Are you ready to kick off the holiday season in a memorable and festive way? Look no further than beautiful Amelia Island, where there is a lineup of exciting activities to make your Christmas vacation truly magical. There are so many things to do in Amelia Island around the holidays that you will have a hard time choosing what to do first!
Join us as we dive into the joyous celebrations that make Amelia Island the perfect destination for a magical Amelia Island Christmas experience. Ready to make lasting memories and celebrate the season in style? Let’s explore all the wonderful Amelia Island events and festivities this island paradise has to offer.
Participate in the Omni Turkey Trot
Kick off your Christmas vacation on the island with a healthy dose of exercise by participating in the Omni Turkey Trot 5K race. This scenic race through the Omni Amelia Island Resort Racquet Park will give you a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and tree-canopied views of the resort. This chipped race starts and finishes at the resort’s racquet park and is open to all ages and skill levels. The Omni Turkey Trot 5K race is scheduled for 28th November 2024 at 8.00 a.m. You can register online or pick up your race packet at the Racquet Park conference room on 27th November or on race day.
Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Black Friday Pajama Party
Amelia Island has an array of shopping options, and the annual Black Friday Pajama Party is the ultimate shopping extravaganza. This year, the party is set to take place on November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving, in the historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Get your shopping started early with an awesome selection of deals at a variety of stores. To get into the holiday spirit, there will also be a pajama contest and seasonal music at the Welcome Center. After a long day of shopping, indulge in hot chocolate or get your face painted in Pocket Park. Join the locals at the downtown waterfront at 6 pm for the annual Christmas tree lighting and experience the magic of the holiday season.
City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
Start your Christmas season with the City of Fernandina Beach Christmas Tree Lighting event. The lighting ceremony is held around Thanksgiving week each year and you can stroll along Fernandina’s Centre Street in the downtown historic district with its extra enchantment during the holiday season. Downtown Fernandina twinkles in white lights creating a fanciful atmosphere that will put you in a festive mood.
Watch the Lighted Christmas Parade
On December 7, 2024, make sure to watch the Lighted Christmas Parade hosted by America’s Youth. The parade starts at Central Park and goes through downtown Fernandina, covering the traditional parade route from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Following the parade, there will be an after-party from 7-9 pm at Central Park with vendors, music, and food, perfect for a night out with family and friends.
Experience Christmas Past at Dickens on Centre
A Victorian-inspired Christmas festival, Dickens on Centre, is held annually in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. This free-to-the-public festival features Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages. The festival is a family-friendly event with Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies, and plenty of Christmas inspiration. The festival runs from December 12 to 15, 2024, with trolleys running throughout the day into the evening.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to celebrate the holidays Amelia Island style? Browse our full inventory of rentals in Amelia Island to find the perfect place to stay!
Ring in the New Year at the New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
Join the City of Fernandina Beach and Light Up Amelia for a unique, family-friendly New Year’s celebration! Ring in the new year at the downtown waterfront in conjunction with the Greenwich Mean Time stroke of midnight at 7 pm. Enjoy holiday food, drinks, and party favors, all leading up to the dropping of the LED-lighted shrimp followed by fireworks. The event begins at 6:00 pm and ends at 11:59 pm, giving families a chance to celebrate together before the little ones head off to bed.
Explore Our Amelia Island Rentals
Make the most of your Christmas vacation on Amelia Island by staying in one of our luxurious rentals. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious Amelia Island beachfront rental, a spacious 3-bedroom Amelia Island home, or sleek Amelia Island condo rentals, Amelia Vacations has the perfect accommodation for your holiday getaway. Wake up to stunning views of the beach, relax on your private balcony, and immerse yourself in the island’s beauty and tranquility. Our Amelia Island vacation rentals provide all the amenities and comforts you need for a truly memorable Christmas experience. Explore the many things to do in Amelia Island Florida, from strolling through the Amelia Island Christmas market to attending exciting events in Amelia Island. Book today and be one step closer to an unforgettable holiday season with Amelia Vacations!
