September 25, 2026
As 2026 approaches its end, 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, make for great family fun. Friday, November 27, 4-6pm.
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 25, 5:30pm.
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 27, “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 4 and December 5, 10am – 4pm. Tickets are $35 until December 3rd 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, organized by America’s Youth and held in downtown Fernandina Beach on Saturday, December 5 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 December 4 -13. You don’t want to miss this musical based on Charles Dickens ‘ “A Christmas Carol”.
Gather at Amelia River Waterfront Park for a festive holiday gathering bringing the community together through storytelling, music, performances, a community marketplace, and seasonal food offerings. The event will celebrate the spirit of generosity, community, and holiday traditions while supporting local businesses and community arts organizations. Free to attend; open to all. Thursday, December 10 from 5-7pm
The whole family can experience “Christmas Past made Present” at the annual Dickens on Centre festival held December 11 – 13 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 the 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 in downtown Fernandina Beach. Enjoy festive music, 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. Tuesday, December 8, 2026 at 5pm
As part of the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, you won’t want to miss the Sounds of the Season featuring two-time Grammy winner Nicole Zuraitis, as she brings her quartet to Amelia Island for a festive outdoor concert beneath the Ritz-Carlton’s grand Christmas tree. An evening of jazz and holiday spirit under the open sky. Artist dinner at Salt immediately after (dinner tickets sold separately from concert tickets). 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 18 – 20. 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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