A Gingerbread Pirate Ship at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island for Christmas

Let the countdown begin. In just one week's time, the S.S. Amelia Gingerbread Pirate Ship-- made from 1,200 pounds of sugar and 3,000 eggs-- will dock in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. And it's little wonder they're televising the event live; the gingerbread pirate ship will be 17-ft high! The S.S. Amelia will serve as a backdrop for all the festive holiday events the resort has scheduled- from Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts to holiday wagon rides on the dunes, beach bonfires, and Santa tuck-ins. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting on November 23 at 5:30 pm kicks off the holiday season; the 40-ft tree will be beautifully illuminated and some 200,000 lights will glitter throughout the resort grounds. There will be plenty of hot apple cider for imbibing, and fireworks for ogling. Immediately after the Christmas Tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will host a dinner the whole family will enjoy. Santa's elves and reindeer will be hanging out, too.