Holiday choo-choos, a decorated lighthouse, art openings: Things to do around the Beaches – The Florida Times-Union

Holiday dog adoptions todaySaturday

Help a furry friend find a new home for the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 18, when SAFE Pet Rescue of St. Augustine brings its mobile adoption van to the Ponte Vedra Pet Supermarket store, 880 A1A N.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be lots of fun festivities to enjoy. Take your pets picture with Santa, enjoy some live holiday music by a local guitarist, sample tasty treats at the bake sale, browse some crafty items, sip hot cocoa and best of all meet and greet our wonderful rescue dogs, who hope you will choose one of them to be part of your family this holiday season.

Invite your family, friends and neighbors to these dogs some much needed love while supporting SAFE Pet Rescue in its mission save animals from euthanasia. To learn more, go to Safe-Pet-Rescue-FL.com.

All aboard the Holiday Express Trains, which return to the Beaches Branch Library on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Leading off this years opening day will be the Hogwarts Express along with the Polar Express. The Polar Express will be running most days along with other historic trains and/or holiday-oriented trains varying throughout the week. This years expanded layout also includes a Polar Express village at one end and an operating carnival at the other end.

The library is located at 600 Third St., Neptune Beach, and the exhibit runs through Friday, Dec. 31. For hours of operation or more information, visit the Locations page at JaxPublicLibrary.org or call (904) 255-2665.

Discover 21 uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which takes place on select days through Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. Visitors may explore the Keepers House and grounds illuminated by lights and festive garlands, as well as a sensational view of the lighthouses night mark.

Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under. For more information regarding ticket availability and pricing, visit StAugustineLighthouse.org.

The City of Atlantic Beach hosts monthly exhibits that feature works of photography or paintings by local artists. Meet January's featured artist, Caitlin Flynn, at a reception on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd.

Musical entertainment and refreshments will also be provided.

Flynns contemporary, figurative and landscape paintings will be on display throughout January. A second reception will also take place on Thursday, Jan. 20. Visit coab.us/artgallery, email recreation@coab.us or call (904) 247-5828 for more information.

Enjoy an evening of performances from local artists on Sunday, Jan. 9 as they transform Gulliford Hall at the Adele Grage Cultural Center from 6 to 8 p.m. with original music.

The event is hosted by Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Email atlanticbeachmusic@gmail.com or recreation@coab.us, or call (904) 247-5828, for information.

Want more shade in your yard? Atlantic Beachs newly updated Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances expands the use of tree-conservation funds to plant trees in front yards on private property. These "Adopt-a-Tree" funds come from property owners who pay into the tree-conservation fund, which is earmarked to expand the public tree canopy.

In an effort to evenly distribute the tree-conservation funds, two trees per calendar year, per property may be planted. The plantings will occur in the spring and fall. Once planted, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the trees.

Go to https://bit.ly/3pfGKQM to complete an application for a free tree. City staff will review your requested tree location to determine if there are any site restrictions, which could include overhead or underground utilities, drainage areas and swales, easements, existing tree canopy, etc.

For information, email trees@coab.us.

Submit events to shorelines@jacksonville.com.

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Holiday choo-choos, a decorated lighthouse, art openings: Things to do around the Beaches - The Florida Times-Union