It’s Holiday Season and there is nothing better than Fernandina Beach glowing from the lights. We have created a list of some of the best things to do during the Christmas Season. There’s just something about twinkling lights that brings on holiday cheer and there are quite a few local places to find spectacular light shows.
Where to find Christmas Lights:
One of the best things for families to do during the holiday season on Amelia Island is drive around town and admire the spectacular light shows that decorate the area’s homes. Create your own caravan and parade through the streets! Here are some of our favorite spots:
Downtown Fernandina:
Every year downtown Fernandina is transformed with lights into winter wonderland. Many of the historic homes participate by dressing up their homes for the holidays. There is even a holiday tour of homes that you can participate in (Holiday Home Tour – AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY : AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY (ameliamuseum.org)
Lyons Family Christmas Lights:
The lights are synchronized to the music, which creates a magical experience when you tune into their radio station! More than 10,000 lights can be seen Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Find the home at Georgia and 9th Avenue in Hilliard, Florida.
North Ridge Lane, Fernandina Beach:
The entire street participates in this light show! Light up your night as you drive past a row of houses that embody the holiday spirit. With each house out decorating the last, this is sure to be a holiday highlight that you won’t soon forget!
Riverwood Drive, Yulee:
The highlight of Meadowfield Bluff is the Davis Family home. Covered in shimmering lights for the holiday season, this local family starts work on Halloween and has been approached by holiday shows to be a featured home, so make sure to put this one on your list!
Jax Illuminations, Jacksonville:
If you’re willing to make the drive, this light show is unforgettable. There is a $20 fee to enter, but over 500,000 lights await visitors. It’s well worth the trip! For more information, visit jaxilluminations.com.
Zoo Lights at the Jacksonville Zoo:ZOOLights (jacksonvillezoo.org) Fun for the whole family! The 10th annual ZooLights event is sure to be a fabulous holiday light experience. The Zoo and Gardens will take guests on a magical journey of the artistry of lights, sound and nature.
Holiday Events:
Dickens on Centre: Dickens on Centre – Amelia Island, Florida
December 9th – 12th. Celebrate the holidays in a classic English Village. Downtown Fernandina will be transformed with lights, holiday decor, and victorian era inspired food, costumes and more. Feel the spirit of the holiday with Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages. Families will enjoy fun and entertainment including Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies and plenty of Christmas inspiration.
Holiday Home Tour: Holiday Home Tour – AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY : AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY (ameliamuseum.org)
December 3rd and 4th. 10 am to 4 pm.
It’s finally time for the long awaited 15th annual Amelia Island Museum of History Holiday Home Tour! Selected historic family homes will be decorated by local florists and interior designers and open for tours. Docents in each house give the history of the home, highlight the period architectural elements, and guide visitors through the expertly decorated homes.
Chamber Music Experience: AICMF 21st Season – Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival (ameliachambermusic.org)
Friday, December 3rd at First Baptist Church
The Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival launches its 21st season with this uplifting and joyful musical performance. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis with special guest vocalist Alita Moses will fill you with cheer as they perform their unique big band version of holiday classics.
Tickets are on sale for all contribution levels:
Holiday Festival Fernandina Library:
Saturday, December 18th 8 am – 12 pm
Free fun for all ages! Join the Fernandina Beach Branch Library (25 North 4th Street)
for a day of holiday music, crafts, stories, games and more!
Yulee Holiday Parade
December 11th – Parade begins at 10am
This is the 17th annual parade and will sure to be fun for the whole family! The Holiday spirit will be plentiful with Christmas floats, unique cars, and walking groups! Dying to get out that Ugly Christmas sweater.. this is your chance to show it off.
Yulee Sports Complex, 86142 Goodbread Rd., Yulee FL
Breakfast with Santa in Callahan: Breakfast With Santa in Callahan on December 18 – Fernandina Observer
December 18th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Enjoy a free pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa. Children wishing to participate in the gift exchange should bring one wrapped gift.
Callahan Multi-Use Facility, 543350
If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Recreation Director, Jay Robertson, at (904) 530-6120 or via email at jrobertson@nassaucountyfl.com.
content contribution: Leah Jones
