Celebrate the Season on Amelia Island
Image courtesy of Tessa Rampersad via Unsplash
A Guide to Holiday Cheer in Fernandina Beach
If you are looking to celebrate the holidays in North Florida, you will want to be sure to witness an Amelia Island Christmas. Amelia Island is home to a rich history, but there is something about an Amelia Island Christmas that brings out the magic. Maybe it’s the carolers singing Victorian hymns, maybe it’s the magical snow globes that light up Centre Street, maybe it’s just the sea salt in the air. From family friendly, adults, or a couples night-out there are a number of ways to enjoy an Amelia Island Christmas.
Join Timoti’s Seafood Shak in celebrating the season on Amelia Island with the best holiday events of 2023. Whether you are a Fernandina local or planning your visit to enjoy the Florida “winter”, now is the time to mark your calendars for the events of the season.
Events for Tiny Tim
Christmas is a time for family! That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of the best options for the young and young at heart to enjoy together.
Black Friday Pajama Party
Can’t wait another minute to get into the holiday spirit? Stop by downtown Fernandina Beach on the way back from Grandma’s house for the Black Friday Pajama Party! If you’re lucky, you might even catch an early Santa-sighting as he puts the finishing touches on his “Naughty” and “Nice” lists.
When: November 24th, 2023
Where: Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach
What: Dress up and join the merchants of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach as they ring in the season with live music, candy, costume contests, and catch a glimpse of Saint Nick himself. This popular community event serves as the annual de facto kickoff to the holiday season.
Lighted Christmas Parade
It may not be 5th Avenue, but there’s enough heart in this free event to fill 10,000 hot air balloons.
When: December 2nd, 2023 | 6PM
Where: Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
What: Enjoy the annual Lighted Christmas Parade of floats, vehicles of all makes, and live music. Interested in being in the parade? Contact John Gilbert at john@americanyouth.org to register for a spot!
Dickens on Centre
This is it, this is the big one. Based on Charles Dickens famous story A Christmas Carol (or the full title: A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas.), this festival will take you back in time.
When: December 7th-10th, 2023
Where: Centre Street, Fernandina Beach
What: Launch yourself full force into the Victorian-era with the annual Dickens on Centre Festival, featuring a solo performance of A Christmas Carol on the main stage, “Tiny Tim’s Kid Zone”, visits with Santa Claus, shopping, and festive foods and drinks. You will not want to miss this Amelia Island Christmas tradition!
Fun for the Older “Kids”
If you’re in search of a festive pub crawl with friends or need a quiet date night during the holidays, Amelia Island has plenty in store.
Ritz-Carlton Christmas Tree Lighting
Light up the night with the annual lighting of the 40-foot Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree.
When: November 22nd | 5:30PM
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
What: This show-stopping celebration the day before Thanksgiving will be sure to fill your heart with joy. Enjoy fresh baked cookies and cider along with live music, performances, a visit from Santa and a spectacular fireworks show. Not to mention, the McArthur YMCA will hold a “12 Gifts of Christmas” raffle at the lighting. Tickets are $20 for ages 10 and older—100% of the proceeds will be shared with Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County, the St. Mary’s Riverkeeper, Michah’s Place the Sea Turtle Foundation and Take Stock in Children!
Holiday Home Tour
With such incredible decorations on the outside, we know you’re dying to see what all the historic homes on Amelia Island look like on the inside!
When: December 1st-2nd | 10AM-4PM
Where: Amelia Island Williams House
What: Decorated by interior designers and local florists, these historic houses are all decked out for an Amelia Island Christmas. Grab your tickets for this exclusive guided and catered tour of some of Amelia Island’s most historic homes. Tickets bought before November 28th at 4PM are $35 ($40 after), so don’t delay!
Dickens After Dark
If you’re looking for an invite to the party of the season, this is it!
When: December 9th, 2022 | 5-9PM
Where: The Lesesne House, Centre Street
What: This exclusive party is full of cheer, but not for the faint of heart! Don your best Victorian garb and take in live entertainment from stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobats, live music from Mama Blue, and get ready for more than a few surprises! Enjoy complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open beer and wine bar. Then, take a tour of one of the oldest historic homes in Fernandina Beach—and keep your eyes peeled for a ghost or two. This event always sells out, so make sure to get your tickets early.
Visit Timoti’s Seafood Shak
Whether you live in Fernandina Beach or you’re just visiting for the holidays, there’s no better way to experience the culinary side of Amelia Island than a visit to Timoti’s Seafood Shak. Our family-friendly menu of wild-caught seafood will fuel all the merriment you can muster this holiday season!