Fernandina’s Holiday Events Happening in December 2017

Fernandina’s special holiday events reflect this coastal community’s spirit. Enjoy the following festivities happening through the month of December 2017.

Holiday Home Tour

When: Dec. 1st & 2nd, 2017 (10 am to 4 pm)

See inside six of Fernandina’s lovely, private residences of the Victorian era, professionally decorated for Christmas, in the downtown historic district. These lovely homes are opened to the public for this holiday fundraiser, an annual event presented by the Amelia Island Museum of History (advance tickets $25 per person). The homes are within five blocks of each other. A popular event, plan for about 45 minutes to an hour at each home for tour and waiting in line. Buy tickets online in advance or at the Amelia Island Visitors Center (Old Train Depot), Peterbrooke Chocolatier, or The Plantation Shop. Buy day of event tickets at the homes for $30 (cash or check only). More info at Amelia Island Museum website, or call 904-261-7378.

Christmas Glow Luminaries

When: Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 (5:30 to 8 pm)
The Woman’s Club of Fernandina Beach presents two miles of luminaries along the main east-west corridor of Atlantic Avenue, plus their community party. It’s a family-oriented event held at the clubhouse (on Jean LaFitte Blvd., just behind the Fernandina Beach Rec Center). Festive atmosphere, free punch & cookies, Santa Claus, face painting, and dance performances. More info, call 904-261-6088.

Fort Clinch Holiday Encampment

When: Dec. 2-3, 2017 (Sat. 9 am to 5 pm, Sun. 9 to noon)
Reenactors bring history alive at Fort Clinch with an added bit of holiday trimmings the first December weekend of the month. Park Admission: $6 per vehicle (2 to 8 passengers), plus $2.50 per person fort entry. Call Fort for more info at 904-277-7274.

Amelia Community Theatre

“It’s A Wonderful Life” Production
When: December dates: 1st, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16th at 8:00 PM & matinee on Dec. 10 at 2:00 PM.
The classic Christmas story of George Bailey’s journey to find meaning in his life. The play takes place on Christmas Eve, 1945, and uses flashbacks to tell one of the most famous holiday tales. Adult tickets $22, students (thru college) $10, buy online. Call ACT for more info at 904-261-6749.

Reindeer Run

When: Sun., Dec. 3, 2017, 7 am
The Reindeer Run half marathon and 5K start at 7 am. Race day registration is available from 6 to 6:45 am. Family-friendly events are a 1 mile kids run at 10:00 am, 1/2 mile kids run 10:15 am; 100 yard dash at 10:30 am (age 4 and under). The runs for kids are $5 (or free with toy donation to Toys For Tots). Event includes a “Kids Zone” with bounce houses and Santa Claus. All the events start and end at Fernandina’s Main Beach Park. Event hosted by Amelia Island Runners (adult fees range from $25 to $90, see registration info) .

Christmas Lighted Parade

When: RAIN DATE — Rescheduled To Dec. 16, 2017 (6 pm)
See lighted parade floats and twinkling streetscape downtown, when Fernandina glows with Christmas cheer during the Lighted Parade presented by America’s Youth. Parade route is west along Ash Street before turning and heading east on Centre.  

“Dickens on Centre” Street Festival

When: Fri., Dec. 8th to Sun., Dec. 10, 2017: (Hours: FRI: 5 to 9 pm; SAT: 10 am to 9 pm; SUN: 10 am to 7 pm.)
CHRISTMAS PAST: Fernandina’s Victorian-themed annual street festival. Downtown twinkles with lights, brightening the streetscape with the glow of the season. There’s no vehicular traffic for three city blocks from 3rd to Front Street. Costumed characters, lots of photo ops, St. Nick, kids activities, merchant booths, festive performances throughout event at stage near Old Train Depot. See full schedule.

2017 Holiday Cookie Tour

When: Saturday, December 9, 2017 (Noon to 5 pm)
Enjoy some of the grandest, historic homes of downtown Fernandina, marvelous inns decked out in their holiday finest. Sample a Christmas cookie at each B & B, then take the recipe home.

Walk between the inns or take a complimentary ride in a horse-drawn carriage or trolley. Buy tickets online through Nov. 29th, for $25, or at various Fernandina locations including the Visitors Center at Old Train Depot through Dec. 8th. Buy at door of any inn day of event for $30 (if not sold out).

Parade of Paws

When: Sat., Dec. 9, 2017 at 11 am to noon
Another annual tradition in Fernandina is the day precious doggies in holiday attire parade along the Centre Street sidewalks downtown. Participate in the parade or head downtown to watch this holiday procession that begins and ends at the Old Train Depot, heading east first. Top three costumes win prizes, compliments of Redbones. Registration fee is $15 per dog (people- and animal-friendly dogs only). Register day of event at 10 am (or early registration at NHS Adoption Center, Dog Park, Second Chance and Second Chance Closet resale stores, and Redbones Dog Bakery). A fundraising event to benefit the Nassau Humane Society, call for more info 904-321-1647.

New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop

When: December 31, 2017 (5 pm to 9 pm)
Downtown Fernandina Beach features the 3rd Annual “Shrimp Drop” community event at the riverfront on New Year’s eve. A family-friendly event scheduled for early evening, well before midnight, offering food, vendors, kids games, live music, and fireworks display. Presented by Light Up Amelia and Florida Public Utilities.