St. Augustine Hotels & Vacation Rentals for Christmas

The original Columbia in Tampa, Florida is the nation's oldest restaurant. The St. Augustine Columbia, located in the heart of the city, serves traditional Cuban dishes. Christmas Day service includes a traditional Christmas meal as well as the usual delicious choices and array of tropical cocktails.

Located at Renaissance World Golf Village, the chefs at Villagio Bar and Grill typically create a wide-ranging menu for your holiday enjoyment. Sample one of their Mediterranean specialties, or make a reservation for the Christmas Eve prime rib and salmon buffet. For a variety of fresh seafood dishes, plan on the Christmas Day seafood buffet.

This venue is located in the Casa Monica Hotel, a 125-year-old St. Augustine landmark. The historic spot is on the list for discerning travelers looking for the best in St. Augustine hotels for Christmas. Whether or not you're a guest, however, 95 Cordova Restaurant is an excellent choice for your holiday meal.

Over three million tiny white lights cover the buildings and trees, creating a twinkling blanket of light. One suggested way to experience the display on foot is to park in the lot near the Castillo de San Marco, then venture out from there for an evening to remember. Be sure to add the brightly lit Bridge of Lions to your list of photo opportunities.

Villa Zorayda is a 19th century architectural wonder, a 1/10th scale replica of a portion of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Now a museum with an extensive collection of art and antiques, the estate was built in 1883 by Franklin W. Smith as a private home. And, during the Night of Lights celebration, they offer special night time candlelight tours.

It should come as no surprise that this quaint coastal city is one of the few Florida cities to hold a holiday boat parade. This annual event includes sailboats, shrimp trawlers, schooners, and all types of privately owned vessels. With the background of the lighted city, the decorated and festively lit spectacle glides past the bay front and the Bridge of Lions.

Potter's Wax Museum is located in the center of the old town, featuring over 160 wax sculptures. Pose with Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, or Angelina Jolie for memorable photo souvenirs.

The building itself, a historic castle, is a fascinating sight. Inside, you and your family can visit three floors of odd and unbelievable artifacts and displays from around the world collected by Robert Ripley, creator of Ripley's Believe It or Not! radio and television shows.

Experience Florida history on an informative tour of this park, the alleged landing site of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. Set on 15 acres on the waterfront, the park features exhibitions on the Timucuan people, local Spanish exploration, and 16th century colonial settlements. Drink water from the fountain served at the Spring House, then take a stroll on the nearby Riverwalk.