In the Florida Lowcountry, the holiday season is a blend of coastal charm and traditional Southern hospitality. Where palm trees dressed in twinkling lights illuminate the warm December nights. And a variety of festive gatherings reflect the spirit of the coast. Here are just a few of the ways you can connect with family and friends near Wildlight.
Wildlight’s Winterfest
Head to Winterfest on December 7th from 2–5 pm, when Tinker Street will fill with holiday cheer. We’ll have festive crafts, local food trucks. Horse-drawn carriage rides. And the magic of honest-to-goodness snow (yes, really). VIP guests Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance. And since it’s the season of giving, we invite attendees to bring donations of arts and crafts supplies for Micah’s Place.
Festive Tree Lightings
If you love seeing a giant tree come to life with holiday lights, you’re in luck. Because there are two near Wildlight. One right across the street from our community, at the Nassau County Courthouse — held this year on December 6th, and featuring food trucks, a holiday vendor market, photo ops with Santa and more. And The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s grand tree lighting on November 27th — a 25-year tradition that includes the lighting of a 40-foot tree, live holiday music, fireworks, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Parades (Two Ways)
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a Christmas parade, and there are two we think are especially worth noting. Fernandina Beach’s Lighted Christmas Parade (December 7th) will be a spectacular sight, with Illuminated floats, local marching bands, and community groups parading through downtown. And if you’re looking for a furrier festivity, the Parade of Paws at Fernandina Beach (December 14th) features four-legged friends to prance through Fernandina Beach in their best holiday attire, vying for prizes in different categories — you can even register to participate!
Hey Santa
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a lineup of enchanting Santa experiences at all times of the day. Start the morning at Breakfast with Santa. Attend Santa’s Storybook Tea, where you can gather to hear holiday tales and enjoy treats. Or make reservations for Santa’s Magical Dinner, where kids can share their holiday wishes over a delicious meal.
Dickens on Centre
Step back in time with the Dickens on Centre festival from December 12-15, where the streets of Fernandina Beach transform into a scene from a Charles Dickens novel. Expect carolers in Victorian dress, vibrant market stalls, and delicious holiday treats — all in an atmosphere that feels like Christmas from another era.
New Year’s Eve Shrimp Drop
New Year’s Eve in the Florida Lowcountry has a charm all its own, especially with Amelia Island’s family-friendly Shrimp Drop on Fernandina Beach’s waterfront. The highlight? When the giant illuminated shrimp drops, followed by fireworks lighting up the sky. And don’t worry — the event is coordinated with Greenwich Mean Time, which means “midnight” will actually be at 7pm!
Rockin’ Around the Neighborhood
Drive or stroll through Wildlight and you’ll see a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations as residents go all out to compete in the beloved Deck Your Porch contest — decking their homes with everything from classic holiday lights to imaginative displays. For those lucky enough to call Wildlight home, there’s even more holiday fun to be had, with exclusive events planned by our Lifestyle Director.
Happy Holidays from Wildlight
Celebrating the season in the heart of the Florida Lowcountry is a unique blend of coastal charm, warm hospitality, and vibrant community spirit. And when you live at Wildlight, you’re in the heart of this holiday magic. Enjoy every festive minute of it.
The Nassau County Economic Development Board honored its partners October 24th at its annual reception at Mocama Wildlight Taproom, it announced in a news release. Rayonier was recognized as The Regional Economic Impact Award honoree.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Plans are advancing for Wildlight’s Westerly Park residential community in Northeast Florida.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
At Wildlight, we believe in building more than just homes — we believe in creating a community where neighbors support neighbors, and we show our appreciation to our dedicated and hardworking military service members, teachers, nurses, firefighters, EMS workers and law enforcement officers.
As a small way to show our gratitude for your selfless service, our builder and rental partners are offering special incentives* designed to make your journey toward finding a home in Wildlight a little easier.
Pulte Homes and Del Webb
The 2024 Hometown Heroes program from Pulte Homes and Del Webb offers a $2,000 incentive that can be used at their design center when you purchase a Pulte Homes bungalow or Del Webb home. Active teachers, nurses, EMS, police and firefighters are eligible, as well as active duty and retired military. See full details at DelWebb.com/Jacksonville.
Riverside Homes
Purchase a Riverside Homes residence, and take advantage of preferred lender incentives — including loan rate pricing that is lower than conventional rates.
Exchange at Wildlight
For the month of November 2024, the Exchange at Wildlight is offering waived application and administrative fees for active duty military and veterans.
The Lofts at Wildlight
Firefighters, educators, healthcare workers, law enforcement, childcare employees and military personnel receive 3% off their monthly rent (rates subject to change – waived application and administration fees for military personnel).
Hamlet Wildlight
Members of the military receive half off their application and administrative fees and up to $1,000 off move-in cost for the month of November 2024.
Wildlight YMCA
To offer support and help military families navigate unique challenges, the Wildlight Y provides discounted memberships, camp programs and a Military Back-to-School bash with free school supplies to members of our armed forces.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home, rent, or find programs that support your family, Wildlight has options tailored just for you. We are proud to support you as you continue making a difference in the lives of others, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.
*The incentives mentioned in this blog are offered by individual builders, rental partners, and neighborhood partners, and are subject to their own terms and conditions. Wildlight is not responsible for the availability, modification, or fulfillment of these incentives. Please contact the respective providers directly for further details and eligibility requirements.
Morning coffee on mom’s porch. A bike ride to baking cookies at grandma’s. A trail hike with Papa. And … let’s talk about a biggie … free babysitters, right in the neighborhood. When the whole family lives at Wildlight, everyone can find the home, along with community events and amenities, that best suits their needs. Along with the best feature of all — relatives right down the street.
Your closest relatives, close by
There’s something special about being just a short walk or bike ride away from family. No need to schedule a family dinner weeks in advance. No rushing through weekend visits. No long drives or fighting traffic. Here, grandparents are close enough to attend every school program — or meet up for an impromptu ice cream cone down in the Village Center. At Wildlight, spontaneous family time is the norm, not the exception. And when you’re just blocks (or a trail) away from one another, the physical proximity can make you feel that much closer. It’s like you’re all living under the same roof … but with the perfect amount of breathing room.
Gathering spots that feel like home
When you live at Wildlight, the community itself feels like an extension of your home. Planning a big family picnic? Head to one of our parks. Don’t feel like cooking? Meet up at one of the restaurants. Love trivia? Mocama hosts weekly themed trivia nights. There’s no shortage of places throughout the neighborhood where you can enjoy the company of those who matter most. (And even get a side of fries or craft beer while you’re at it.)
And then there’s the year-round events that provide more ways to play. Do a family 5K or 10K at the annual Run Wild race. Check out the weekend market place. Even play in the snow (yes, snow) at Winterfest. There’s always something going on here, which means making plans (and memories) just got easier.
Yep, there’s a club for that
Okay, so you can’t spend ALL your time with family. Which is why there are lots of ways to meet your neighbors, too. Whether you’re into games or gardening, books or cooking, there’s a club for almost every interest. Get together for Bunco night. Get in on the pickleball craze. Stay fit while making friends (and exploring the trails of Wildlight) with the Run/Walk club. If you have a hobby, there’s probably a club for it. (And if there’s not, well, we’d love for you to start one!)
So where will everyone live?
At Wildlight, it’s easy to find a home that fits your needs. Families with kids love Riverside Homes single-family homes — with plenty of space to grow, and an easy walk or bike ride to Wildlight Elementary. Dostie Homes’ Village Homes are modern and stylish — and low-maintenance. The new Pulte Homes bungalows in Hawthorn Park are perfect for those just starting out, or empty nesters who are settling down. And if you’re 55+, Del Webb Wildlight is a gated community with its own exclusive clubhouse that offers everything from a pool to a fitness center to a craft room to a bar & grill. In other words, everyone gets the home that suits their life, but they’re all still just a hop, skip or jump (or bike ride) away from each other.
Healthcare and wellness just around the corner
One of the perks of living in Wildlight is that your health and wellness needs can be handled right in the community. UF Health is right in the neighborhood, making doctor’s and physical rehabilitation appointments easy. The Wildlight Y has everything from fitness classes and equipment to an indoor running track to keep you moving. There’s a dance studio to help kids get some creative energy out. And when it’s tooth-cleaning time, Family Dental at Wildlight can take of your smile.
For the school-aged family members
At Wildlight, a great education is a given. Kids can start out at St. Clare Early Learning Center or KinderCare, both ready to help get them prepared for school. And then it’s on to Wildlight Elementary — a top-rated school right in our community. Carpooling just got that much easier.
A whole new kind of family friendly
No matter how big your family, or how old its members, everyone has a place here at Wildlight. We can’t wait to help you find it. (All of you.)
A retail/commercial facility along Florida 200 near a new Wawa is the latest development in the works for the area in and around the master-planned Nassau County community.
Read the full article at the Jacksonville Daily Record.
Wildlight is a town in nature. And while a whole other blog could be spent talking about the ‘town’ part — from the go-to restaurants to the must-have conveniences — this blog will be spent on the ‘nature.’ Because, there is oh-so-much of it.
Here’s a little peek into our parks.
Coin Toss Park
Wildlight’s newest park is now open. And no matter how you toss this coin, it always comes up fun. It’s the place to be if you want to play pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball. Let the dog run off leash and the kids climb on the play structures. Or relax by the water. This fenced-off park is a residents-only spot, which means chances are good you just might run into a neighbor there.
Whistling Duck Pond
Like to kayak? How about paddleboard? Or, if you’d rather stay near the water, rather than on it, how about reading a book by the shore, walking around the pond, or enjoying a picnic on the lawn? Whistling Duck Pond is the biggest water feature in our community, providing plenty of opportunities to rest, relax and reap the benefits of finding yourself in nature.
Four O’Clock Park
The hammocks say it all. This is a place to hang out, any time of day (don’t let the name fool you). Of course, we know that some people prefer active fun over the passive kind. So working out on the outdoor fitness equipment is always a good idea. (Don’t worry, you can relax by the pond after.)
Waterbug Park
Hear the phrase “community park” and one like Waterbug Park probably comes to mind. It has the pool. The kids’ playground. The cornhole and bocce ball and ping pong. In other words, Waterbug Park has it all. It’s a cool place to hang out on hot days. And an awesome way to meet your neighbors. Get ready, get set, and go have some water-filled fun.
Can’t wait to get out into the great outdoors? Visit these parks, or head out onto one of the trails that connect them to our neighborhoods and village center. Welcome to nature, the Wildlight way.
When choosing a home that’s right for you and your family, the typical must-haves are 3+ bedrooms, a big kitchen with plenty of space to sit and roam, and maybe even a pool (make that definitely if you live here in Florida), but what if we told you you could have all that and so much more in Wildlight? You might just find your dinner plates overflowing.
Wildlight is known for its 12+ miles of trails and parks, Florida low country homes and endless amounts of green outdoor space. But Lauren Titus, Editor-in-Chief and Partner for Edible Northeast Florida magazine, views the community a little more appetizing than that. In the latest issue dedicated all to HEAT, Titus highlights Wildlight for not only being a hot spot for homeowner growth but also “up-and-comers with local restaurateurs and food makers looking for untapped potential.”
With over eight eateries to choose from, we know the where-to-go decision can be hard to make. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Check out four restaurants that will never not hit the spot in Wildlight.
Anejo Cocina: Mexican restaurant and handcrafted cocktails
Grumpy’s Restaurant: Home-style breakfast, lunch and brunch options
Hana Sushi: Asian inspired cuisine
Mocama Taproom and Coffeehouse: Coffee, beer and wine gathering space
Tasty’s Fresh Burgers: Burgers. Fries. Shakes. Say less!
Okay… the decision may be a little harder than we thought. But when you call Wildlight home, you’ll never have to worry about everyone’s least favorite question – “what’s for dinner?” You can experience all of our delicious eateries any day of the week. And afterwards, you can go home and rest in your new home in Wildlight.
Read more at the Jacksonville Business Journal.
WILDLIGHT, Fla.—July 16, 2024—Wildlight, a master-planned mixed-use development in Nassau County, today announced its newest Town District neighborhood, Westerly Park. The community’s westernmost neighborhood will feature a new amenity center available to all Wildlight residential association members. David Weekley Homes and Pulte Homes have been selected as the residential homebuilders.
Westerly Park will offer fresh home designs alongside a recreational facility designed to welcome Wildlight families for outdoor entertainment. An open-air pavilion will overlook a family-sized pool adjoining a six-lane lap pool, nestled beside a playground and picnic area. Spacious lawns will further enhance the gathering space, set for resident access by spring 2026. The neighborhood offers close proximity to Wildlight Elementary School and the YMCA at Wildlight.
New to Wildlight, David Weekley Homes will add a mix of townhomes and duplexes situated on 20- to 35-foot homesites, with an expected delivery date of fall 2025. Pulte Homes will present thoughtfully designed floor plans on 50- to 60-foot homesites reflecting Wildlight’s lowcountry aesthetic and is slated to break ground this fall.
“We’re excited to introduce Westerly Park and our plans for a new amenity center, adding to the vibrancy of the Town District,” said Wes Hinton, vice president of Wildlight. “By teaming up with respected builders David Weekley Homes and Pulte Homes, we’re blending exceptional home offerings with top-tier amenities to enhance the Wildlight community.”
More than four years after plans were announced, Wawa is open in the master-planned Wildlight community in Nassau County.