Christmas tree with lights on it.

November 24 - December 31, 2024

Festive Event Activites

Discover traditions old and new as our seaside resort is filled with the spirit of the holidays.

Holiday Buffet with Santa
Santa's Magical Dinner

After the tree lighting, meet and greet The Nutcracker performers from The Florida Ballet, and join Santa Claus for Santa’s Magical Dinner – an elaborate holiday wonderland feast with a lavish buffet-style dinner with a delectable holiday dessert. Each family attending the dinner receives the gift of a picture with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and a trove of happy holiday memories. November 27, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Feast at Amelia Island hotel
Thanksgiving Grand Feast

Gather on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends in the classic Ritz-Carlton Ballroom for the ultimate holiday culinary experience: Thanksgiving Grand Feast. Prepared and presented as only Ritz-Carlton chefs can, celebrating all the traditional holiday favorites and trimmings. You’ll savor an endless array of decadent desserts and children will treasure the crafts and games. November 28, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Christmas Ornaments at Amelia Island hotel
Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa is an opportunity for children to delight in sharing their holiday dreams and wishes with Santa while the whole family enjoys an extravagant breakfast buffet decorated in magical gingerbread and holiday creations. November 30, December 7, 14, 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Reading with Santa
Santa's Storybook Tea

At Santa’s Storybook Tea, Santa and Mrs. Claus read a holiday storybook while enjoying a sophisticated Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, candy and cakes, complete with a holiday picture you’ll cherish forever. Held Saturdays in the Lobby Lounge through the Festive Season. December 7, 14, 21 | 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Christmas cookies at Amelia Island hotel
Nutcracker Tea

Experience the enchantment of the season with a delightful Nutcracker Tea and performance by The Florida Ballet. Enjoy a charming afternoon tea, amidst holiday cheer and festive treats, including an exquisite presentation of tea sandwiches, pastries, holiday cookies, and savory bites. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season and create memories for the whole family. Saturday, Nov. 30 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Child with gingerbread house Amelia Island hotel
Build-A-Gingerbread House with a Pastry Chef

Gingerbread houses are a Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island tradition featured throughout the resort during the festive season. Families look forward to creating their own Gingerbread house with guidance from a pastry chef eager to share their expertise. The gingerbread house is carefully packed for safe transport home. Offered each Saturday of Festive Season. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Annual Ritz-Carlton Christmas Tree Lighting

A marquee tradition for over twenty-five years – the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the 40-foot Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree is a must-see experience for all ages. Accompanied by a program of live holiday music, the spirited program includes refreshments and cookies. This spectacular tradition serves as a season of goodwill fundraiser for local charities. Enjoy the fireworks, dazzling ornaments and the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. November 27, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Christmas tree and fireworks outside hotel

Holiday Cocktail and Gingerbread Class

Sip on a signature holiday cocktail and create a Gingerbread house with the help of Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chefs. The fun and interactive activity bolsters family bonds and is a delicious respite from the hectic pace of holiday activities. The completed gingerbread house is carefully packed and prepared for safe transport home. Families can enjoy this experience each Saturday of the Festive Season. November 30, December 7, 14, 21 | 2 p.m.

Holiday Beverages

14th Annual New Year’s Eve Black & White Gala

Ring in the New Year in style with the Ritz-Carlton’s fourteenth annual Black and White New Year’s Eve Gala. Enjoy lavish food buffets, chef’s stations and an array of scrumptious desserts. Dance the night away to live music while enjoying the open bar, spectacular fireworks and a Champagne toast to commence the New Year. Purchase an overnight room package and start the New Year right. Festivities begin December 31 at 9 p.m.

The Sparkle of the Holidays
Expereince the Festive Season at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Join us for Winter Favorites and Holiday Traditions Old and New. Explore a natural playground and celebrate the season accompanied by family and friends.