Friday: December 30


RIPPLE EFFECT ANCIENT CITY KAYAK TOUR
Come see St. Augustine the way the conquistadors and the pirates saw it, from the original entrance to the oldest city . . . Salt Run. On Tuesday and Friday, all ages and experience levels will enjoy this captivating look into St. Augustine's maritime past. Ripple Effects' Necky expedition kayaks glide easily through the water as certified naturalist guides introduce family members to the richness of our area. A world that looks much like it did 400 years ago when pirates and traders explored and fought in these same waters. Fee is $45 per person and includes all kayaking equipment. No experience necessary. For more information, call 904 347-1565 or visit http://www.rippleeffectecotours.com/.

CANDLE LIGHT TOURS OF VILLA ZORAYDA
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda, decorated for the Holiday season, featuring a Christmas tree in the "Court of Lions", decorated in the Villa's traditional red and gold and a beautiful crèche nativity scene that that has been a Villa tradition since the 1930s. On Friday at 6 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Candles are aglow throughout the museum as the docent led candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). Villa Zorayda is located at 83 King Street in St. Augustine. Reservations are suggested. For more information, visit www.villaZoryada.com or call 904.829.9887.


Friday and Saturday: December 30 & 31


COLONIAL SPANISH QUARTER TOURS
St. Augustine's Colonial Spanish Quarter will be open for special tours through Saturday. Historic interpreters will guide visitors back through time to the year 1740 where a Yuletide Greetings in History and Song will be presented at the DeMesa House. Plus, 18th century craftsmen and artisans will show what a typical day was like for the residents of the Presidio. Tours are at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person (plus tax), children 6 and under are free. The entrance to the Colonial Spanish Quarter is at 29 St. George Street.
NIGHT VIEWS FROM THE ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
For a spectacular view of the Nights of Lights, climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse after dark! On Friday, the lighthouse will be open until 9 p.m. and on Saturday until 7 p.m. Plus the grounds will be open and the outstanding museum will be included in the cost of admission. For more information, call 904.829.0745 or go to http://www.staugsutinelighthouse.com/.

LIMELIGHT THEATRE: DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL
Enjoy this family-friendly performance about two bumbling duck hunters in the Alabama swamp manage to shoot an angel and are then pursued by the tabloid media. This hilarious tale interweaves a love story, race relations, and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo. Performance times through December 30 are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. New Year's Eve features a BBQ and Bubbly buffet dinner with Krispy Kreme donuts dessert (perfect for the theme of the play. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the curtain goes up at 8 p.m. (Tickets are $50). Tickets for all other performances are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and military.The Limelight Theatre, located at 11 Old Mission Avenue in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.825.1164 or visit http://www.limelight-theatre.org/.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: December 30 - January 1


WINTER WONDERLAND AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Bring the whole family to enjoy St. Augustine's Winter Wonderland which features a real ice skating rink, ice slide, Elf Express train rides, The Elf Village, sleigh rides and SNOW! There are even scheduled visits from Santa. Adults are welcome to relax and enjoy refreshments in the Igloo Lounge (21 and up only). St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A St. Augustine. Hours are 2 to 10 p.m. daily through January 1 (New Year's Eve noon to 5 p.m.) Admission is free with activity participation fees. For more information, call 904.209.0367 or visit http://www.winterwonderlandflorida.com/.

FREEDOM SUNSET SAIL
Board the beautiful Schooner Freedom for a sailing adventure that includes a gorgeous sunset and the Oldest City aglow in Nights of Lights splendor. The schooner departs daily at 4:15 p.m. from the St. Augustine City Marina. Soda, beer, wine and blankets are provided -- passengers are more that welcome to bring a picnic basket or a thermos of hot chocolate. Tickets for the two-hour tour are $45 per adult; kids 2-12 are $35 each; children under 2 sail free. For reservations, call 90.810.1010.


Saturday: December 31

NEW YEAR'S EVE NOON BALLOON DROP
The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is bringing back the bang with their New Year's Eve Noon Balloon Drop Gang. Stop by for a bite of Brucci's Pizza Pie, or decorate a cookie a mile high. Snap, crackle and pop in the bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. It all takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way. Admission is $ 5 per person or $15 for a family of four. For more information, visit http://www.ccpvb.org/
BEACH BLAST OFF 2012
Kick off 2012 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach event! Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures, and fireworks when several of St. Augustine's favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 10 p.m. After things cool off from the chili - the Fireworks synchronized to music begin at 8:30 p.m. This display will delight visitors and help usher in the New Year! Admission is free. The Beach Blast takes place at St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach.(Free parking with shuttle from Amici's Restaurant, 1915 A1A South) For more information, call 904.829.5681 or visit http://www.beachblastoff.com/


DIAMOND, DENIM AND DECADES NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
Bring in the 2012 at an exciting New Year's Party at the Renaissance World Golf Village Resort. From 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m., the resort's St. Augustine Ballroom will be the liveliest place to be when the Murray Goff Connection Band performs high-energy music and popular songs from nearly every genre. The Diamonds, Denim and Decades package is $319 per couple and includes one night accommodations at the Renaissance World Golf Village rRsort, admission to the party; a welcome libation; fantastic culinary fare at 12 different food stations, created by the resort's Executive Chef Brett Smith; a champagne toast at midnight; and a late night snack buffet. Tickets for just the Party are $75 per person, plus t & g. The Renaissance is located at I-95 Exit 323. For more information and reservations, call 904-940-8696, or visit http://www.worldgolfrenaissance.com/.

CASINO FOR A CAUSE NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH
Bring in the New Year at Ponte Vedra Beach's newest event facility, the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. A fun-filled evening will be had by all, starting with a cocktail reception from 8 to 9 p.m. Then, through out the night there will be live entertainment by Orlando's Top Jazz & Swing Band, heavy hors d'oeuvres, unlimited beer, wine and martinis, and a Champaign toast at midnight. Tickets are $125 and VIP tickets (which include unlimited full bar) are $175. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 S A1A in Ponte Vedra Beach. Proceeds from this exciting New Year event will benefit BEAM, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry. For more information, visit www.CasinosForACause.com


HOLIDAY TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR
Explore St. Augustine's famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine's historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Each guest will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses that will enhance the twinkle and glimmer of the lights. And, children and adults alike will get the chance to meet Santa during the tour. Tours are nightly through December 31 and take place between 6 and 8 p.m., departing from the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center, located at 11 W. Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call 904.829.3800.

SANTA'S BIG RED CHRISTMAS TRAIN
Come ride Santa's Big Red Christmas Train this Ho-Ho-Holiday Season! Get into the holiday spirit as our Big Red Trains transport you through our magical city to view the Nights of Lights celebration nightly through January 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 -9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $7 for adults ages 12 and over and $3 for children ages 3-1. Ticket includes complimentary magical glasses that make the light displays extra amazing. December 2nd through 24th tours include stops at Santa's Village and Prancer's Putt-Putt for only $1 each! 904.824.1606 http://www.redtrains.com/

ST. AUGUSTINE GOLD TOURS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS
Tour the dazzling display of lights in comfort and style with just 7 passengers on all electric silent shuttle bus with individual seat restraints. All tours are $7 (inclusive of 3D glasses) starting and finishing at the Old Drug Store car park on Orange Street where the kids can meet Santa.
Tours take place each night, except Tuesday from 5 till 10 p.m. For more information, call 904.325.0547, or visit http://www.staugustinegoldtours.com/.

NIGHTS OF LIGHTS SUNSET SAIL
See the glittering Nights of Lights from the deck of a authentic 19th century schooner! Every night now through January will feature a memorable and beautiful sunset Nights of Lights cruise aboard the Schooner Freedom. The two-hour cruise departs from the St. Augustine City Marina at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 per adults, kids 2-12 are $35, under 2 sail free, complimentary beer, wine, soda, and water provided. For reservations, call 904.810.1010.

PRIVATE NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR CHARTERS
Plan a private tour of the Nights of Lights for your large group. Old Town Trolley Tours offers a special 40 minute tour for groups of 20 or more. Tours are available in advance every night. Private tour rates are $9 for adults and $4 for children. Tours depart from the Visitor Information Center, located at 11 W Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. For more information, call 904.829.3800.

PRANCER'S PUTT-PUTT
Stop by Ripley's Bayfront Golf at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina for a round of golf with Prancer and his friend. Bayfront Golf will be transformed into a mini-North Pole through the holidays. Bayfront Golf's Prancer's Putt-Putt golf is open through January 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Regular prices are $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children, or just $1 per person when purchased with tickets for Santa's Big Red Christmas Train tours. Bayfront Golf is located at 11 Avenida Menendez ion St. Augustine's Bayfront. For more information, call 904-824-1606.

TOUR DE CHOCOLATE
Join City Walks on the Tour de Chocolate every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon for a 2-hour journey into the world of chocolate. From the Aztecs and Mayans to Europe via the Spanish Conquistadors, explore the history and indulge yourself in the wonderful world of CHOCOLATE. The tour includes all tastes and samplings, and a VERY special take home gift of chocolates. All ages welcome, Adults are $36 and Children under 10 are $25, per person. Reservations are required and are available for online reservations/purchase, where guests will save $2 per person. Plus, through January 31, all of City Walks' historical tours will take a look at the origins of our holiday traditions.
Make your reservation now at http://www.staugustinecitywalks.com/ .

NIGHT OF LIGHTS CARRIAGE AND WINE TOUR
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets in true southern comfort on this hour long tour. While you enjoy St. Augustine's spectacular light display, snuggle up and indulge in delicious Spanish boutique wines. $49 per person. Tours are held Monday through Saturday starting at 6 pm and 7:30 pm. Reservations are required. 904.386.5482 http://www.thetastingtours.com/

WINE AND INN HOLIDAY CARRIAGE TOUR
Visit the 'Best of the Best' Inns in St. Augustine on this holiday Bed and Breakfast Tour with exclusive boutique wine tasting via horse drawn carriage! Take a narrated carriage ride along the historic streets of St. Augustine and indulge in delicious boutique wines on this 2.5 hour tour. Experience the gracious southern hospitality of 5 beautiful Inns! Tour the romantic rooms, lush gardens and much more! History, Romance, Carriage and 'Holiday Spirits'! Priceless! Limited time only. Tours are held on Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 1 pm. $59 per person. 904.386.5482 http://www.thetastingtours.com/

HOLIDAY INN AT POTTER'S
Throughout the month of December, general admission tickets to St. Augustine's famous Potter's Wax Museum will include a full-length showing of Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale. Show times are 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.