St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights transforms the historic city into a glowing winter wonderland with millions of white lights, making it a must-see holiday experience for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking holiday magic in Florida.
Disclosure: We received complimentary passes from Florida Historic Coast – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau in exchange for sharing our experience. All opinions expressed are my own.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights
We are a family who loves to travel. We were so excited to spend time in St. Augustine to enjoy their world-famous Nights of Lights this winter break for a special Christmas Activity.
The historic city is draped from the rooftops to the sidewalks with millions of tiny white lights for visitors to experience. It’s quite a magical experience for your family to experience at least once during the holiday season.
The event is free and open to all! Walk through and enjoy all the lights in the historic district. It’s a delightful holiday outing for families, couples, and solo travelers in Florida.
National Geographic listed St. Augustine as one of the world’s top ten holiday light displays. Southern Living declared that it’s The Ultimate Southern Christmas Town. Trust me it’s that good!
The Saturday before Thanksgiving kicks off the Nights of Lights. It typically runs through the end of January. The 2024-2025 Nights of Lights takes place every evening from November 23, 2024 to January 26, 2025. There’s still time to visit!
You can view the Nights of Lights Online Calendar here.
The holiday lights highlight the city’s Spanish Colonial architecture, providing a gorgeous backdrop for festive activities.
One of the main reasons it’s so magical is that to participate businesses and residents can use only clear colorless or white lights for their exterior display of holiday lights within the historic districts.
Homes, businesses, and even carriages and trolleys throughout the city are adorned with lights, trees, ornaments, garlands, wreaths, bows, and more during this time, creating a Christmas storybook atmosphere.
The festival draws inspiration from an old Spanish tradition where residents would place a white candle in their windows during the Christmas season, symbolizing warmth and hospitality.
Ways to View Nights of Lights
There are a variety of ways to experience the lights
- Old Town Trolley Tour
- Ripley’s Red Train Tours
- Carriage Rides Tours
- Private and Shared Golf Carts Tours
- Boat Tours from the Water
Can’t make it in person? Explore our Christmas Virtual Field Trips for Kids!
Best Spots to View Nights of Lights
After experiencing the event for several nights, I’d have to tell you that my two favorite spots for the best views and Nights of Lights photos are:
- The Plaza de la Constitución
Head to the center of town to the oldest public space in America to admire a large Christmas tree and more than a dozen giant oaks covered with holiday lights. - The Bridge of Lions
Walk the bridge to gaze back at the sparkling reflection of the lights along the water. The seawall along the Matanzas Bayfront is perfect for a waterfront stroll with a few benches to sit and soak in the view.
There are several adorable Bed and Breakfasts just off the main streets around historic Downtown, I’d highly recommend walking around to explore the quieter side of Nights of Lights too.
The historical homes and Victorian homes adorned with lights are truly stunning. St. Augustine Architecture is absolutely charming, and it becomes even more breathtaking when illuminated.
Did you know Aviles Street is the oldest street in America? While you’re there the pedestrian only St. George Street is a must. Be sure to also stroll down Cedar Street, Cordova Street, and Spanish Street for an extra special experience.
Look out for the annual Photo Contest of Nights of Lights for a chance to see stunning captures of the event.
Best Time of Day
The best time to arrive is before sunset to enjoy the golden hour light. Watching the sunset from the Bridge of Lions was magical. As the sky lights up with beautiful colors, the holiday lights begin to glow, creating a breathtaking view.
The boats returning from sunset cruises, decorated with holiday lights, add even more charm. Watching the drawbridge rise is also a fun sight! The reflections of lights off the water will forever remain vividly imprinted in my memory of our trip.
Best Days to Attend
I’ll admit, it does get a little crowded during the peak times of the holiday break in St. Augustine. It’s still worth the visit but be prepared for a lot of people there. If your schedule permits I’d recommend off-peak days. We returned the first week of January and it was a lot quieter to walk around and enjoy the lights.
Want to learn more about St. Augustine’s history? Check out the informative video by Chad Gallivanter, which covers fascinating historical facts about the city.
Holiday Events during Nights of Lights
St. Augustine hosts many exciting Holiday Events during Nights of Lights, including:
- Regatta of Lights Boat Parade
- St. Augustine Christmas Parade
- Lighthouse Illuminations at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Nights of Lights Holiday Market
- St. Augustine Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour
- Light Up the Night! New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
Check out the holiday events calendar to see when each event is scheduled.
Our Family’s Experience at Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights was a magical experience for our family, like stepping into a charming Christmas movie. Experiencing it in America’s oldest city only amplified the charm!
Timing matters. Since we stayed for over a week, we experienced both weekends and quieter weeknights. While both were wonderful, the off-peak days were more relaxed. Be sure to plan ahead for parking and restaurants, as it can get busy.
We also were in town for their famous New Year’s Eve Fireworks at St. Augustine Beach, our family’s favorite! You have to experience it at least once in your lifetime! It’s worth it.
Whether you’re strolling through the twinkling historic streets or enjoying the glowing waterfront views, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights offers a holiday experience you’ll treasure for years to come.
Start planning your visit today and make unforgettable holiday memories with your loved ones!
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