Enjoy a magnificent display Of Christmas trees 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 open Friday, November 30 at 6 p.m., showcasing 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.
Call 904.940.4010 or visit http://wgv.com for more information.
Christmas on Chesser Island – Folkston, GA
Located just a short drive west of Kingsland, celebrate the holiday season at the “Christmas on Chesser Island†event at the Chesser Island Homestead with a hayride, luminaries, refreshments, caroling, and live music! Discover the region’s traditions as you tour a “swamper†home decorated with traditional homemade decorations and enjoy a bonfire. For more information, contact the Okefenokee NWR Visitor Center at 912-496-7836 o r www.fws.gov/okefenokee
Citadel’s Christmas Candlelight Service – Charleston, SC
The South Carolina Corps of Cadets will present its Christmas Candlelight Service for the Lowcountry at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 8 in Summerall Chapel on The Citadel campus.
Cadets from the Protestant, Catholic and Gospel choirs, the Chorale, the Women’s Ensemble and members of The Citadel Regimental Band will take part in the annual celebration of the birth of Christ, observing the events of the Advent, the Annunciation, the Birth of the King, and Epiphany through Scripture lessons and carols. Traditional and international favorites are sung, and special highlights include the Procession of Lights.
Cadets coordinate the production with Nancy Lefter, director of chorale activities, organist Mark A. Bebensee of the School of Business Administration and Commander Mike Alverson, director of music.
The hour-long program is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted. Flash cameras and video lights are not permitted inside the chapel.
This event is one of the most popular Christmas activities in Charleston. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking on campus and seating in the chapel.
For more information, call 843-953-5049. Summerall Chapel on The Citadel campus.
12/06/2008, 12/07/2008, 12/08/2008
Christmas Tree Lighting & Character Dinner – Amelia Island, FL
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 by Santa Claus. The celebration will be followed by a Holiday Character Dinner with Santa at 6:30 p.m., elves reindeer and other holiday characters in a dinner certain to entertain the entire family. Admission to the Character dinner is $49 for adults and $25 for Children 3-12. For event reservations and information, please call 904-277-1028.
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