St. Augustine Guest Houses

8th Annual Firefighter Chili Cookoff
2018-12-08 14:00 (America/New_York) | St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine
Come try chilis cooked by firefighters across Florida in this ultimate chili cookoff! This event gives you the opportunity to vote for your favorite chili and support your local St. Augustine firefighters. Get ready for a day full of delicious (both traditional and off the wall) chili and activities for the whole family! Admission is free and chili sample tickets are available for a small fee. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pink Heals and Green Hands programs.

25th Annual St. Augustine B&B Holiday Tour
2018-12-08 12:00 - 2018-12-10 12:00 | Downtown St. Augustine, 29 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
Get into the holiday spirit by touring over 20 festively decorated St. Augustine Bed & Breakfast’s on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday afternoon. As you make your way through the historical tour, enjoy tastings from local eateries at each location! Some of the local B&B’s include Agustin Inn, The Old Powder House Inn, Casa de Suenos Bed and Breakfast, Casablanca Inn on the Bay, and many more! This holiday tour is open and free for everyone!

Holiday Open House
2018-12-08 12:00 - 19:00 | Willis Family Home, 740 S. Heritage Creek Way, St, Augustine, United States
A beloved annual event, every year, the Willis Family opens their home with spectacular holiday decor and festivity. Christmas trees throughout the home range from a Grinch tree and a Trains, Planes and Automobiles tree to a Star Trek tree and a gorgeous Nature Tree. Wreaths and other holiday ornaments line the walls and tables, and the outdoor displays look beautiful both in the daytime and at night. The event will benefit K9s for Warrior, and from 2-4pm, a puppy-in-training will be in attendance. Entrance is free, but donations for the charity are encouraged.

First Coast Arts & Crafts Show
2018-12-08 10:00 - 17:00 | Mark Lance National Guard Armory, 190 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Holiday shopping done right! The show offers visitors a chance to browse a variety of handcrafted items, from jewelry and home decor to clothing, candles, artwork, and more. This event is a perfect opportunity to pick up unique holiday gifts and support the talented local artistic community. Local food vendors will also participate in the event. So come on out and have some fun and enjoy the local arts.

Polar Express & Santa at IMAX
2018-12-08 09:00 - 13:00 | IMAX Theater at World Golf Hall of Fame, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, 32092
Join us on Saturday, December 8 from 9am to 1pm for Polar Express and Santa!
Bring your kids for a fun-filled holiday celebration. Enjoy holiday activities and experience the magic of Polar Express 3D with a special appearance from Santa!
8:30am: Check-in begins outside the theater (bring your email confirmation for check-in)9:00am: Activities begin and Santa arrives10:30am: Polar Express 3D begins1:00pm: Santa departs and Activities conclude
All activities are included in the ticket cost! Don’t forget your camera to get a picture with Santa. The Polar Express and Santa event tickets are $15 for non-members (adults and children) and $10 for Movie Club Members. Price includes movie ticket, visit with Santa and activities. Pre-purchased tickets are required! NO priority seating, refunds or exchanges for this special event.
About Polar Express 3DThis holiday-themed film, based on the classic Caldecott medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, is directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. Using state-of-the-art CGI and performance capture technology to create a unique blend of realism and fantasy, The Polar Express tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Family Seining
2018-12-08 09:00 | Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, United States
On the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) hosts classes for the whole family to learn how to use seine nets to collect various fish and crab species. Visitors will get the chance to pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs and more, and then learn about the animals and their roles in the habitat. The free event is led by a naturalist and all necessary gear is provided. Registration via the website is required.

Amphitheatre Farmers Market
2018-12-08 08:30 - 12:30 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine
Join the Amphitheatre every Saturday morning under the oaks out front for a gathering of St. Augustine’s finest growers, artisans, and artists. For twenty years this community event has brought together the region’s finest fresh food, prepared goods, and fine art. Come get your groceries and gifts, grab a bite to eat or drink, and stay for a while to enjoy some old-time music from the Free Rangers.

Old City Farmer’s Market
2018-12-08 08:30 - 12:30, 2018-12-06 08:30 - 12:30 | St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine
Visit the Old City Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items and plants directly from the producers. There’s even fresh seafood in season. The farmers market is always a lot of fun for the whole family with live entertainment and much more. The Old City Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on A1A South in St. Augustine. 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays, Admission is Free.
www.staugustinefm.com

Santa Suits on the Loose 5K
2018-12-08 08:00 | St. Augustine Beach Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Beach, 32085
Register for the annual Santa-themed 5k to get into the holiday spirit! The race follows a flat 3.1 Mile course through St. Augustine Beach neighborhoods and starts and finishes at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. Proceeds from the race benefit the St. Augustine Youth Services. The first 100 participants who register will be given a Santa suit to run in and everyone else show up in your best holiday inspired running outfit! Registration fee is $30-$35.

Nights of Lights
2018-12-08, 2018-12-07, 2018-12-06 | Downtown St. Augustine, 29 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
It draws thousands of people to the city every year, but even as a local, Nights of Lights is not something you want to miss out on. Light up night happens on November 17 with music in the Plaza de la Constitucion and the proverbial “flipping of the switch” by city officials. Any spot downtown will give you a beautiful view of the sudden illumination of 2 million white lights

Winter Spectacular
2018-12-08 - 2018-12-09 | Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, 32084
Filled with a variety of dance styles, characters, and holiday scenes, the Winter Spectacular kicks off the holiday season. The Dance Company of St. Augustine’s holiday production features its elite high-kick dancers, ballerinas, and acrobats, as well as other dancers and performers from the area. Combined with the dazzling costumes and stage settings, the Winter Spectacular is a local favorite for getting ready for the holidays. The Saturday performance begins at 7pm. The Sunday performance begins at 2pm.

Foxfire
2018-12-07 19:30, 2018-12-06 19:30 | Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, 32084
A beautiful glimpse into the lives of a Southern Appalachian family, Foxfire follows Annie Nations, an indomitable Appalachian widow of 79, living on her mountain farm with the acerbic ghost of her husband Hector. Her tranquility is threatened by a brash real estate developer who wants to turn her land into a vacation resort and by concern over her son Dillard, a country singer who has come home with two stranded children because his wife has run away.
Shows will take place Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.

First Friday Art Walk
2018-12-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown St. Augustine, 29 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
On the first Friday of every month, St. Augustine’s art galleries welcome visitors to browse the latest art exhibits and enjoy refreshments and live entertainment at some 30 participating galleries. Galleries will set out food and wine as many artists are on hand to discuss their work. Explore contemporary and traditional in oils, pastels, sculpture, wood, and more from artists locally and across the country.
Rain or shine, the event takes place on the first Friday of every month from 5-9pm. Galleries are open throughout downtown and even onto Anastasia Island.
Old Town Trolleys and Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains provide complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries, including the galleries on St. Augustine Beach.

Small Treasures
2018-12-07 11:00 - 2018-12-31 17:00 | Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137 King Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084
Butterfield Garage Is hosting A Small Treasures Show during the month of December. An opening Reception will be during First Friday Art Walk, December 7.
The 30 plus artists in the gallery will have smaller works of original art on display, many created specifically for this event. These unique pieces make art collecting and giving affordable, and supports our local artists.
Butterfield artists produce an eclectic mix of baskets, pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, printmaking and more. The works will be on display the entire month of December, the gallery is open everyday from 11-5pm

Butterfield Garage December Artist of the Month; Painter Sam Kates
2018-12-07 11:00 - 2018-12-31 17:00 | Butterfield Garage Art Gallery, 137 King Street, St. Augustine FL, 32084
An Artist Talk, First Friday December 7th at 6pm. is an opportunity to meet the artist hear the behind-the-scenes view of his inspiration and processes
Sam Kates is a painter of coastal scenes reminiscent of old Florida. He describes his current style and techniques as “painterly realism,” full of detail to document his subjects but very dependent on light and shadows that give his works extraordinary depth and definition. While his pictures are composed on site and reflect actual scenes and boats, the paintings are created in the studio at his home in St. Augustine, FL.
Sam retired in 2002 after over three decades as a director of history, natural science and fine art museums and institutions in Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. While he is still called upon to jury and judge art shows and festivals, most of his time is now spent in the studio painting coastal scenes that are reminiscent of the old Florida that was still prevalent during the 1940-50’s when he was a child. He fondly remembers spending summers with his grandparents in New Smyrna Beach where huge sand dunes still exist and fleets of shrimp boats crowded the local docks.
Sketching trips to Cedar Key in 1957 inspired his first paintings of working boats and shorelines.
He has been an exhibiting member of The Butterfield Garage Gallery artist co-op for the past ten years and has also shown his paintings at other numerous venues, galleries and Art Festivals throughout the state. Sam was born in Orlando, Florida in 1940 and grew up in Gainesville. He is an alumnus of Florida State University.

Adult Craft: Holiday Cork Ornaments
2018-12-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2018-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Join us Friday, December 7th @ 10 am or 11 am for this fun holiday adult craft program! Choose from five holiday ornament cork designs including Santa, Angel, Owl, Snowman and Mouse. Reserve your space at one of these two programs now!
Please call the Main Library at 904.827.6940 if you have any questions. Craft supplies provided by the Friends of the Main Library St. Augustine.

First Friday Garden Walk
2018-12-07 10:00 - 10:45 | Washington Oaks Garden State Park, 6400 N Oceanshore Blvd.,, FL
On the first Friday of every month, take a peaceful and pleasant walk through Washington Oaks State Park. The 45-minute walk is led by a park ranger and introduces guests to the history and variety of the beautiful formal gardens nestled within the maritime hammock at this unique state park.
Regular park entrance fees apply of $5 per vehicle with up to eight people, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists.

Marlene’s Senior Stretching
2018-12-06 12:30 - 13:30 | Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
According to the National Institute of Health, only 30% of people ages 45-64 say they engage in regular physical activity, and only 15% of people ages 64-74 do the same. If you’re not in the right percentage now, there’s no more excuses. Come to the Main Library every Thursday at 12:30 for free flexibility exercises tailored to senior citizens. These stretching exercises will help your freedom of movement for tasks such as tying your shoes or looking over your shoulder when you back your car out of a parking spot.
Instructor Marlene is 75 years young and leads these classes as much for her benefit as for yours! No registration required. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water. Call the Main Library at 904.827.6940 for more information.

Toddler Story Time at the Main Library
2018-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Main Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Let your littles explore the library and be captivated by creative storytelling. Toddler storytime is held in the large meeting room at Main Library. Join Mr. Andy and Mrs. Marcia for singing, dancing and great stories. Toddler storytime is aimed at children ages 1-3, but all are welcome to come and join in the fun. Free.
Every Thursday, 11am, 11:30am

St. Augustine Orchestra Christmas Concert
2018-12-05 20:00 | Lightner Museum, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
Ring in the holiday season with beautiful music in a stunning setting. The St. Augustine Orchestra’s popular annual holiday concert will feature holiday melodies to get people in the Christmas spirit, from Leroy Andersen’s Sleigh Ride to the contemporary Trans Siberian Orchestra’s arrangement of Wizard of Winter. The concert will take place in the Lightner Museum’s historic pool, now the Alcazar Cafe. Tickets to the event purchased at the door are $25. Pre-purchased tickets are $22.

Everyone Can Conserve: Whales and Dolphins
2018-12-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Solomon Calhoun Center, 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve is partnering with St. Johns County Parks and Recreation to bring the local community into the conservation conversation. This family-friendly program will focus on whales and dolphins — a variety of species of which can be found in Florida. This is your chance to learn more about these incredible creatures and how to protect them. The program is free, but reservations are required. Light refreshments will be provided.

Luminary Night
2018-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 | St. Augustine Lighthouse, 81 Lighthouse Ave, St. Augustine
The annual Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum offers luminaries throughout the grounds, visits with Santa, children’s activities, holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments, and live music! For a special treat, guests can climb the Lighthouse tower for a spectacular view of St. Augustine’s Night of Lights from the top. This event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item to be donated.

Lightner Museum Curator’s Tour
2018-12-05 10:00 | Lightner Museum, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, United States
The Lightner Museum offers special Curator Tours on the first Wednesday of every month. Led by Curator Barry Myers, the tours feature a behind-the-scenes look at some of the unique treasures in the Lightner Museum’s eclectic collection.
The tour is included with regular admission. $10 for adults, $6 for active-duty military, $5 for college students and youth ages 12 – 18, and free for anyone under 12.

Farmer’s Market at the Pier
2018-12-05 08:00 - 12:00 | St. Johns County Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, United States
Shop and support local vendors every Wednesday at the St. Johns County Pier Park on St. Augustine Beach, featuring baked goods, hand-made gifts, jewelry and home décor.
The Market is sponsored by the Saint Augustine Beach Civic Association. Anywhere from 60 to 80 vendors participate each Wednesday morning year round from 8 AM until 12:30 PM. Vendors, most local and others from as far away as Orlando, Florida display an array of produce, prepared foods, local seafood, art, crafts, jewelry and fair trade goods. Vendors & artists provide a wide variety of goods with a heavy emphasis on home grown, hand picked, and hand crafted items that are unique. It’s shopping in the most beautiful setting in the world. Join the fun and shop local… shop Florida at The Wednesday Market
www.thecivicassociation.org
