Lace up your skates and head over to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre to enjoy a Winter Wonderland! Winter Wonderland has free admission as well as numerous activities for a minimal fee. Slip down the new ice slide, skate in the ice rink enjoy an evening of falling snow. The ice skating rink is only $10 (skate rental is $2) and the ice slide is only $5. Sleigh rides take place from 6-10 p.m. (adults $10, $5 for children). This winter extravaganza also includes winter games, an Elf village, reindeer games, onstage performances of the Quiltmaker's Gift, lighted nature trails, visits with Santa, s'mores on an open fire and much more. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Winter Wonderland is open Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. November 21 through December 20, then December 21 to January 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Winter Wonderland will be closed Thanksgiving Day and open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Join in the opening ceremonies for the 15th Annual Nights of Lights beginning at St. Augustine's historic Plaza de la Constitucion. Named one of the American Bus Association's 2007 Top 100 events in North America, Nights of Lights is a two-month long celebration of the Holiday Season. After a high-energy musical performance beginning at 4:30 p.m., From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the All Stars Orchestra will perform holiday music. Then at 6:30 p.m., the lighting ceremony gets underway when a single flick of a switch will bathe the historic district in the soft glow of two million lights. All Stars Orchestra will continue to perform holiday music till 8 p.m.

Ever wondered what the zoo is like at night? Come have an unforgettable experience with a late night tour of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm's nocturnal beasties, then let the nighttime animal chorus sing you to sleep. This program is appropriate for children ages 7 to 12 years old and includes pizza, hands-on animal presentations, a twilight zoo tour, a craft, nocturnal games, late night snack, continental breakfast and lots of fun! The fun begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 a.m. the next morning!

Get saxy at this musical performance by Ashu at the Flagler College Auditorium. Ashu's saxaphone repertoire ranges from original works by Ibert, Debussy, and Villa-Lobos to his own arrangements of Piazzolla, Rachmaninov and Morricone, Ashu aims to bring the concert saxophone to a broader audience. Performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located on Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $22 per person.

Experience a Nights of Lights tour from a new perspective aboard the Schooner Freedom! Each evening, the Freedom departs at 4:15 p.m. from St. Augustine Municipal Marina for a two-hour sunset cruise. This leisurly sail through the historic waters of Matanzas Bay features a magnificent sunset over the oldest city and the twinkling beauty of Nights of Lights. The cruise includes complimentary beer, wine, soda, water and light snack.

Come enjoy one of St. Augustine's favorite annual art events. See art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. This juried art festival takes place at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility located on West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. The festival is sponsored by the St. Augustine Art Association and takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is a $1 donation.

Chug along on a festive special Nights of Lights tour aboard Santa's Big Red Train. Sing along with the holiday music and enjoy the millions of brilliant lights bedazzling St. Augustine. Tours depart from 3 Cordova Street and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, located at 19 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.

Experience the heartwarming play, The Quiltmaker's Gift, while enjoying the St. Augustine Amphitheatre's Winter Wonderland. Appropriate for all ages, this magical story illustrates what is most important in life – perfect for the holidays! The 30-minute production takes the stage every Friday and Saturday night at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. through January 3. Tickets are $5 and are available the day of the show at the Amphitheatre or one hour before each show at the Veddy Theatre ticket booth near the skating rink. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine.

Enjoy the Night of Lights from the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolley! Nightly tours feature festive caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Handcrafted by Santa's elves, the magical viewing glasses given to each guest will add even more sparkle to this amazing holiday light show. The trolley departs from the main Visitor Information Center in St. Augustine. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12 (under 6 are free).

Experience a favorite end-of-the-month event -- Uptown Saturday Night! From 5 to 9 p.m., the galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley's Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco Shopping District remain open during this special evening. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere – plus, great food will be provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for the event. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association.

Come hear the classic sounds of some of the greatest Motown legends when Patrick Robinson brings his successful cabaret show back to the Limelight Theatre. Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Rd. in St. Augusitne. The show takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. abd Sunday at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $22 for adults and $22 for seniors, students and active military.

Experience what St. Augustine was like during the British occupation of the old city from 1763 to 1784. The British encampment will be located at the Colonial Spanish Quarter at 53 St. George Street. Open 9 a.m. to dusk, visitors can listen to Fife and Drum Corps, meet British soldiers and see a musket competition at 3 p.m. at the Castillo de San Marcos.

Experience what night-time entertainment was like during St. Augustine's British occupation. The fun begins at 8 p.m. at St. Augustine's Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum on St. George Street behind the Taberna Café and is free to all. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Refreshments and libations are available from the Tavern.

Join one of St. Augustine's most popular cultural events on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes.

See the lights of St. Augustine from the top of the tower! Bring the kids, enjoy holiday music, cider, and even take time out to visit Santa! Luminary night takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is located at 81 Lighthouse Avenue on Anastasia Island.

Enjoy a magnificent display Of Christmas tress at the third-annual Festival of Trees at the St. Johns County Convention Center adjacent to the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. The event will showcase trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the community. The event, which is free to the public, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the final day. The decorated trees will be part of a silent auction and visitors will be encouraged to fill out a ballot indicating the number of votes (in minimum $1 bids) they would like to cast for their favorite trees. All proceeds raised during the event will go directly to The St. Augustine Record's Empty Stocking Fund and the United Way of St. Johns County.

Help commemorate the Treaty of Paris and the impact on British St. Augustine. Witness the reading of the Treaty of Paris and the reaction of the townsfolk and military during the British Night Watch opening ceremony that takes place at 4 p.m. on Friday at the Plaza de la Constitucion to. On Saturday from 9 a.m. until dusk, the British encampment in the City of St. Augustine's Spanish Quarter Museum on St. George Street will be open free to the public. British troops will demonstrate a wide range of authentically detailed military skills including mass troop movements, bayonet drills, Musket Firings, Changing of the Flag Ceremony and Fife & Drum Music. Then on Saturday at 8 p.m., Regimental British troops, Fife and Drum Corps, Militia, Native American allies and Distaff will parade by torchlight through the historic district to secure the City Gates. The Night Watch Parade begins at Government House at the Plaza de la Constitucion where all will hear the Governor's holiday proclamation. Join in the largest fully interactive parade that make everyone a part of history - light a candle and follow in the boisterous parade through the town! Musket fire and general revelry by everyone gathered at this historic location add to the holiday spirit.

Light up your evening when the Surf Illumination complements the seasonal lighting of A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach. The event includes the ceremonial lighting of the seasonal tree by the Mayor. Food and beverages are offered by local restaurants and many local arts and crafts vendors provide convenient shopping for the holiday season. Santa, musical performers and traditional carolers make it fun for all.

Dress up the children in holiday attire for a chance to visit with Mrs. Claus at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. This tea party is offered to children ages 5-7 and includes a sharing of Christmas wish lists, storytelling featuring "The Reindeer Christmas", an arts and crafts project, a souvenir photograph of Mrs. Claus, a Christmas stocking filled with goodies and of course tea and cookies. Tea party times are 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Stuffed animal companions are welcome. The tea party is $12 per child and includes park admission.

Be there for the 54th Annual Christmas Parade. One of the largest parades in North Florida, it includes floats, marching bands cars, horses, and the arrival of Santa. The parade will start promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre de Dios; continue through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and end behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Dr. Pictures with Santa will follow in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Enjoy "Christmas Traditions," the St. Augustine Garden Club's annual tour showcasing homes located around Maria Sanchez Lake, the Matanzas Bay and St. George Street in St. Augustine's South Historic District. Open for the tour, these beautiful historic homes represent styles popular in the city and were constructed in 1890, 1905, the 1920's and more recent years. All decorations and floral arrangements throughout the tour will be composed of natural materials designed and hand-crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine. In addition, the tour includes a delightful tea at the Coastal Community Center, located at 180 Marine Street where quality-crafted items made by Garden Club members will be available for purchase. Tours begin at the Coastal Community Center, located at 180 Marine Street, from noon to 5 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains will provide shuttles from the Center to the homes on the tour. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 day of tour.

Learn intriguing sea-science facts from recognized experts in their field when The Whitney Laboratory presents their monthly public lecture series. Presentations include current science topics, plus subjects from on-going research programs at the Lab. This month's lecture is Adaptive Coloration/Camouflage in the Sea (How Squid Disappear) with Dr. Roger Hanlon, Sr. Scientist, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This free lecture begins at 7 p.m. at the Center for Marine Studies located at 9505 Oceanshore Blvd.

Take the National Park Service's ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.

Be a guest of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and enjoy viewing the sunset and moonrise from the most unique perspective in all of St. Augustine! This special event includes a champagne toast, provided by San Sebastian Winery, atop the tower and an informative overview of the history of the St. Augustine Light Station. Tour is from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Lighthouse located at 81 Lighthouse Ave. in St. Augustine. The fee is $25 for non-museum members and $20 for members, reservations are required.

Regale your eyes with a holiday parade of boats from 15 to 85 feet in length – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Awards will be made for the best theme, most colorful, best in class, and best overall. Beginning at 6 p.m., the boats will light up Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. The Regatta of Lights is hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club.

Bring the entire family to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in the beautiful setting of Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The Santa Celebration takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features holiday activities for children including movies on a big screen, hands-on arts and crafts, and sing-alongs and a gingerbread house contest. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and peppermint white hot chocolate, plus food vendors, a holiday plant sale, wreath and ornament making, live entertainment and fresh Christmas trees for sale. Admission is one unwrapped toy per vehicle or one non-perishable food item per person. The toys and food will be distributed to needy families by the Flagler County Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" program and the Church Women United Foundation. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd., (A1A) in Palm Coast.

Tour St. Augustine's historic Bed and Breakfast Inns, all decorated in holiday finery. In addition to being able to enjoy each Inn's dazzling Christmas season displays, tour participants will sample taste treats throughout the Holiday Tour: Each Inn unites with one of St. Augustine's leading restaurants and confectioners, who serve complimentary samples. The tour takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and half on Sunday. Tickets in advance are $35. Net proceeds from the Holiday Tour will benefit the Empty Stocking Fund, which assists needy families during the holidays, and the expansion of St. Francis House, which offers food and temporary shelter to the homeless.

See St. Augustine's historic Plaza de la Constitucion aglow with hundreds of candlelit luminaries from 5 to 8 p.m. Join the St. Augustine Pilot Club in singing traditional carols as they present this brilliantly fun event.

Treat your ears to a perennial sellout favorite. The 86-member JSO will present a select choice of holiday fare to help celebrate the EMMA Concert Association's 30th anniversary. Performances begin at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located on Granada Street in St. Augustine.

Experience a favorite end-of-the-month event -- Uptown Saturday Night! From 5 to 9 p.m., the galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley's Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco Shopping District remain open during this special evening. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere – plus, great food provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for the event. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association.

Kick off 2009 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 8 p.m. After things cool off from the chili – the Fireworks 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.

Join one of St. Augustine's most popular cultural events on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries – plus, great food courtesy of the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. Tours begin at San Sebastian Winery, 157 King Street. Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes.

Relive the old tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany with a costume ball at Government House. This is the Ball for Gentry and Common Man at the St. Augustine Government House at the west end of the Plaza de la Constitucion. Participants must be dressed in 18th century costume of any nation, as well as bring one pot luck dish and wine, if so desired. Each attendee should also provide his or her own antique plate and eating utensils. Turkey, ham and punch will be served. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per couple or $15 for an individual.

Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for their 2nd Saturday Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A portion of the plants for sale were propagated and grown right there in the park by volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Regular park entrance fees apply during the plant sale.

Take the National Park Service's ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine.

Come celebrate the trees of our city. The City of St. Augustine's Annual Arbor Day Celebration will take place at the Special Events Field on Castillo Drive. There will be a tree planting and special guest, Smokey Bear! Free saplings will be given out to those in attendance. The festivities are scheduled for noon.

Embark on a narrated tour of St. Augustine's Civil Rights Landmarks – Freedom Trail. Featuring the many St. Augustine sites and homes that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement of 1964, the tours take place at 10 a.m. and noon. Tours depart from Excelsior African American Cultural Museum, 102 M. L. King Avenue in St. Augustine. Donations of $15 for adults and $7 for students will go toward sponsoring the 40th ACCORD's efforts to erect a second set of Freedom Trail markers.

Experience Ballet Jörgen's largest production to date featuring the magical story of the Russian princess Anastasia. Recognized for ballets that combine innovation, warmth, humor, and beauty, Jörgen Ballet is the only Canadian ballet company with a repertoire consisting exclusively of original works. Performance begins at 2 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located on Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $22 per person.

This beloved Broadway musical tell the story of the power of dreams, embodied in the irrepressible Don Quixote. One person can make a difference. General admission is $25 per person. All performances take place at The Limelight Theatre, located in the Joukowsky Family Foundation Center for the Performing Arts, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine.

Under the direction of its current principal conductor, Theodore Kuchar, The Czech Symphony Orchestra has in recent seasons performed in a number of international concerts and festivals. They are renowned for their performances of the work of significant Czech composers; however, their repertoire goes far beyond and includes the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Bruch and many more. Performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Flagler College Auditorium located on Granada Street in St. Augustine. Tickets are $35 per person.

Enjoy this special presentation by artisan and art historian Elizabeth Gessner about the Old World Spanish craft of miniature Nativity scene construction at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery. The holiday offering takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature a special "Belen" exhibit and will give participants a fascinating large-screen view of the Bethlehem village-building process, from visual storytelling and figure selection to creating a believable landscape environment using a host of found materials. The presentation culminates with refreshments and a holiday musical performance by harpist Mary Jane Ballou. Admission is $10 per person. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery is located at 22 Marine Street. For more information and reservations, call 904.824.2310 or visit www.staaa.org

Come hear about government and public information issues from the pros. In this series of public forums guest speaker, Chuck Raasch, columnist and national correspondent, Gannett News Service, will present a current issue topic. The Forum takes place at 7 p.m. at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Admission is free.

Celebrate an evening of Puccini while enjoying First Coast Opera's performance of La Bohéme. Directed by Don Westwood of Jacksonville Lyric Opera and Belleayre Festival Opera, this performance of the world's most beloved opera takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Pedro Menendez Performing Arts Center at Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West in St. Augustine. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for adults. Student tickets are $20 per person. For more information, call 904.797.7770 or visit www.FirstCoastOpera.com.

Take the lead, just keep pace, or cheer from the sidelines at one of St. Augustine's most popular races. This 5K run begins from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine, and continues downtown along the bay front. The race begins at 9 a.m. with an awards ceremony after the race. Registration is $15 in advance, $25 the day of the race.

Experience a favorite end-of-the-month event -- Uptown Saturday Night! From 5 to 9 p.m., the galleries, antique stores and unique shops between Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco Shopping District remain open during this special evening. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other events contribute to the party-like atmosphere – plus, great food provided by the St. Augustine Independent Restaurant Association. The Mission of Nombre de Dios provides FREE PARKING for the event. The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association.