Some of the top Amelia Island holiday events to put on your calendar this season...
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton
It's time again to enjoy a wonderful community event at the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton hotel, with the annual tree lighting ceremony and arrival of Santa Claus. In 2007, the tree lighting holiday event will be held Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 5:30 pm. Get there early to enjoy the beautiful holiday decor around the hotel and oceanfront lawns overlooking the dunes. This Ritz-Carlton tree is one of the biggest in northeast Florida, with spectacular lights. Framed by the ocean and stars of the evening sky, the tree's seaside setting offers a peaceful, coastal ambiance for a relaxing holiday.
Guests of the Ritz as well as the local community are invited to this magical evening, with complimentary refreshments (the best cookies baked fresh by Ritz chefs), music, and a dramatic entrance by Santa Claus. This really is a spectacular event, one of the highlights of the holiday season on Amelia Island. Each year the talented Ritz chefs bake a life-sized gingerbread house, displayed in the hotel lobby. It's worth going to the Ritz just to see the gingerbread house, and marvel at their holiday handiwork. See also more about Ritz-Carlton hotel. Check room availability and book online reservations at the Ritz-Carlton.
Make the Thanksgiving holiday weekend really spectacular by also attending the Holiday Light Celebration at Amelia Island Plantation, Friday, November 23, 2007 from 6 to 9 pm. A family tradition, enjoy Amelia Island Plantation's Spa & Shops village, glittering with holiday lights. Live entertainment, holiday carousel, horse & carriage rides, pictures with Santa, complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, and delicious holiday cookies will make the evening memorable. (There will also be specials on wine, beer, and cocktails.) Call Amelia Island Plantation if you have questions, 904-261-6161).
Saturday, November 24th, 2007 will be a Holiday Carnival at Amelia Island Plantation, from 3pm to 7 pm. Meet spider man, enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, the holiday carousel and horse & carriage rides. Check room availability at Amelia Island Plantation via online reservation system.
Annual Pajama Party, Centre Street. This is a downtown merchants-sponsored shopping event held each year along historic Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Enjoy coffee, juice, pastries from 8 am to 11 am on November 23, 2007. Have fun and be sure to wear your PJs -- people really do show up in sleepwear.
Centre Street Christmas Tree From Past, Historic Fernandina
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DECEMBER HOLIDAY EVENTS AROUND AMELIA ISLAND
December -- Christmas on Centre Street in historic Fernandina. Organized by the Amelia Island Museum, tour several historic B & B inns, historic Centre Street, St. Peter's Church, displays of trees, trains, face painting for the kids, and appearance by Santa. In 2007, the dates are Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st, 2007 from 10 am to 5pm, (B&Bs open after 1 pm). Tour begins at St. Peters Episcopal Church, then visit the Jackson House, Kavanaugh House, Williams House, Florida House Inn, Hoyt House, Bailey House and the ship, Voyager. Cost is $20, to benefit the Museum. Call the Museum for tickets and further info at (904)261-7378.
December -- Holiday Luminary Tours of Historic District, given by the museum. Dates in 2007 are December 7th and Dec. 8th at 6 pm and 7 pm. Reservations in advance required, call 904-261-7378.
Fernandina Beach Annual Lighted Holiday Parade -- The date in 2007 is December 8th, 2007 at 6 pm on Centre Street. Holiday parade presented by Southside Neighborhood Association. All entries feature lighting. For information to participate in this year's parade, call (904) 261-3248.
Holiday Pet Stroll in downtown Fernandina Beach -- Bring your dog dressed in their best holiday attire - prizes will be awarded. The date in 2007 is December 1, 2007 at 11:00 am on Centre Street. For more information Redbones, the organizer, at (904) 321-0020.
Amelia Island New Year's Eve 2007 CelebrationsDecember 31, 2007 - 8:00 p.m. Celebrate the new year at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island where this year's New Year's Eve gala features reception style dining with seating in The Ritz-Carlton ballroom, foyer, and terrace. Enjoy live music, dancing, fireworks, and an open bar. Call Ritz for reservation at 904-277-1100.
December 31, 2007. Celebrate New Year's Eve at one of Amelia Island Plantation's celebrations listed below. (Different events geared toward age group -- adults, children, and teens.) Call Amelia Island Plantation for New Year's Eve reservations at 904-261-6161.
5 pm-10 pm – Beach Club Grill. “Midnight at Ten.” Celebrate with your family and enjoy the regular dinner menu PLUS a roving magician, DJ, party favors and complimentary sparkling grape juice toast for kids at 10:00.
7 pm-1 am – Lobby Lounge -- Piano entertainment from 7-9 pm, then dance to a live band from 9 pm-1 am. Party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Appetizer menu will be available.
8 pm-2 am – Falcon's Nest Bar on Amelia Island Plantation. DJ begins at 10pm, party favors & champagne toast at midnight. Space is limited to the first 150 guests. $20/adult starting at 8pm. No reserved seating. Must be 21 or older. Go early to enjoy a Prime Rib dinner from 5 pm – 10 pm for $17.95, plus tax and gratuity.
7 pm-1 am – Kids New Year's Eve Bash -- Evening of fun and excitement including beach bonfire with smores, game room challenge and a dance party! Supervised by youth counselors. Dinner provided. Ages 3-10 (must be potty trained). $70/child. Must pre-register.
7 pm-1 am – Teen New Year's Eve Celebration -- Ring in the new year with a hayride, paintball, game room expedition, beach bonfire & smores, movie, games & more! Dinner provided. Ages 11 & up. $99/teen. Must pre-register.
Hope you enjoy a memorable Amelia Island holiday season!