The Nation’s Oldest City is the perfect spot to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012! Whether you’re looking for family friendly fun or a romantic evening, there is a celebration in St. Augustine for you to enjoy. We’ve put together some details about the New Year’s events happening around town so you can make your plans and reservations for the big night.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at the Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra Beach
Don’t want to stay up until midnight? You can still celebrate the New Year at the Noon Balloon drop! The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is bringing back the bang with their New Year’s Eve Noon Balloon Drop. Grab a slice of pizza pie while the kids decorate cookies and dance away the morning in our bubble-wrap room as you jump to the jingles of our house band tunes. Create a hilarious hat with eyes that wiggle or make party masks that will make everyone giggle. Be there before noon to save your spot, they will drop hundreds of balloons at noon on the dot! This event is free to members of the CCPVB or $5 per person for non-members (a family of four can purchase four tickets for $15). Pay at the door, space is limited. For more information, please visit ccpvb.org.
Beach Blast-Off at the St. Augustine Pier
Kick off 2012 in seaside style at this special St. Augustine Beach event! Enjoy a blast of flavor, icy sculptures, and fireworks when several of St. Augustine’s favorite restaurants serve up chili for tasting and judging at the Fire and Ice Chili Cook-off from 4 to 8 p.m. After things cool off from the chili – the Fireworks begin at 8:30 p.m. This display will delight visitors and help usher in the New Year! Admission is free. The Beach Blast takes place at St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion, 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach.
Uptown Saturday Night: New Year’s Eve Edition
Join the businesses on San Marco Avenue (just north of the Visitor’s Information Center and Parking Garage) for their monthly Uptown Saturday Night gathering. Art galleries, book stores, boutiques and restaurants along the street will stay open until at least 9:00 p.m. (restaurants and bars will be open later) for extended shopping. Live entertainment, refreshments and more will be part of the celebration from 5:00 p.m . to 9:00 p.m. Parking at the Mission Nombre de Dios is FREE and conveniently located to the San Marco shopping district. Come out and enjoy the night!
New Year’s Eve at the Tasting Room
The Tasting Room’s annual New Year’s Eve tradition continues in 2011-12 with a two options for an incredible tasting experience. Select one of the early seating times (5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.) and you will enjoy a decadent three course meal and live entertainment from Sam Pacetti. The early seating options are $48 per person plus beverages, taxes and gratuity. For the full New Year’s experience, make your reservations for the 9:00 p.m. seating which features a four course meal, wine pairings and live entertainment from flamenco dancers and “mental entertainer” Meraux Dantes. A complimentary champagne toast at midnight is included with this option for a total cost of $75 per person plus beverages, taxes and gratuity. Limited seating is available so make your reservations soon!
No matter what you decide to do in St. Augustine to ring in the New Year we wish you a safe and happy evening!
Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy and happy 2012.
– OldCity.com