Lights, decorations, a historic downtown, and the warmth of Southern hospitality combine to make the holidays especially enchanting on Amelia Island. From the night before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of holiday happenings that will banish even the strongest case of the “Bah Humbugs.”
Cherished year-round for its small beach town vibe, natural beauty, outstanding dining, and exciting outdoor activities, Amelia is also a popular holiday getaway, with numerous special events and happenings. See for yourself how Amelia Island comes to life with holiday cheer.
The lighting of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Christmas tree kicks off the holiday season! The event features the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree, Santa's arrival by Christmas train, live holiday music, fireworks, and treats like cookies and cider. Twenty-dollar charity donation (ticket) required for ages 10 and older.
This time chipped race will start and finish at Omni Amelia Island Resort Racquet Park, located next to the Verandah restaurant. Enjoy a scenic run, meandering through the beautiful, tree-canopied resort.
Join the merchants of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach for the Annual Downtown Fernandina Beach Pajama Party! Fun all day with special offers and treats while you shop from our downtown merchants, a pajama contests, Santa sightings, live music and more!
Feel the spirit of Christmas past, present and future as historic downtown Fernandina Beach is transformed into a magical wonderland with thousands of twinkling white lights.
We invite you to kick off the season at our festive holiday lights celebration! Guests and locals will help us welcome Santa to our island paradise with the lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. 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.
Join us for the traditional tree lighting by the City of Fernandina Beach complete with a visit from Santa, music, baked goods and holiday wares.
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy – is brought to melodious life in Little Women. Filled with adventure, heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America.
Docents guide visitors through the lavishly decorated homes to highlight their history and period architectural elements. Stay tuned and visit the Amelia Island Museum of History for more information and to purchase tickets.
Kickoff to the holiday season on Centre Street and Ash Street for the annual parade. Its free to the public and will include lighted cars, floats, decorated vehicles of all kinds from local businesses and organizations.
Gather with something that glows or twinkles and take a stroll through Fernandina’s historic district for an evening of music, food and a surprise finale over the riverfront!
Join us December 12-14, 2025, for the 11th Annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella, “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina into a classic English village! Enjoy special events, festive food & drink, holiday entertainment and more!
Celebrate the season in style with the genre-blending trio Time for Three. This event, taking place outside under The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's giant Christmas tree, will be unforgettable night of music, holiday cheer, and Ritz-Carlton elegance.
Charles Dickens first published his novel, A Christmas Carol, in 1843. Scrooge: The Musical recounts the story of an elderly miser, who is visited in the middle of the night by the spirits who warn Scrooge that he must change from his miserable ways or suffer in an eternity of despair. After their visits, Scrooge chooses to make the needed alterations to his way of life.
Crescendo Amelia & The Florida Music Academy announces the annual holiday show, How the Big Band Stole Christmas, proudly celebrating over a decade of joy & artistry through music, dance, theatre and the spirit of Christmas. This high energy spectacular features over thirty world class performers in a classic yet modern live big band setting including professional singers, entertainers, musicians, dancers, aerialists, actors and more.
The annual family friendly New Year's Eve Shrimp Drop features music, food and non-food vendors! The Shrimp drops at 7:00pm followed by a breathtaking firework display over the Fernandina Harbor Marina! Come join us and ring in the new year on Amelia Island!