FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, hundreds of people in Fernandina Beach kicked off Christmas with a Black Friday Pajama Party event.
The day featured games, a pajama contest, live music and a visit from Santa.
“We moved here about two years ago, and we just found out there’s like a tradition downtown to wear your PJs, so my mom ordered a PJ matching set for the whole family, so we’re part of it now. Everybody knows after Thanksgiving, it’s Christmas time. So, what better time to celebrate Christmas than the day after Thanksgiving,” said Trey who was joined by family.
The event culminated with the city’s tree lighting.
“So this is our third year attending the event, my husband and my dog, and we are from Virginia, the third year visiting Fernandina. One of the things that I spotted when I first started looking into where to go for vacation was the pajama party. We always make sure that Livia, the dog, is dressed up appropriately and in her pajamas. We just love the small-town feel. We feel like we’re in the middle of Gilmore Girls or a Norman Rockwell painting, and that’s why we love it here so much,” Carolyn Bishop said.
“Pajama Party Black Friday kicks off the whole Christmas season for us. As a small business owner downtown, Christmas is one of our biggest seasons. And so, it just kicks everything off, and it’s fun, and we all get to wear pajamas and enjoy the festivities, the music, Santa Claus, and everything,” said Lulu Hutman, owner of Amelia Island Soap and Trading Company.
The Fernandina Beach High School art students provided face painting at Pocket Park, located next to Amelia Island Coffee.