St Augustine Fl Christmas: A Holiday Guide

The historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, is a wonderful place to spend the holiday season. With its rich history, charming streets, and festive atmosphere, St. Augustine is a holiday destination like no other. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas season in St. Augustine.

St. Augustine's holiday celebrations are steeped in tradition and date back to the city's founding in 1565. The city's Spanish heritage is still evident in its architecture, cuisine, and festive events. From the annual Christmas Parade to the Nights of Lights celebration, St. Augustine is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday season.

Holiday Events in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is host to a wide range of holiday events and activities that are fun for the whole family. Here are some of the top events to look out for:

• Nights of Lights: This annual celebration is a must-see during the holiday season. The city's historic district is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights.
• Christmas Parade: The annual Christmas Parade is a fun event that features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
• Holiday Concerts: The St. Augustine Orchestra and other local music groups perform holiday concerts throughout the season.
• Gingerbread House Contest: Get into the holiday spirit by building and decorating your own gingerbread house.

Nights of Lights

The Nights of Lights celebration is one of the most popular holiday events in St. Augustine. The city's historic district is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights. The event kicks off with a lighting ceremony and features live music, food, and drinks. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic district and enjoy the beautiful lights and decorations.

Holiday Shopping in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a shopper's paradise, especially during the holiday season. The city's historic district is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores that offer one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.

• St. George Street: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries that offer a wide range of holiday gifts and treats.
• San Marco Avenue: This charming avenue is home to a variety of boutiques and specialty stores that offer unique gifts and souvenirs.
• St. Augustine Premium Outlets: For those looking for a more traditional shopping experience, the St. Augustine Premium Outlets offer a wide range of brand-name stores at discounted prices.

Unique Holiday Gifts

St. Augustine is the perfect place to find unique and thoughtful holiday gifts. From handmade crafts to specialty foods, there's something for everyone on your list.

• Handmade Crafts: St. Augustine is home to a thriving arts community, and you can find a wide range of handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
• Specialty Foods: St. Augustine is famous for its Minorcan cuisine, and you can find a variety of specialty foods, including datil pepper sauces and Minorcan clam chowder.
• Wine and Spirits: St. Augustine is home to a number of wineries and distilleries that offer wine and spirits tastings and tours.

Holiday Dining in St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a foodie's paradise, and the holiday season is the perfect time to try some of the city's famous Minorcan cuisine.

• The Columbia Restaurant: This historic restaurant is a St. Augustine institution and serves up traditional Minorcan cuisine, including their famous datil pepper sauce.
• The Floridian: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up Southern cuisine with a twist, using locally sourced ingredients and creative recipes.
• La Herencia Cafe: This charming cafe serves up traditional Cuban cuisine, including coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.

Holiday Treats

St. Augustine is the perfect place to indulge in some holiday treats, from sweet pastries to savory snacks.

• The Hyppo: This popular popsicle shop offers a variety of unique flavors, including seasonal flavors like gingerbread and eggnog.
• Old City Ice Cream: This charming ice cream shop offers a wide range of homemade flavors, including seasonal flavors like peppermint and pumpkin.
• Crucial Cafe: This cozy cafe serves up a variety of baked goods, including pastries, cakes, and cookies.

Holiday Accommodations in St. Augustine

St. Augustine has a wide range of holiday accommodations to suit every budget and preference.

• Bed and Breakfasts: St. Augustine is famous for its historic bed and breakfasts, which offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
• Hotels: St. Augustine has a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
• Vacation Rentals: St. Augustine also offers a variety of vacation rentals, including apartments, houses, and condos.

Historic Bed and Breakfasts

St. Augustine's historic bed and breakfasts are a unique and charming way to experience the city's holiday magic.

• The Kenwood Inn: This historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
• The Cedar House Inn: This charming bed and breakfast is located in a historic home and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• The Old City House Inn: This historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your holiday trip to St. Augustine, Florida. Whether you're looking for festive events, unique gifts, or delicious holiday treats, St. Augustine has something for everyone. So come and experience the holiday magic of St. Augustine for yourself!