Holiday Season Lights Up Amelia Island

Home Tours, Pajama Party, Carnival, Character Dinners and More

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (September 24, 2008) - The holiday season will soon come ashore on northeast Florida's Amelia Island, washing up a trove of fun and exciting family-friendly events on Amelia Island.  A longtime favorite vacation destination, Amelia will welcome visitors with a variety of celebrations, from a holiday carnival and pajama party, to home tours and a dinner with elves and reindeer.  Voted a top 10 North American Island by Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards, Amelia Island even offers a holiday Parade of Paws for pet lovers and their furry friends. Throughout the island, holiday shopping becomes a delight instead of a chore, with plenty of unique shops along Centre Street and at the Shops at Amelia Island Plantation. 

Upcoming events on Amelia Island include:

November 8, 2008

9th Annual History of the American Soldier Designed as a tribute to the Armed Forces, the annual after-hours Veterans Day program at Fort Clinch State Park includes a living timeline of men and women portraying soldiers from each major military conflict in United States history.  Visitors can bring lawn chairs and blankets, and find a spot on the fort's parade ground to watch the presentation.  Admission to the park and program is free with a canned food donation for each person attending.  For more information, call (904) 277-7274 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

November 20, 2008

2008 Beaujolais Nouveau

On November 20, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will celebrate the arrival of the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau with a lavish fete in the Ritz-Carlton ballroom.  An annual tradition since 1991, the event has featured the arrival of the world-famous wine by parachute, pirate ship, and Mercedes. More than 500 guests will enjoy the elegant affair, featuring art, wine and abundant hors d'oeuvres in a traditional French bistro setting.  For ticket information for this extravagant event, please call (904) 277-1028.

November 22, 2008

Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association Holiday Cookie Tour Looking for a new cookie recipe?  Let Fernandina's "pro" bakers share a recipe and a taste of their signature baked goods during the annual Holiday Cookie Tour.  Enjoy a holiday treat and a walk through the common area of seven of Amelia's beautiful inn's, all decked out in holiday attire covering Thanksgiving through Christmas.  Held from 1 - 5 p.m., the tour will include admission to the Addison on Amelia, Amelia Island Williams House, Ash Street Inn, Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Fairbanks House, Florida House Inn, and Hoyt House.  Tickets are $20 each and are available at any of the seven inns, the Visitor's Depot on Centre Street, and the Chamber of Commerce Gateway Office.  For more information, visit www.ameliaislandinns.com.

November 26, 2008

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Character Dinner At 5:30 p.m., the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will hold their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, complete with refreshments, music and, of course, a visit from Santa. The celebration will be followed by a Holiday Character Dinner at 6:30 p.m., where the family can dine with Santa, elves, reindeer and other holiday characters.  Admission to the Character dinner is $49 for adults and $25 for children 3-12.  The tree lighting is free and open to the public.  For event reservations and information, please call (904) 277-1028.

November 28, 2008

Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest

Snuggling into the holiday shopping season in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, the Annual Pajama Party Sale & Contest on Centre Street will begin at 8 a.m.  Held the Friday after Thanksgiving, shoppers can enjoy free contest registration until 11 a.m., giving them plenty of time to slip into their footed pajamas, bunny slippers, and other assorted sleepwear.  Pajama clad shoppers enjoy special deals and discounts, along with fresh juice, coffee and pastries to fuel their shopping spirit.  Shoppers entering the contest are eligible for "Best Dressed Individual Shopper in Pajamas" and "Best Dressed Shopping Group in Pajamas."  For more information, contact Sandy Price at (904) 261-9504.

November 28, 2008

Annual Holiday Light Celebration

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Amelia Island Plantation will light up the holiday season with thousands of twinkling white lights. From 6 to 9 p.m., visit The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation for an enjoyable evening of live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies, and horse and carriage rides. And don't forget to get your picture with Santa.  For more information, go to www.aipfl.com/Calendar_of_Events_Shops.htm, or contact The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 432-2202. 

November 29

Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony The City of Fernandina Beach and Historic Fernandina Business Association will host the official City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Held in front of the old train depot at the foot of Centre Street, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive early, at 3 p.m., to meet and be available to take pictures with the kids of the community.  Music by area choirs and bands will also take place in the downtown business district from 3 to 6 p.m. at various locations.  Santa will return each Saturday in December, allowing parents a picture perfect opportunity. For more information, contact Melba Whitaker at 904-261-3635 or access the Calendar of Events at www.downtownfernandina.com.

November 29, 2008

Holiday Carnival

From 4 to 7 p.m., Amelia Island Plantation will hold its annual Holiday Carnival at The Spa & Shops. Bring the whole family to enjoy a ride on the carousel, chat with Santa Claus during a horse and carriage ride, and complimentary Christmas Cookies and Hot Chocolate.  For more information, contact The Spa & Shops at Amelia Island Plantation at (904) 432-2202 or www.aipfl.com/Calendar_of_Events_Shops.h
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