September 30, 2025
As the end of 2025 approaches, we invite you to join us in celebrating the joy of the season, Island-style. While we may not have snow to signal the arrival of Christmas, rest assured that we have an abundance of holiday spirit and cheer to make up for it.
Check out these holiday happenings that will keep you fulfilled from the kickoff to the Christmas season right through the New Year – plus explore our continually updated list of Amelia Island’s activities here.
Downtown Fernandina Beach – Get the Christmas season started at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting held at the foot of Centre Street in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Food and merchandise vendors plus live entertainment and Santa makes for great family fun. Friday, November 28, 4-6pm.
Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa – Kick off the holiday season at the festive Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island! Guests and locals will help us welcome Santa to our island paradise with the lighting of the tree at 6 pm. Be sure to make your way around the shopping village to enjoy cookie decorating, hot chocolate and cider, s’mores, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, family activities, and music. Complimentary. This event is open to resort guests and the public. Friday, November 28, 5:30-8pm.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – For over twenty-five years, the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree at the Ritz-Carlton has been a beloved tradition for all ages. This festive event with live holiday music, refreshments and cookies, creates a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The evening not only dazzles with fireworks, beautiful ornaments, and the glow of thousands of twinkling lights, but it also supports local charities as a fundraiser, embodying the spirit of goodwill. Wednesday, November 26, 5:30pm.
Join Golf Pub Social this Christmas season (November 26 – December 31) as they transform the pub into a holiday wonderland inside and out! Twinkling lights, cozy decor, Christmas and holiday-themed cocktails and desserts, along with Christmas-themed movie nights set the scene for family-friendly fun and joyful nights out for all ages. Stay tuned for special music events throughout the season! NOTE: They will be open on Christmas day, 5pm-9pm.
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 November 28 “Black Friday,” guests can shop in their pajamas and enjoy special deals, discounts, and refreshments along Centre Street. The much-anticipated Pajama Contest always takes center stage 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 with a visit from Santa himself and the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at 6pm!
Peek inside five homes, tastefully decorated for the holiday season, during the annual Holiday Home Tour. All homes are in the beautiful historic downtown district and are not normally open to the public. Docents in each home give its history and highlight the period architectural elements. December 5 and December 6, 10am – 4pm. Tickets are $35 until December 4th at 4 p.m., $40 at 4 p.m. and after.
Who doesn’t love a parade? Enjoy bands, dancers, lighted floats and so much more at the annual Lighted Christmas Parade & Santa Event, organized by America’s Youth and held in downtown Fernandina Beach on Saturday, December 6 at 6pm. This is a free event. There will be an after-party from 7-9pm at Central Park following the parade with vendors, music, Santa, and more family fun!
It’s showtime, folks and to get you in the spirit of the season, “Scrooge” will take center stage at Amelia Musical Playhouse throughout the month of December. You don’t want to miss this musical based on Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol”. Additionally, “Little Women, the Musical” will delight audiences of all ages at Amelia Community Theater November 29 – December 14.
Kick off the beloved annual Dickens on Centre weekend with Dickens Illuminated Processison. Held in historic downtown, folks will gather with something that glows or twinkles and take a stroll down Ash and Centre Streets for an evening of music, Christmas carols, food and a surprise finale over the riverfront! December 11 from 5-7pm
The whole family can experience “Christmas Past made Present” at the annual Dickens on Centre festival held December 12 – 14 in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Visits from Saint Nick, costumed carolers, performers, seasonal vendors, life-sized snow globes, readings of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, holiday movies, and Dickens After Dark event, are just a few of the ways our Victorian downtown will be transformed into a festive classic.
Join the community for the annual outdoor Menorah lighting on Wednesday, December 17, at 5 p.m. in the pocket park at 207 Centre Street. Enjoy festive music by the Orlando Klezmer Band, delicious latkes and Chanukah doughnuts, chocolate gelt and crafts for the kids, and the lighting of the giant Menorah, joined by local dignitaries. It’s a joyful evening of light, music, and tradition in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach.
As part of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, you won’t want to miss an unforgettable night under the stars as the Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble Time For Three brings their electrifying sound to the elegant Courtyard of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This special holiday concert promises to be a celebration of music, magic, and memories featuring Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals). December 17, 7-8:30pm
Featuring over thirty 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! Held at Amelia Community Theatre, December 19 – 21. Find more information and purchase tickets.
Join the City of Fernandina Beach and Light Up Amelia for a unique, family-friendly New Year’s Celebration! Ring in the new year at the downtown waterfront in conjunction with the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight (7PM). Enjoy holiday food, drinks, and party favors all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by FIREWORKS. December 31, 5-8pm.
Ring in the New Year in style with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s fifteenth annual Black and White New Year’s Eve Gala. Enjoy lavish food buffets, chef’s stations, and an array of scrumptious desserts. Dance the night away to live music while enjoying the open bar, spectacular fireworks, and a Champagne toast to commence the New Year. Dec 31, 9pm – 1am. Purchase an overnight room package and start the New Year right.
Take a look at all of our accommodations and plan your trip to Amelia for the holidays!
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