St. Augustine mayor Joe Boles will be joined by past mayors in the historic Plaza de la Constitucion to "flip the switch" to light up the Nights of Lights. The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with a spirited holiday performance by Showtime USA. At 5:30 p.m., the All Star Orchestra will perform in the Plaza's Gazebo. Then at 6:30 p.m., all attending this festive event will be asked to participate in the countdown to the lighting.

Enjoy over 150 of the finest regional and national artists displaying jewelry, glass blowing, sculpture, woodwork, pottery, paintings, photography, textile batik and much more. Festival activities include Kids Art Zone, Cultural Displays, Artist Demos, Raffle Prizes and an Artist Paint Out. Entertainment will be provide by the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival with a line-up of popular local & regional performers. The 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.

From 5 to 9 p.m., galleries, antique stores and unique shops in St. Augustine's Uptown San Marco shopping district between Ripley's Museum and the Mission of Nombre de Dios remain open for this special event. Meet-the-artists, book signings, live music, refreshments and other activities contribute to the party-like atmosphere. FREE PARKING at the Mission of Nombre de Dios The event is sponsored by the San Marco Avenue Merchants Association.

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 the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries from 5 to 9 p.m.on the First Friday of each month. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Admission is free. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street.

Experience what St. Augustine was during the British occupation of the old city from 1763 to 1784. The British encampment will be located at St. Augustine's Spanish Quarter on St. George Street. Open 9 AM 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. The Grand Illumination of the British Night Watch Parade begins at Government House on the Plaza at 8 p.m. This ceremony is an impressive pageant of color and light that reflects the customs of the 18th Century British when they occupied the city. At 7:30 PM everyone can purchase lighted candle as they follow the torchlight parade from the Government House around the Old City and back to the Plaza to hear the British Governor's holiday proclamation. Soldiers fire their muskets in a Volley of Joy to salute the season! For the grand finale residents and visitors sing Christmas carols in the Plaza.

The St. Augustine Christmas Parade is one of the largest in North Florida and includes floats, marching bands, classic 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 Drive. Pictures with Santa will follow in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Enjoy the St. Augustine Garden Club's annual tour that showcases eight private homes, some dating from the 1700's, located along the Bayfront, on Marine, Tremerton and St. George Streets. These beautiful decorated historic Florida style homes, welcome you to enjoy a taste of nostalgia in the colorful floral decorations and floral arrangements composed of natural materials designed and hand crafted by members of The Garden Club of St. Augustine. Tickets include admission to a Tea and Boutique held in the Trinity Episcopal Church Hall on Artillery Lane. The Red Train will provide complimentary transport for visitors between homes and the Downtown Historic Parking Facility. The tour takes place from noon to 5 p.m. The Tea and Boutique starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 day of tour.