Fa la la la Lowcountry

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.