Nights of Lights Deals
Experience the magic of Nights of Lights with exclusive offers and deals.
Learn More
Make the most of your visit to St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights with the official mobile app. Access maps, shuttle schedules, event listings, and photo spots—all in one easy place.
Plan ahead. Park smart. Enjoy the lights.
Download the free app: Apple App Store | Google Play
St. Augustine’s free Nights of Lights runs every evening from November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027, with more than 3 million white lights across the historic downtown.
Now in its 33rd year, Nights of Lights has been listed among the top ten holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic. During this festival of lights, downtown St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features more than 3 million tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city, and it's free of charge.
Para información sobre Nights of Lights en español, presiona aquí.
The beloved Nights of Lights tradition in St. Augustine welcomes thousands of visitors each year. To make your experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable, here are a few important tips before you head out to see the lights:
Make the most of your visit by downloading the Nights of Lights app. The app provides everything you need at your fingertips, including:
Download the free app: Apple App Store | Google Play
Once downtown, remember that Nights of Lights is not a drive-through event—the city is meant to be experienced on foot. Stroll the historic streets, admire the lights up close, and take in the sights, sounds, shops, and restaurants along the way.
With limited parking in the downtown area and heavy seasonal traffic, the best way to enjoy Nights of Lights is to use the free shuttle. The City of St. Augustine’s Park & Ride Shuttle runs 1-11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and most Sundays from Light-Up! Night on November 21, 2026, through January 2, 2027, and daily from December 18 through January 2. There is no shuttle service on Christmas Day. Park at the St. Johns County Health Department, Broudy’s Lot, or the San Marco Lot and ride straight to the Visitor Information Center in the heart of the festivities.
Nights of Lights is an unforgettable event that draws large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Allow extra time for travel and be patient as you navigate busy roadways. Planning ahead and using the free shuttles will help reduce wait times and make your visit more relaxing and enjoyable.
Public safety is our top priority during Nights of Lights, and we ask all visitors to help keep the experience enjoyable for everyone — including the residents and businesses that make St. Augustine so special. Please be courteous and respectful of the community while you enjoy the lights.
To ensure a safe and positive experience:
By planning ahead, respecting the community, and choosing the shuttle, you’ll enjoy a safe, festive, and stress-free visit to St. Augustine’s sparkling Nights of Lights.
One of The Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the World!National Geographic
Discover the most magical ways to experience St. Augustine’s award-winning Nights of Lights with our list of the Top 7 Ways to See the City Shine—from romantic carriage rides and waterfront cruises to guided walking tours and dazzling views from above.
Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour. Tours depart nightly starting November 22 from the Visitor Information Center; departure times vary by date.
Get on track for Nights of Lights with Santa’s Red Train Tours. The 30-minute tours begin and end at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Nights of Lights shines from the water, too. St. Augustine Eco Tours’ harbor tour of the Nights of Lights provides a peaceful way to experience the illuminated city aboard 6 or 12-passenger boats. Take in the view of Nights of Lights from the sea aboard the Schooner Freedom on the ship’s Sunset Sail. Florida Water Tours, Scenic Cruise, Black Raven Pirate Ship, St. Augustine Boat Tours, St. Augustine Sailing, Fury Water Adventures, Adventure Boat Tours and Red Boat Tours also offer Nights of Lights boat cruises.
For a completely different perspective, climb 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The sight of the entire city dressed in tiny white lights is a view to behold.
Experience the charm of Nights of Lights with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through St. Augustine’s historic streets. Country Carriages departs nightly from the Bayfront between the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions – just look for the carriages with the purple lights. Their 30-minute Private Sleigh Ride, made for seeing the lights, starts at $175 for up to four guests, and 45-minute private carriage rides are also available.
Experience the magic of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights on a guided tour that blends history, folklore, and holiday charm.
St. Augustine City Walks offers a free one-hour walking tour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 p.m., while St. Augustine Experiences hosts 90-minute walking tours every evening at 5:30 p.m. Both explore illuminated landmarks like the Lightner Museum courtyard, Plaza de la Constitución, and the Bayfront, all aglow with millions of white lights.
For a family-friendly twist, The Tasting Tours offers festive character rides aboard open-air electric carriages, hosted by the Grinch, Santa, Scrooge and, after Christmas, Captain Mayhem. Tickets start at about $40 per person.
For a fun and relaxing way to see the lights, take a group tour by golf cart or pedicab. Pineapple Ride and Tour offers intimate EV and pedicab experiences, while St. Augustine Land & Sea Tours provides guided tours in a luxury electric golf cart. First Coast Cart Tours also offers private and small-group excursions through the city’s most dazzling displays, complete with knowledgeable guides who share the stories behind the sparkle.
Get a glimpse of the sparkle before you step into it! St. Augustine Live webcams let you see what’s happening in historic downtown St. Augustine during Nights of Lights — from twinkling streets and waterfront reflections to real-time traffic conditions.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights—from parking and shuttle details to event dates, tours, and tips for making the most of your visit to the Nation’s oldest city.
The 2026-2027 Nights of Lights will shine every evening from November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027, with the lights coming on at dusk and staying lit into the early morning hours. The festival begins with Light-Up! Night on Saturday, November 21, featuring live entertainment starting at 4 p.m. in front of City Hall, 75 King St., and the official lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Nights of Lights is free and open to everyone—no tickets are required to enjoy the more than 3 million twinkling white lights that illuminate the Nation’s oldest city each night.
Nights of Lights is not a drive-through event—it’s meant to be experienced on foot. Visitors are encouraged to park at one of the designated satellite lots and take the free Park & Ride Shuttle into downtown. This is the easiest and least stressful way to enjoy the event while avoiding downtown congestion and limited parking.
The City of St. Augustine’s free shuttle runs 1-11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and most Sundays from November 21, 2026, through January 2, 2027, and daily from December 18 through January 2. There is no shuttle service on Christmas Day. On Saturday, December 5, service begins at 8 a.m. for the Christmas Parade. Shuttle pick-up locations are:
All shuttles drop off and pick up at the Visitor Information Center, north drive-thru lane trolley entrance, 10 S. Castillo Dr.
On Light-Up! Night, Saturday, November 21, a special Anastasia Island route runs 4-11 p.m. from Anastasia Baptist Church (1650 A1A S.) and R.B. Hunt Elementary (125 Magnolia Dr.), with drop-off at the east end of the Bridge of Lions. View the full shuttle schedule.
Tens of thousands of people visit this city-wide holiday display each year, but not just for the stunning lights. There are also plenty of events that go on during the Nights of Lights on Florida's Historic Coast. Don't miss out on the annual holiday boat parades in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay, Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or the Candlelight Tours at Villa Zorayda Museum. You can also capture a festive keepsake with the free Nights of Lights 360 Video Experience at the Lightner Museum.
White lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture and glow from the downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s oldest city’s historic district.
The top two spots to visit for the best views and Nights of Lights selfies are:
Get the perfect holiday selfie in front of the Christmas tree in the center of the plaza. Then stop by the nearby Lightner Museum for a free 360° video keepsake at the Nights of Lights 360 Video Experience.
Walk the bridge to gaze back at the sparkling reflection of the lights along the water.
Christmas on Florida’s Historic Coast
Make your Christmas merry and bright with special events to celebrate the season.
Ring in the New Year on Florida’s Historic Coast
New Year’s Eve Events
Ring in 2027 with Nights of Lights, beach fireworks and more on Florida's Historic Coast.
Enjoy Plenty of Special Events during Nights of Lights
Holiday happenings you won’t want to miss during Nights of Lights.
Where to Take the Best Photos During St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights
Snap an Instagram-worthy photo during Nights of Lights in St. Augustine.
Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Named for the Patron Saint of Brews, St. Augustine has no shortage of craft beer, wine, and spirits.
Beaches
St. Augustine and the surrounding area is home to some of the best beaches in Florida — from Ponte Vedra…
Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra Beach
Discover family fun in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, where historic attractions, wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures and beach days…
Dine Like A Local at These Hometown Favorites
Whether it’s food you love or food you’d love to try, Florida’s Historic Coast is a destination full of flavor…