Who says you have to be a child to enjoy the magic of the holiday season? Those of us who are fortunate to call World Golf Village home, have the luxury of enjoying the holidays by going to downtown St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the holiday display of tiny white lights magically lighting the downtown of this quaint city with plenty of stories to tell. The light display is kept up until January 31st. There is so much to enjoy besides the ambience of the lights illuminated in the waters of the Matanzas Bay. Just the view alone will make the staunchest soul a romantic!

My recommendation is to begin the night off with a glass of wine and a bowl of chili at Celar 6  located on Aviles Street. (Ask for Chris.) The atmosphere is warm and toasty with its brick walls lined with art, bottles of wine, stemware and beer – guaranteed to warm the tummy, bones and heart!

From there, you don’t need to drive around to see the lights – enjoy the scenery and leave the driving of the narrow streets to the professionals by catching the “Jolly Trolley”. Your ride will be accompanied by Christmas music, lights and the glorious surroundings of the nation’s oldest city – St. Augustine.

No visit to St. Augustine is complete without finishing the evening off with a visit to the “Tini Martini Bar” located on the bay front in the Casablanca Inn.  Sit on the front porch of the old inn, which is warmed by heating lamps and decorated for the holidays with tons of lights or sit inside the bar and enjoy your dessert – a decadent Godiva Chocolate Martini of course! If chocolate or martinis aren’t your poison – they offer a wide variety of wines and beers.

Living in one of the best Flordia golf course communities really does give one the best of old and new. Cold winter nights can quickly turn into warm summer-like days – perfect for a game of golf on the King & Bear or a stroll around the old city. The possibilities are endless! My last recommendation is to add the experience to your own 12 Days of Christmas list – you definitely will not be sorry!