to celebrate the season, packing November and December with unique events for the family. From historic reenactments to a 17-foot gingerbread pirate ship, Amelia puts her own special island spin on the holidays. Plus, cooler winter temperatures make the season perfect for evening strolls on the beach, carriage rides under twinkling lights and decorations, and holiday shopping in the historic district.
Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:
Union Garrison at
Fort
Clinch
State Park
(November 5-6)
Held the first weekend of every month, the Union Garrison events feature living history interpreters, as they recreate life at the fort during the Civil War. Visitors may see powder artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations and soldier drills. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Petanque
America
Open
(November 11-13)
Petanque is a simplified version of an older outdoor bowling game, in which the goal is to toss or roll a number of hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball. Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins. The Petanque America Open will bring more than 260 petanque players to compete on Amelia Island. Training clinics will be held Friday, November 11. For more information, visit www.petanque-america-open.net.
Fernandina
Beach
International Film Festival
(November 11-20)
This year’s Fernandina Beach International Film Festival features 35 feature films, shorts, parties and more. Additional information and trailers are available at www.fbiff.org or by calling (904) 624-1145.
History of the American Soldier
(November 12)
Fort Clinch State Park will host a full day event to salute the Armed Forces. Guests will enjoy a day filled with military history and review military displays from the Revolutionary War to present day while interacting with living historians from each major U.S. Military conflict. Period music and firing demonstrations will also highlight the experience. Regular park admission applies. In addition, fort admission is one canned food item per person, which will be donated to the Barnabas Food Pantry. For additional information, contact the park at (904) 277-7274 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.
Artrageous Artwalks (November 12, December 10)
Every second Saturday, the Artrageous Artwalk showcases 12 of the island’s art galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, metal, stained glass, watercolors, acrylics and more. The Artrageous Artwalk takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is free of charge. For more details, call 800-226-3542.
Silver Oak Winery/Twomey Cellars Wine Dinner
(November 16)
Join Omni Amelia Island Plantation on November 16 to enjoy a perfectly paired six-course wine dinner, along with an opening reception in the Sabal Palm dining room overlooking the beautiful beach and crystal blue waters of the Atlantic. Guests will experience the finest in culinary cuisine, masterfully prepared by executive chefs and complemented by Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon and Twomey Cellars varietals. Call (904) 321-5050 for reservations.
3rd on 3rd at the
Amelia
Island
Museum
of History
(November 18, December 16)
On the third Friday of each month, the Amelia Island Museum of History offers a special presentation on a variety of topics related to the history of the island. The event takes place at 6 p.m. at Baker Hall in the museum. For non-members, admission is $5. Visit www.ameliamuseum.org for additional information about the museum.
AIBBA
Holiday
Cookie Tour
(November 19)
The Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association invites the public to enjoy their annual open-house, self-paced walking tour. The event takes place on Saturday, November 19 from 12 to 5 p.m. Sample a signature cookie from each of the eight decorated inns while collecting recipes along the way. You’ll come away with ideas for heirloom cookies to add to your family’s traditions as well as inspiration for holiday decorating. Tickets for this fundraiser to support the Barnabas Center can be purchased online. For tickets and information, visit www.ameliaislandinns.com or call 904-277-0500
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
(November 23)
This is a holiday event guests cherish forever. Guests and neighbors gather in The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island courtyard for music, refreshments, the tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and a spectacular fireworks display. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland for more information about the resort.
Santa's
Holiday
Dinner
(November 23)
Bring the entire family to join Santa and a cast of elves and reindeer for Santa’s Holiday Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The festive event costs $49 per adult and $25 per child (ages 5-12). Reservations can be made by calling (904) 277-1100.
S.S. Amelia Gingerbread Pirate Ship Display
(November 23 – December 28)
A spectacular 17-foot gingerbread pirate ship docks at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for the holiday season. Gracing the resort’s main lobby, the amazing edible pirate ship provides a memorable backdrop for holiday photos. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland for more information.
Omni
Amelia
Island
Plantation
Holiday
Events
(November 24 - December 31)
Throughout the holiday season, the Omni Amelia Island Plantation is offering a variety of festive events. From cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and cookie decorating to horse drawn carriage rides, Santa's workshop and delicious holiday buffets, the resort is hosting fun for the whole family. Ring in the New Year with a special dinner for two at The Verandah or enjoy favorite menu items and entertainment at The Falcon's Nest. Visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com for specific details about events.
Annual
Holiday
Charity Celebration
(November 25)
On November 25, The Omni Amelia Island Plantation will host their Annual Holiday Charity Celebration at The Spa & Shops from 5 to 8 p.m. The event features live entertainment, horse and carriage rides, train rides, festive stilt walkers, pictures with Santa Claus, and the lighting of a 35-foot Christmas. Entry is free. Tickets to enjoy rides, treats and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds to benefit Take Stock in Children. Visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.
Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest
(November 25)
Proving that some people will do anything for a special discount, the Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest is snuggling back into the holiday shopping season once again in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Held on “Black Friday” from 8 a.m. to Noon, the Pajama Party Sale invites shoppers to slip into their footed pajamas, bunny slippers, and other assorted sleepwear to enjoy special deals and discounts, along with fresh juice, coffee and pastries to fuel their shopping spirit. Visit www.ameliaisland.com for more information.
Christmas Tree Celebration, Featuring Santa Claus
(November 26)
Starting at noon at the foot of Centre Street in Fernandina Beach, carolers, choirs, dancers and singers will entertain visitors all afternoon with the sights and sounds of the Christmas holiday season. Seasonal vendors will be on hand to serve hot chocolate and other delights, plus Pirates will assist with toasting marshmallows. Santa Claus will arrive at 2 p.m. at the Fernandina Harbor Marina aboard the Ye Olde Pirate charter boat and all are invited to welcome him to town. Santa will be available to meet and take pictures with the kids of the community until 5 p.m. Photos with pets will also be available. The Official City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m. The event is hosted by the City of Fernandina Beach and Historic Fernandina Business Association. Visit www.ameliaisland.com for more information.
Photos with Santa Claus
(November 26, December 3, 10, 17)
Santa Claus will be ready to accept wish lists and puppy kisses in Fernandina Beach. Santa will arrive at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th, on the Ye Olde Pirate Charter Boat at the Fernandina Harbor Marina. He will be returning from a fishing trip before heading back to the North Pole! Kids of all ages are welcome to visit with Santa, as well as the family pet(s). Photos will be $5.00 per picture and can be picked up approximately an hour after taking the photo. On the Saturdays in December, Santa can be visited at the Visitors Welcome Center at the foot of Centre Street, by the old train depot. Visit www.ameliaisland.com for more information.
Santa's Storybook Tea
(November 26, December 3, 10, 17)
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island features a holiday storybook performance by Santa, along with a traditional afternoon tea featuring sandwiches, sweets, and a souvenir photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The cost is $45 per person, ages 5 and up. Reservations can be made by calling (904) 277-1100.
A Christmas Story
(December 1-3, 8-11, 15-17)
The Amelia Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Story,” the beloved memoir of growing up in the 1940s and Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 261-6749 or visit www.AmeliaCommunityTheatre.org.
Holiday Home Tour in Historic
Fernandina
Beach
(December 2-3)
Tour five of Amelia Island’s loveliest, private homes in Fernandina Beach’s historic district during the Amelia Island Museum of History’s fifth annual celebration of the holiday season. Homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. To purchase tickets and obtain more information, visit www.ameliamuseum.org or call (904) 261.7378, ext. 100.
Union
Holiday
Encampment
(December 3-4)
The Fort Clinch State Park Holiday Encampment is a gathering of volunteers in Civil War era costumes as they decorate the fort for Christmas. Volunteers place fresh greenery on the mantle, put up and decorate a period Christmas tree, and portray daily life as it was in the winter of 1864. The ladies string berries and popcorn on the tree while cheerful fires burn in the fireplaces and soldiers answer questions about what it is like to be stationed at Fort Clinch. For details call (904) 277-7274, or visit www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch.
Lighted
Holiday
Parade
(December 10)
America’s Youth will sponsor the Holiday Lighted Parade at 6 p.m. in downtown Fernandina Beach. Applications will be available by hard copy at the Visitors’ Welcome Center (train depot) at the foot of Centre Street and at www.ameliaisland.com.
Cooking School at Salt
(December 15 –16)
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a Cooking School at SALT, allowing guests to cook holiday favorites with a contemporary modern twist. Attendees will learn surprising new twists to classic holiday foods. The 2011 SALT Cooking School package includes overnight accommodations for two nights in a coastal view room, two-day cooking school at Salt, daily breakfast, champagne du-jour, and luncheon, Ritz-Carlton aprons and recipes, 4 p.m. late check-out on day of departure, and overnight valet parking. Prices start at $879 for one person. Additional information can be found at www.ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland.
Kids Mad Scientist New Year's Eve Celebration
(December 31)
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is featuring a New Year’s Eve celebration just for kids. Children five through 12 will enjoy a Mad Scientist themed evening, including a dinner buffet, games and a two-hour interactive show by the Mad Scientist. Cost is $125 inclusive and reservations are required. Call (904) 277-1100 for additional information.
New Year's Eve Black & White Masquerade Ball
(December 31)
Ring in the New Year at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island with lavish food, live music, dancing, open bar and fireworks. Guests will enjoy an exciting masquerade ball – black and white attire is encouraged. Masks are provided or guests can bring their own. The cost is $185 per adult, including gratuity. You must be 21 or older and provide valid identification at registration. Reservations can be made by calling (904) 277-1100.
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
-
Amelia
Island
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau-
