As 2019 ends, plan to ring in the new year on Florida’s Historic Coast where there are countless events and happenings to celebrate the end of one decade while welcoming the next. Here are a few ways to finish December strong and start off the new year right.
Enjoy Nights of Lights, a brilliant holiday light display that illuminates the entire city of St. Augustine through February 2, 2020. Nights of Lights sets the stage for holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s Oldest City, and it’s free of charge.
On November 30 & December 1, art lovers won’t want to miss the 54th annual St. Augustine Festival of Art. Participants can shop the works of 130 local and national artists and artisans, including paintings, sculptures, wood works, pottery, and more. Support the St. Augustine Art Association as you take in the ambience of art, music, food, and culture.
On December 4, join the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum for the 22nd annual Luminary Night, a free event. The Museum grounds will be aglow with paper lanterns as guests enjoy an evening of holiday tunes, sweet treats, and other seasonal activities.
On December 6 & 7, the Colonial Night Watch recreates the historic Spanish night watches of colonial St. Augustine in the mid-1700s. The event begins on Friday with the Castillo by Candlelight tour where visitors come into the Castillo de San Marcos to listen to British and Spanish soldiers preparing for the siege of 1740. A full day of activities on Saturday include a flag raising in the morning, reenactments all day, and a Torch Light Parade in the evening.
On Sunday December 8, the Lightner Museum will host a Lightner Learning Lab. Children of all ages can tour the museum to learn all about the international pieces in the collection, followed by an international arts activity.
On Saturday, December 14, the Castillo Holiday Open House will feature over 300 years of history. This free evening event includes lantern light, volunteer reenactors, and cannon firings.
Between December 18 and January 5, swing by the Venardos Circus to see a new show under their classic red-and-white striped big-top. Shows feature aerialists, acrobats, comedy, magic, music, and more. This experience combines traditional showmanship with a contemporary touch.
Finish the year with a bang at the Beach Blast Off on December 31. Fill the night with family activities from 4-10 p.m. then celebrate the end of a decade with a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
For more information on events this December, visit the Florida’s Historic Coast calendar here.
Florida’s Historic Coast – Ending 2019 in Style
