Winter in Amelia Island

Our Favorite Cold Weather Events and Local Activities

Image courtesy of Orva Studio via Unsplash.

The fun doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. Winter in Northeast Florida brings fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and unique opportunities to enjoy nature. And there are plenty of things to do right here in Amelia Island. Take a look for yourself!

Go Wildlife Viewing

During the winter, many animals migrate to the Florida coast to avoid cold weather. Manatees huddle in warmer waters, right whales come to birth and nurse their young off the Atlantic Coast, and plenty of birds pass through on their way to warmer climates. You can find Black Skimmers, American Avocets, and many kinds of shorebirds and ducks around the island. Fort Clinch State Park is a great place to see this festival of feathers. And boat tours are best for seeing the whales and manatees.

Take a River Cruise

Speaking of boat tours, some Amelia River Cruises run during the winter too. Their narrated tours discuss the area’s history and are excellent opportunities to see wildlife. Keep an eye out for wild horses, manatees, and white pelicans. And enjoy the bugs’ time off.

Image courtesy of Paul Crook via Unsplash.

Look for Shark Teeth

Some of the shark tooth fossils found on Amelia Island belonged to gray, snaggletooth, tiger, great white, and even megalodon sharks! 

Could you do this year round? Yes. But there is less competition during the winter because there are fewer tourists on the beach. So grab a jacket and try your luck at shark tooth hunting along the coast.

Go Holiday Shopping

There are plenty of local retail gems on the island. These shops have one-of-a-kind gifts for all members of the family. Plus, supporting local businesses promotes sustainability and invests in the local economy. So it’s a win-win. As a bonus, stop by a coffee shop to refuel, like Amelia Island Coffee. 

Dickens on Centre

The annual Dickens on Centre festival is a must-see for anyone hoping to get in the Christmas spirit. This season, it runs from December 12–15, 2024. Fernandina Beach transforms into a Victorian Christmas market with plenty of lights, entertainment, shops, food and drink, and much more. There are even trolley tours to help you take it all in. There is so much to do that we made our own guide. 

Take in the Magic of Christmas Lights

Once a year, Nocatee lights up spectacularly. The Nocatee-A-Glow event is for residents only, but that doesn’t mean it’s not popular. Keep an eye on Nocatee’s Events page for admission details and reservations to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

If you want to host out-of-town family members and see Christmas lights displays together, there are many more options. Check out the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree at the Ritz-Carlton while sipping on cider and listening to music. Or drive a little further north to enjoy the decorations in St. Augustine, from their downtown, to the lighthouse.

Image courtesy of Brian Suh via Unsplash.

Watch the Shrimp Drop

Why drop a boring old ball at New Year’s when you can drop a crustacean? We love our shrimp here, so it’s only fair. On December 31st, Downtown Fernandina Beach hosts the annual Shrimp Drop, early enough to enjoy it with kids and then skedaddle to see the fireworks. You have to see it to believe it.

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

The next Amelia Island Restaurant Week runs from January 17-26, 2025. It’s a culinary showcase of local dishes, and you may see some familiar names. Our sister restaurants Cafe Karibo and Baba’s Mediterranean are participating. Enjoy lunches at $15 and dinners at both $30 and $50. 

Speaking of Shrimp…

Timoti’s has wild- and locally caught-shrimp available in the winter, and every other season. This way, it’s always fresh and ready to please. Check out the shrimp basket on our menu and stop by anytime.