What’s better than Christmas spent on Amelia Island? With 13 miles of pristine beaches and a cool island breeze, even Santa Claus likes to vacation here after his whirlwind trip around the world on Christmas Eve. Anelia Island comes alive during the holidays, with dozens of family-friendly activities!
Kick off the season with Fernandina Beach’s most iconic Christmas event: the Amelia Island Museum of History’s Holiday Home Tour on December 6 and 7. Carefully curated homes are decorated by the owners with special touches added by local designers. Tickets are on sale now at the museum, satellite locations, and online at www.ameliamuseum.org/hht-purchase-ticket.
Bring the whole family downtown on December 7 for the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, organized by America’s Youth. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at Central Park and consists of bands, dancers, and lighted floats.
“AN EVENING IN DECEMBER” AT AMELIA BAPTIST CHURCH ON DECEMBER 7 & 8
Amelia Baptist Church presents “An Evening in December” as their gift to the community on December 7 and 8. This event offers a family-friendly indoor/outdoor experience bringing the first Christmas to life. Tickets are free, but reservations are essential. Visit www.ameliabaptist.org for more information.
Groove to holiday classics as only the Les DeMerle Band with vocalist Bonnie Eisele can! The “Jazz Spirit of Christmas” concert will be held on December 7 at 5 p.m. at Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture. They will also perform a “Trans-Atlantic New Year” concert on December 31. For more information and tickets for both events, visit www.storyandsongarts.org.
Discover holiday traditions old and new this December at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This year, consider attending their Holiday Cocktail and Gingerbread Class on December 7, 14, and 21. Other holiday events, including their New Year’s Eve Black and White Gala, can be found on their website at www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jaxam-the-ritz-carlton-amelia/island.
The Omni Amelia Island Resort loves locals! There are lots of holiday happenings at the Omni during the season, including Christmas Dinner To-Go from Marché Burette, a Four Course Christmas Dinner at the Verandah Restaurant, special Christmas sales at Salty Threads and Marché Burette, Spa Specials for Christmas and New Year’s, and a Four Course New Year’s Dinner at the Verandah. Visit their website for these and other events at www.omnihotels.com/hotels/amelia-island/things-to-do/love-our-locals.
The Jewish Community of Amelia Island celebrates Chanukah with a Chanukah Party every year. The holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. For more information on the date and location of the party, visit their Facebook page, their website at www.jcai.us, or call /email Debbie Price at (203) 313-3925 or deb203@aol.com.
DICKENS ON CENTRE RESTIVAL RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN FERNANDINA BEACH
DECEMBER 12-15
Under a canopy of twinkling lights, Amelia Island will celebrate a decade of Dickens during the 10th annual “Dickens on Centre” festival, held December 12 to 15. An immersive Victorian holiday experience in the island’s historic downtown district, Dickens on Centre offers a variety of magical holiday attractions. Boasting the largest Christmas Market in Northeast Florida, the festival features multiple stages with live entertainment, vendor booths decked with holiday gifts, music filling the air, shops bustling day and night with good cheer, and much more. For a full schedule of events, visit www.ameliaisland.com/dickens-on-centre.
While you’re at Dickens on Centre, bring your furry friend for Nassau Humane Society’s “Parade of Paws” on December 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The parade will wind through the heart of downtown, and there will be prizes up for grabs! Stay tuned for details on how to register and participate at www.nassauhumane.org.
On December 14, celebrate “An Island Christmas” with Eden and Frankie as they perform holiday favorites at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture. Choose from two shows, 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. For tickets, visit www.storyandsongarts.org.
Put a little “arrgh!” in your Christmas with “A Pirate Christmas,” held at Amelia Community Theatre on December 16. Get ready for one mighty adventure when the legendary White Beard (aka Santa) and the elves teach a salty crew of colorful scallywags all about true treasure. For more information and tickets visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
“HOW THE BIG BAND STOLE CHRISTMAS” AT AMELIA COMMUNITY THEATRE DECEMBER 20-22
Crescendo Amelia is proud to announce the return of their annual holiday show, “How the Big Band Stole Christmas” for a special 10-year anniversary event. The performance, held at Amelia Community Theatre on December 20, 21, and 22, features over thirty world-class performers in a classic big band setting, including professional singers, entertainers, musicians, dancers, aerialists, and actors. For tickets, visit www.ameliacommunitytheatre.org.
If you’re looking to give back to your community this year, “Joy to the Children” creates a magical and memorable Christmas for economically disadvantaged children and their families in Nassau County. Donations are welcome, and volunteers are always needed! Visit www.joytothechildren.org.
Visit www.ameliaisland.com for updates on these and other holiday events. Be sure to check with the local churches for the dates of their pageants and craft shows, and don’t forget our other local charities. The Barnabas Center, Micah’s Place, Hope House, and many others need donations of time and gifts this season.
Enjoy the season here on Amelia Island and spread some holiday cheer of your own!