Enjoy the festive spirit of Ponte Vedra Beach with our detailed event guide. For Ponte Vedra Beach connoisseurs and novices alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Nights of Lights in nearby St. Augustine, where historic buildings twinkle with millions of holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade offers a unique view of decorated vessels shimmering on the water, a festive sight for all. And the Glowing Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a dazzling display of illuminated landscapes that bring the holiday season to life. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ponte Vedra Beach
- Nights of Lights (St. Augustine)
- Jacksonville Light Boat Parade (Jacksonville)
- Glowing Gardens (Jacksonville)
- Christmas Made in the South (Jacksonville)
- Nights of Lights: Spirited Ride with Beetlejuice (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights Holiday Market (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing (St. Augustine)
- Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride (St. Augustine)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ponte Vedra Beach Holiday Light Displays
Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Historic downtown area illuminated with millions of lights.
Description:
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday lights display featuring over three million lights adorning historic downtown St. Augustine. The event includes a lighting ceremony, live music performances, and special holiday tours. Visitors can stroll through the city's Old World Streets, take a horse and carriage ride, or board special holiday tour vehicles.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with festive lights and decorations.
Description:
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is a cherished holiday tradition featuring vessels of all shapes and sizes adorned with festive decorations as they float along the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors gather downtown to witness this spectacular event, culminating in a stunning fireworks show.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Glowing Gardens
What to Expect:
Nature-inspired light display with artistic sculptures and immersive garden settings.
Description:
Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens features a million glowing lights, sculptures, and natural surroundings, creating an immersive holiday experience with unique features like Crystal Currents, Lit Art Sculptures, Ground Displays, and Hanging Stars.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Glowing Gardens
Lighthouse Illuminations
What to Expect:
Unique tree decorations highlighting maritime history and local contributions.
Description:
Marvel at over 20 beautifully themed trees, each telling a distinct story, including the new Anniversary Tree celebrating 150 years of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The Nautical Adventures tree showcases decorations from across the nation.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Lighthouse Illuminations
Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides with holiday characters.
Description:
Enjoy a 45-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through historic St. Augustine, featuring Grinch, Santa, and Scrooge. This holiday experience is perfect for families and those aged 21 and above, offering a smooth and hassle-free adventure with VIP boarding.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride
Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Private, VIP horse-drawn carriage ride through historic St. Augustine.
Description:
Embark on a romantic private horse-drawn carriage ride through St. Augustine's historic district, adorned with millions of twinkling lights during the Nights of Lights festival. Reservations are required, and the tour includes VIP private boarding. Perfect for couples and groups of up to four adults.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride
Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement
What to Expect:
Scenic cruise with complimentary refreshments and live music.
Description:
Embark on a scenic cruise aboard the White Pelican, taking in the breathtaking views of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, Christmas candies, and cookies while listening to music on a state-of-the-art stereo sound system. The tour offers stunning reflections of the city's lights in the water and a unique perspective from the bay.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement
Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing
What to Expect:
Panoramic views of St. Augustine's historic district illuminated by millions of twinkling lights.
Description:
St. Augustine Sailing offers Nights of Lights packages featuring private yacht charters with festive decorations, cozy blankets, and seasonal treats. Glide along Matanzas Bay as millions of twinkling lights illuminate the historic district, offering panoramic views of St. Augustine's dazzling skyline.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing
Nights of Lights: Spirited Ride with Beetlejuice
What to Expect:
Costumed character ride with chaotic charm.
Description:
Embark on a spirited ride through St. Augustine's historic downtown with Beetlejuice, featuring dazzling lights, spooky shenanigans, and hilarious holiday hijinks.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights: Spirited Ride with Beetlejuice
The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of over three million lights in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Description:
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday lights display featuring over three million tiny white lights adorning historic downtown buildings. The event includes nightly light displays from dusk until dawn, special tours, and festive musical performances. Visitors can stroll through the city's Old World Streets, take a horse and carriage ride, or board special holiday tour vehicles to enjoy the displays.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display
Candlelight Tours at Villa Zorayda Museum
What to Expect:
Historic museum tour with dramatic Christmas tree lighting.
Description:
Explore the historic Villa Zorayda Museum during its Candlelight Tours, featuring an audio-guided tour of the museum's impressive 140-year history and beautiful art and antique collection. Guests will gather around the upper and lower balconies for the dramatic lighting of the Christmas tree, followed by a complimentary beverage and cookie.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Candlelight Tours at Villa Zorayda Museum
Ponte Vedra Beach Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Made in the South
What to Expect:
Vibrant display of handmade crafts and gourmet food.
Description:
Christmas Made in the South is a premier fine arts and crafts festival featuring handcrafted works, artist demonstrations, gourmet food, and diverse entertainment. Exhibitors showcase unique items like silk wearables, fabric bags, dichroic glass jewelry, and close-up photography of nature's creatures.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Christmas Made in the South
Nights of Lights Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Holiday market with unique gifts and seasonal treats.
Description:
The Nights of Lights Holiday Market in Historic Downtown St. Augustine offers a delightful assortment of holiday gifts and goodies. The market celebrates the Nights of Lights extravaganza with seasonal offerings like unique gifts, tasty treats, and an ugly sweater contest. It provides a perfect family photo opportunity and features snow in the Colonial Quarter.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights Holiday Market
Holiday Happenings at St. Augustine Beach
What to Expect:
Local artists and vendors selling unique items.
Description:
The Holiday Market at St. Augustine Beach offers a variety of unique items for sale, local artists, and tasty treats. This event is a great opportunity to support the local arts and music community while enjoying a fun family-friendly atmosphere.
Where: St. Augustine Beach | More Info: Holiday Happenings at St. Augustine Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Peter White Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Exclusive VIP wine tasting experience paired with live music.
Description:
A Peter White Christmas Concert features renowned guitarist Peter White, saxophonist Mindi Abair, and vocalist Vincent Ingala. This annual holiday event is known for its dynamic performances and unique blend of contemporary jazz. The concert also includes a VIP Wine Tasting Experience hosted by Mindi Abair and wine expert Eric Guerra.
Where: Ponte Vedra Beach | More Info: A Peter White Christmas Concert
Ponte Vedra Beach Other Holiday Activities
New Year's Eve Fireworks
What to Expect:
Spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a spectacular fireworks display over the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville. Fireworks will be launched from a barge between the Hyatt and DoubleTree hotels and high above the river from the Acosta Bridge, offering stunning views from both North and South banks, as well as Brooklyn and under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: New Year's Eve Fireworks
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
What to Expect:
High-energy college football game with local and regional attractions.
Description:
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is a premier college football event featuring a Southeastern Conference team against a Big Ten Conference or Atlantic Coast Conference opponent, held at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Jacksonville Beach (4 miles)
- Palm Valley (4 miles)
- St. Johns (15 miles)
- Jacksonville (17 miles)
- Fruit Cove (18 miles)
- Fleming Island (22 miles)
- Lakeside (24 miles)
- Oakleaf Plantation (27 miles)