holiday events

Ongoing Events
Dec 2-11 St. Johns County Festival of Trees The event, free and open to the public, will showcase trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, 940-4123, www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
Thru Dec 22 The Historical Society’s Gingerbread Extravaganza The Gingerbread Extravaganza, in its ninth year, showcases some of the most creative art exhibited during the year in Jacksonville. Gingerbread and confection creations from traditional houses to animals and fairy tale themes offer holiday magic. Old St. Andrew’s, 317 A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, immediately across from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena. 665-0064 www.gingerbreadjax.org
Thru Dec 23 Family Candy Cane Pulls Create sweet family memories at Sweet Pete’s. Choose the flavor and colors of the All Natural candy canes you make. Hand roll, shape and wrap approx 10 candy canes per person and enjoy a gourmet hot chocolate. $15 per person, with a minimum of four people and a maximum of 12 people. Reservations are required. Sweet Pete’s, 1922 N. Pearl St, 376-7161, www.sweetpete.net
Thru Dec 24 CHRISTMAS CAROLE The classic tale about the old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge pays his clerk Bob Cratchit only fifteen shillings a week, is rude to his nephew and refuses to take part in the Christmas spirit. Soon, the ghosts of his former business partner (Jacob Marley), Christmas Past, Present and Future all pay visits to Scrooge. They teach him to value Christmas and to be a better person overall. Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 641-1212, www.alhambrajax.com
Thru Dec 31 Jacksonville Landing Tree Light Shows, Dance and Concert Series The 56-foot-tall energy-efficient artificial tree is decorated with 78,454 L.E.D. lights and more than 240 ornaments this holiday season. Synchronized Nightly Tree Light Shows will take place through January 1. The 56-foot-tall tree will come alive each evening performing a 10-minute synchronized light show with more than 78,000 twinkling lights. The light shows take place every hour, on the hour, Sunday through Thursday, 6 pm- 9 pm and Friday and Saturday, 6 pm- 12 am. Thru December 22, enjoy Holiday on the River Dance and Concert Series, lunchtime and evening performances by local schools, church groups and dance groups. Saturday, December 3, 10 and 17 you can have photos with Santa. The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188, www.JacksonvilleLanding.com.
Thru Jan 4 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Now in its 5th year, children of all ages will delight at the Wonderland created in the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Experience North Florida’s first outdoor skating rink, along with various attractions including an Ice Slide, Reindeer Games, the Frost Kingdom Express Train, Blizzard Bounce House and Obstacle Course, Elf Village, sleigh rides, s’mores pit and nightly snow fall. Admission to the amphitheatre is free, but activities are ticketed. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 209 -0367, www.winterwonderlandflorida.com
Dec 2- Jan 1 Festival of Lights The Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park will host the annual Festival of Lights, displaying more than four million lights throughout the park. The park will be open each evening until 9 pm, except Christmas Night, December 25. Unique holiday light displays include majestic oak trees decorated with thousands of lights, an antebellum museum dressed in full holiday splendor, a gingerbread village, a candy cane forest, Santa’s runway and much more. The entrance fee for this event is $2 per person. Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs (Located on US 41, three miles from I-75 and nine miles from I-10). www.FloridaStateParks.org
Thru Jan 2 Winterfest 2011 Adventure Landing has transforming its Shipwreck Island Waterpark into a whimsical, alpine snow village with a large, outdoor ice skating rink, a 130-foot ice slide, nightly snowfalls, visits and story time with Santa in his workshop, Blizzard Bluff Village offering Christmas cookie decorating, a holiday carnival and crafts, a teddy bear-making factory and Mistletoe Marketplace. Patrons will also enjoy Crystal Creek Lodge for a full array of winter eats, treats and sweets from hot soups to hot chocolate and gourmet coffees. Adventure Landing on Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach, 246-4386, www.adventurelanding.com
Thru Jan 31 18th Annual Nights of Lights in Nation’s Oldest City Millions of white lights create a magical holiday atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city. The spectacular lighting reflects the city’s 446-year history while creating a beautiful setting for special memories. A dazzling array of special events and activities await visitors. Night-time tours of ancient buildings and inns led by storytellers in period clothing, rollicking train and trolley tours through the narrow brick streets, luminaries in the town plaza, holiday concerts, even a Christmas parade, are among the special events. St. Augustine, www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Holiday Events
Dec 2- 4 The Christmas Corral A children’s production of The Christmas Corral by Andy Gregg will be presented on Dec 2 and 3 at 7 pm and Dec 4 at 2 pm. This comedy rewrite of Dickens’ famous tale finds Scrooge and the other familiar characters in the Old West at the Double Cross Ranch. Tickets are $5 at the door. Orange Park Community Theatre, 276-2599, www.opct.org
Dec 2 Christmas Concert With the Friday Musicale Chorus at 11 am. Friday Musicale, 355-7584, www.fridaymusicale.com
Dec 2 St. Augustine Beach Surf Illumination Tree lighting ceremony, carolers, arts and crafts vendors, refreshments and Santa. St. Johns County Fishing Pier & Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 347-8007
Dec 2 Christmas In Avondale This pet-friendly event features live music, food, prizes and giveaways and a kids’ crafts area. 6- 9 pm at the corner of Dancy Street and St. Johns Avenue. Shops of Avondale, 240-4869
Dec 2 Sounds Of The Season The First Coast Wind Ensemble and Don Thompson Chorale present the holiday-themed concert at 7:30 pm. Jacksonville University’s Terry Hall, 256-7677.
Dec 3 12th Annual Winter Celebration The Mandarin Museum hosts this event with a hayride, old-fashioned children’s crafts and games, musical entertainment, Civil War re-enactors, Santa Claus, refreshments, and a holiday gift shop. 11 am- 4 pm. Walter Jones Historical Park, 11964 Mandarin Road, 268-0784, www.mandarinmuseum.net
Dec 3 57th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade One of the largest parades in north Florida and includes floats, marching bands cars, horses and the arrival of Santa. The parade will start promptly at 10 am by the Mission of Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. Pictures with Santa will follow in the Plaza de la Constitucion. Downtown St. Augustine, Plaza de la Constitucion, 825-1004
Dec 3 Breakfast With Santa Breakfast is from 8:15 am to 10 am. For $12, you can register for the Monkey Pack which includes breakfast with Santa and admission to the 9 am showing of Born to Be Wild. Also available for $16 is the Penguin Pack which includes breakfast with Santa and admission to the 10 am showing of Happy Feet 2. Advanced purchase required. 8 am to 12 noon. World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine, 940-4123, www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
Dec 3 HANDEL’S MESSIAH The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s Messiah live in one show only. 8 pm. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St, www.jaxsymphony.org
Dec 3 Humane Society Holiday Stocking Bring an item from the JHS Community Animal Hospital wish list and JHS will take a free picture of your children or pets with Santa. Donations benefit JHS Community Animal Hospital, a low-cost veterinary clinic opening in January. 1- 4 pm. Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd. 725-8766 www.jaxhumane.org
Dec 3 Mayor’s Holiday Festival for Senior Citizens Jacksonville seniors 60 years and over will share the spirit of the season while enjoying a traditional holiday dinner, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live entertainment, door prizes and more. Tickets $5 available at the Mary Singleton Senior Center, 150 E. 1st St., and at City Hall at St. James, 117 W. Duval St., Suite 280, on a first-come, first-served basis. 2- 5 pm. Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 630-3690, www.MakeASceneDowntown.com.
Dec 3 Christmas on the Creek 40 powerboats decked out in all their holiday finery line up for the event. The parade route begins at The Marina at Julington Creek, goes underneath the bridges and motors around Bulls Bay, then returns under the bridge and continues down Durbin Creek. Spectators can view it from the Julington Creek Bridge walkways. 7 pm. The Marina at Julington Creek
Dec 3 UNF Feast Of Carols Featuring UNF Brass Ensemble, Choral Ensembles from UNF, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, Fletcher High School, Bartram Trail High School, First Coast High School, and others directed by Dr. Cara Tasher. Free. 2 pm. Lazzara Performance Hall, www.unf.edu/coas/music/Calendar.aspx, 620-2878.
Dec 4 THE GIFT OF THE MAGI JU undergraduate dance majors will perform live with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Capture the holiday spirit with O. Henry’s beloved short story as portrayed by dancers, chamber orchestra and youth chorus. Times-Union Center, 633-6110.
Dec 4 HANDEL’S MESSIAH Presented By The Jacksonville University Chorus & Orchestra at 6 pm. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton St, 387-5691.
Dec 4 Garden Club Christmas Tour of Homes A self-guided tour that takes place from noon- 5 pm at six homes in historic downtown St. Augustine and includes an afternoon tea. Tickets
$20; $25 day of the tour. Reservations suggested. Historic Downtown St. Augustine, 826-0024
Dec 6 A Holiday Evening with Garrison Keillor Grammy award-winner, best-selling author, humorist and radio personality, and celebrity speaker Garrison Keillor will share his hilarious anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest, the people of Lake Wobegon and “late-life fatherhood.” With a wonderful, dry sense of humor, Keillor will once again visit Lake Wobegon with his words of wisdom, class, charisma, and holiday humor. Times-Union Center, 632-3373, www.artistseriesjax.org
Dec 7 Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse See the lights of St. Augustine from the top of the tower. Bring the kids, enjoy holiday music, cider, and even visit Santa. Luminary night is free to the public. 6- 9 pm. St. Augustine, Anastasia Island, 829-0745, www.staugustinelighthouse.com
Dec 8 Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Rock Theater originators light up the stage with their unique combination of story-telling, virtuoso musicianship and over the top production. 7:30 pm. Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena, 630-3900, www.trans-siberian.com
Dec 9- 11 Holiday Pops The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra performs a variety of holiday favorites at the annual concert. Concert features “Irish tenor” Benjamin Brecher. Dec 9 & 10, 8 pm, and Dec 11, 3 pm. Sunday preconcert performance by Navy Band Southeast “Holiday Brass” at 2 pm in the lobby. Jacoby Symphony Hall, www.jaxsymphony.org
December 9- 10 Springfield 25th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes Showcasing six homes that represent the eclectic historic area. Four are the traditional Victorian homes associated with Springfield, one is fairly recent and one was originally a corner store. Tickets: $10/advance, $12/door. Tours begin at 5 pm each night. Pak’s Gym, 1654 Walnut Street, www.spartour.org
Dec 9- 10 Live Walk-Through Nativity More than 200 costumed cast members re-create the city of Bethlehem as it might have been on the night of Jesus’ birth. Visitors stroll through a village bustling with merchants, townspeople, artisans and dozens of live animals, including a camel leading to the lowly manger and the Christ child. No charge for the event, $5 per car parking fee with free shuttles from the PGA Tour (TPC) parking lot located just west of A1A on Palm Valley Road. 285-8225, www.pvpc.com/ministry/bethlehem
Dec 9- 10 The Community Nutcracker Ballet With the creative talents of four artistic directors/choreographers, Debra Peters Rankin, Mark Spivak, Dulce Anaya and Beth Marks, over 200 local performers will participate in the production of the holiday classic. Every year Community Nutcracker delights audiences of all ages with its production while raising money for local charities. Florida Theatre, 355-2787, www.floridatheatre.com.
Dec 9 Holiday Sounds Boston Brass Presents Holiday Sounds. Tickets: $25; $10 for students. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 389-6222.
Dec 10 Regatta of Lights Annual holiday parade of boats from 15 to 85 feet in length, sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and more all decorated with brilliant lighted displays. Beginning at 6 pm, the boats will light up Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. Downtown St. Augustine, Bayfront, 824-9725 www.sayc2000.com
Dec 10 Springfield Art & Craft Bazaar Choose from art, jewelry, beauty items and more. Lunch will be chili with cornbread and all the fixings for $5. Free parking. 10 am- 8 pm. Pak’s Gym, 1654 Walnut Street, www.spartour.org/bazaar.html
Dec 10 San Marco’s Holiday Magic, The Festival Of Lights 5k And 1 Mile Family Fun Run There will be carolers, horse-drawn sleigh rides, stilt walkers and Santa Claus. Festival of Lights 5K and Family Fun Run start at 5:30 pm and 6 pm at San Marco Square. Entry fees for races: $25-$30/advance, $35/day of race. 1 Mile entry fee: $12. Proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network. www.1stplacesports.com. 346-3636, www.cmnjax.com
Dec 10 Holiday Open House & Photos with Santa Free photos with Santa with receipt of a $10 or more purchase from any Landing merchant, 5- 8 pm. The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188
Dec 10 17th Annual Tuba Christmas More than 100 Tubas join together to play some of your favorite holiday classics. 2- 4 pm. The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188
Dec 10- 11 18th Annual Holiday Tour of Bed And Breakfast Inns The theme is “Ghosts of Christmas Past” as innkeepers tell the sentimental and supernatural stories of 25 unique inns throughout St. Augustine. 1- 5 pm. Tickets: $25. www.staugustineinns.com
Dec 11 Holiday Soul Concert Richard Street, former lead singer for The Temptations, sings timeless favorites and Christmas songs. Special guests Joy Dennis and the Jacksonville Mass Choir. 6 pm. Times-Union Center, (800) 745-3000, www.jacksonvillemasschoir.com
Dec 12 JSYO 2011 Holiday Concert The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra performs a free holiday concert. 7 pm. Jacoby Symphony Hall, www.jaxyouthorchestra.com
Dec 14 A Peter White Christmas featuring: Mindi Abair & Kirk Whalum Peter White is an extraordinary and fluent acoustic. Mindi Abair is a double-edged talent from her fluid saxophone to emotive vocals. Kirk Whalum is a Grammy winner with a sound that leaves an indelible imprint on the listener. Together they will bring the spirit of the holidays to the stage with style! Florida Theatre, 355-2787, www.floridatheatre.com
Dec 14- 15 Holiday Pops EMMA Concert The festive concerts will be conducted by Matthew Kraemer, Associate Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as he returns once again to St. Augustine with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. 8 pm. Flagler College Auditorium, 797-2800, www.emmaconcerts.com
Dec16- 18 First Coast Nutcracker The annual holiday favorite the First Coast Nutcracker will be performed with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in four performances. Tickets: $13- $50. Dec 16, 8 pm. Sat, Dec 17, 2 pm and 8 pm. Sun, Dec 18, 2 pm., Times-Union Center, www.jaxsymphony.org
Dec 16 A Clay County Christmas Performances by the Clay County Community Band, the Orange Park United Methodist Church Inspirations directed by Diane Combs, and scenes and songs from Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” . Tickets: $8- $18. 7:30 pm. Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, Orange Park, 276-6750.
Dec 16 Florida Ballet Nutcracker The show is also staged on Dec 17 at 2:30 and 7:30 pm and on Dec 18 at 3 pm. Tickets: $22- $28. Florida Theatre, 355-2787, www.floridatheatre.com
Dec 16- 18 St. Augustine Ballet Nutcracker Dec 16 and 17 at 7 pm and on Dec 18 at 2 pm. Tickets: $20- $30. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine, 810-5670.
Dec 17 The Cool Side of Yuletide The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus performs a holiday concert. 2 pm. Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave, 353-1636, www.jaxchildrenschorus.com
Dec 17 Ritz Holiday Extravaganza with Lalah Hathaway Born to R&B/Soul music royalty, most people know Lalah Hathaway simply as the daughter of late Soul music legend, Donny Hathaway. But there is more to her than that. A trained pianist and vocalist, her career has spanned two decades. 8 pm. Tickets: $27.50 available Dec 5. Ritz Theatre, 632-5555, www.ritzjacksonville.com
Dec 17 Whitey’s Boat Parade Kicks off at 6 pm. Whitey’s Fish Camp, 2032 C.R. 220, Orange Park, 269-4198
Dec 18 Riverside Avondale Luminaria Don’t miss the 28th year of the traditional lighting of the lanterns at sundown. The ever-popular Luminaria Bike Ride will leave from City Cycle on Park Street at 6 pm (near European Street); helmets and bike lights are required, creative holiday bike decorations are encouraged. Also returning is the live nativity scene and numerous musical performances at area churches. Riverside Avondale, www.riversideavondale.org
Dec 20 Michael Smith- It’s a Wonderful Christmas One of today’s most acclaimed contemporary Christian artists, Michael W. Smith’s heartwarming holiday concert is sure to delight the whole family. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Times-Union Center, 633-6110
Dec 27 Scream Tour NXG- Screamin Holidays SCREAM Star Entertainment is keeping you “SCREAMIN” throughout the holidays with Mindless Behavior, Diggy, Jacob Latimore, Hamilton Park & the OMG Girlz!!! 7 pm, www.screamtour.com, Times-Union Center, www.jaxevents.com