We may not have snow at Christmastime, but not to worry. We have enough holiday spirit and cheer to cover Amelia Island every year. Here are all the
Holiday Happenings to enjoy right on through the new year!
TREE LIGHTINGS
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island - The lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling lights officially kicks off the festive season at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
Ticket purchase is required for entry with a $10 donation for ages 10 and older. 100% of the proceeds will be shared with the Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County, the St. Mary’s Riverkeeper, Micah’s Place and the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch. Enjoy fresh baked cookies and cider. Festivities conclude with the arrival of Santa and a spectacular fireworks show. Complimentary shuttle rides will be available from Peters Point. Follow up the tree lighting with
Santa's Magical Dinner where you can join Santa and his elves for a lavish buffet dinner and take home a commemorative photo made with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Wednesday, November 24, 5:30pm.
Omni Amelia Island Resort - Guests staying at the Omni Amelia Island Resort are in for a holiday treat with the Holiday Lights Celebration! Enjoy festive culinary creations, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, Florida "snow," holiday crafts, s'mores, fireworks and more! Complimentary entry for resort guests, prices vary for food and beverage.
NOTE: This event is for OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT GUESTS ONLY. Friday, November 26, 5:30 - 8:30pm.
Downtown Fernandina Beach - Get the Christmas season started at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting held in historic downtown Fernandina Beach at the City Marina! Food vendors, merchandise vendors, bounce houses, DJ, entertainment by Royal Amelia Dance Academy and the Nassau Community Band. Great fun for the whole family! Saturday, November 27, 2 - 6pm.
GINGERBREAD PIRATE SHIP
Visit the S.S. Amelia Island Gingerbread Pirate Ship when it docks at
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The 17-foot long ship is made from more than 1,200 pounds of sugar, 3,000 eggs and comes complete with handmade gingerbread planking and sugar-sculpted pirates wearing bright fondant clothing. A holiday icon and the backdrop for many photo opportunities! November 24 and November 29, 12pm.
BLACK FRIDAY PAJAMA PARTY
Let's get this party started! Stroll and shop in your PJ's when the merchants of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach host their Annual Black Friday Pajama Party. From 8am - 4pm on “Black Friday,” guests can shop in their pajamas and enjoy special deals, discounts, and refreshments along Centre Street. The much-anticipated Pajama Contest will take place at 11am on S. 2nd Street with a chance to win prizes donated by local merchants for Best Individual, Best Group, Most Creative, and Best Pet Pajamas. The party will continue outside the Visitor Depot with live entertainment starting at 10 a.m. and along 2nd Street North with an exciting block party. Friday, November 26.
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival lights up the holiday season with this uplifting and joyful musical performance. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis with special guest vocalist Alita Moses will fill you with cheer as they perform their unique big band version of many holiday classics. Get your tickets before they sell out! Friday, December 3, 7:30pm at the First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach.
JAZZ SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS SHOW
Story & Song Bookstore Bistro Presents Jazz Spirit of Christmas Show Featuring The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band With Bonnie Eisele, Vocals; Doug Matthews, Piano/Keyboards; Johnnie Robinson, Saxophone; Les DeMerle, Drums. Two Shows - Saturday, December 4, 2pm and 5pm at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro. Tickets are $25. Call 904-601-2118 to purchase tickets.
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Peek inside five Victorian homes not normally open to the public and tastefully decorated for the holiday season during the annual Holiday Home Tour. Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History to purchase tickets to tour these wonderful homes located in the beautiful historic downtown district of Fernandina Beach. December 3 and December 4, 10am - 4pm.
LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE
Who doesn't love a parade? Enjoy bands, dancers, lighted floats and so much more at the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, organized by America's Youth and held in downtown Fernandina Beach. Friday, December 3, 6pm.
IT'S SHOW TIME
Throughout the month of December, Amelia Community Theatre will perform "Miss Bennet Christmas at Pemberly," which follows Miss Mary Bennet, the "bookish" middle Bennet sister from Pride & Prejudice, as she arrives at Pemberly for Christmas, and hopes for independence and romance. On the musical front, the apropos "Scrooge" takes center stage at Amelia Musical Playhouse on December 9th and runs through the 12th. You don't want to miss this musical based on Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol".
DICKENS ON CENTRE
The whole family can experience "Christmas Past made Present" at Dickens on Centre held December 9-12 in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Visits from Saint Nick, costumed carolers, performers, seasonal vendors, life-sized snow globes, illuminated lantern parade & fireworks (December 9) and readings of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas are just a few of the ways our Victorian downtown will be transformed into a festive classic. Learn more about our annual Dickens inspired weekend here!
HOW THE BIG BAND STOLE CHRISTMAS
Featuring over twenty-five world class performers in a classic big band setting, this family friendly holiday show is sure to get everyone in the spirit. A full theatre production will include all your favorite holiday songs, local celebrity singers, dancing, acting and a few surprises. And if you're nice, maybe St. Nick will pay us a visit, too! For more information and to purchase tickets, click here!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Join the City of Fernandina Beach and Light Up Amelia for a unique, family-friendly New Year's celebration at the Downtown Waterfront. Celebrate the ringing in of the new year in conjunction with the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight (7PM.) Holiday food, drink and party favors all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by FIREWORKS. Friday, December 31, 5 - 8pm.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Take a look at all of our accommodations, plus an extensive and continually updated list of Amelia Island's holiday activities.