Whether you’re toasting to the season, satisfying your sweet tooth, or just soaking in that island glow, Amelia Island serves up plenty of ways to sip, savor, and sparkle this holiday.

Festive Sips & Island Spirits

From cozy classics to creative concoctions, Amelia Island’s bartenders know how to pour a little holiday cheer.

Start your evening at The Decantery, where holiday cocktail flights, and fine wines, create a sophisticated setting for seasonal celebrations. Pop into Marlin & Barrel Distillery for handcrafted rum, vodka, bourbon drinks and more. Don’t forget to pick up some Christmas gifts for those top-shelf “sippers” on your Christmas list. And for an elegant coastal vibe, sip your way through the holidays at The Lobby Lounge inside The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island — where handcrafted cocktails, live music, and ocean breezes make every evening sparkle.

TIPSY TAKEAWAY: Take a downtown Cocktail Tour and enjoy the unique character of three of our local bars. It’s a fun, laid-back way to spend time with friends and meet new people while sampling some of downtown’s best sips of the season.

Sweet Traditions & Local Treats

It wouldn’t be the holidays without something indulgent. Fortunately, Amelia Island’s dessert scene is as rich and festive as it gets.

Treat yourself to decadent gluten-free desserts at Thirteen, where creative seasonal dishes like Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Pecan Pie, and assortment of cookies make for a perfect holiday finale. No visit downtown is complete without a stop at Fantastic Fudge, where the scent of freshly made fudge fills the air. Take home a box (or two) for the perfect stocking stuffer — if it lasts that long. Last but certainly not least is Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop where cakes, tarts, pies, macarons, and more will have your holiday sweet treats covered.

SWEET SURRENDER: You can never go wrong with a stop in Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s, a gourmet chocolate shop specializing in seasonal sweet treats and gift baskets.

Cozy Comforts or A Night on the Town

As temperatures dip ever so slightly, Amelia Island’s evenings invite either cozy gatherings and fireside flavors or late night dance parties. The choice is yours.

Ash Street Cigar Parlor is your go-to spot for live music, a glass of fine wine or champagne, and a cigar (or not) by a cozy fire-pit. It’s a great spot to end a busy day. Savor a cinnamon scone and mug of hot chocolate or coffee from Amelia Island Coffee after you stroll through downtown Fernandina’s holiday lights and charming shop windows. Or, kick it up a notch at Tigre Island Room, a vibrant music venue, craft bar, and arts space, where old-world charm meets modern energy.

HOLIDAY DATE NIGHT IDEA: Pack a thermos of cocoa and cookies, walk the riverfront at sunset, and watch the boats twinkle under the evening sky.

A Taste to Take Home

Before you head home, bring a little of Amelia Island’s flavor with you.

Stop by Olive Amelia for artisanal oils, vinegars, and gourmet foods — perfect for holiday entertaining or gifting. Then visit Watanut, where beautifully packaged gift sets feature small-batch Southern goodies like pecans, cookies, and snack mixes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious. The Spice and Tea Exchange checks off many on your gift list this year with variety of fine spices, handcrafted seasonings, loose-leaf teas, salts, sugars, gifts, and more!  These edible souvenirs make spreading island cheer easy (and tasty).

SIP, SHOP & WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS: Slip into your comfiest pajamas and kick off the holiday season on November 28! Enjoy live music, fabulous discounts, and a special visit from Santa!

The Final Toast

Amelia Island serves the holidays with flavor and flair. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended winter escape, there’s always something delicious to toast to — island-style.