Flights to Florida’s Historic Coast
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Nights of Lights begins November 18, 2023 and continues nightly through January 28, 2024.
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 millions of 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.
Nights of Lights is still on this year! The 2023-2024 Nights of Lights will take place every evening from November 18, 2023 to January 28, 2024.
The festival kicks off with Light-Up! Night on November 18 at 4 p.m and the official lighting ceremony beginning at 6:30 in the Plaza de la Constitucion. The City of St. Augustine is offering a Free Park & Ride Shuttle on select days during the Nights of Lights Season. Multiple pick up and drop off locations available.
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.
Walk the bridge to gaze back at the sparkling reflection of the lights along the water.
Nights of Lights is a free event open to everyone! There's no need to order tickets to enjoy the displays.
Since Nights of Lights covers such an expansive area of St. Augustine, there are plenty of ways to view the lights.
Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour. Tours depart nightly beginning at 6 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center.
Get on track for Nights of Lights on the Santa’s Red Express Tours. The tour begins 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, St. Augustine Boat Tours, Pia & Me Charters, St. Augustine Sailing and Red Boat Tours also offer Nights of Lights boat cruises, and the Black Raven offers light show views plus an entertaining pirate show.
One of The Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the World!National Geographic
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. Or, enjoy a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine during Nights of Lights aboard First City Helicopters. It’s a breathtaking view unlike any other
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45-minute group ride. Enjoy the sparkling scenery as well as a bottle of delicious boutique wine to share! Ride Includes: VIP Boarding, complimentary wine to enjoy on the carriage ride and souvenir wine glasses. The Tasting Tours offers nightly excursions. Private Carriage Rides are also available, as well as ‘family oriented’ Roadster Rides with the Grinch!
On most Fridays and Saturdays in December and January, Ancient City Tours guides lead a 90-minute walking tour where participants can enjoy St. Augustine’s history while learning about unique colonial folklore and holiday traditions amid the backdrop of the glow of the city’s white lights. Sites include the opulent Lightner Museum courtyard, Plaza de la Constitución, and the enchanting Bayfront.
Small groups can book a Nights of Lights tour with St. Augustine Land & Sea Tours. Enjoy St. Augustine's Nights of Lights in the comfort of a luxury 12-seat golf cart, attended by a knowledgeable tour guide.
Enjoy a romantic horse and carriage tour. Tours depart from the Bayfront near the Castillo de San Marcos daily. Rates vary from $150 for a group of 4 and up. Reserve your carriage with Country Carriages.
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 Christmas Experience at Villa Zorayda. For more detailed listings of events during the holiday season, please click below:
Parking is at a premium during the peak days of Nights of Lights. Find more parking information and transportation information. To avoid the peak crowds, try visiting midweek. You may also hop on a trolley or train to enjoy the lights without worrying about parking.
Don't worry about parking and traffic. Ride the FREE Nights of Lights Park and Ride Shuttle. Shuttles will be offered on on Light Up! Night! (November 18); Thanksgiving Weekend, on Saturdays in December (except Christmas Day) and the week between Christmas and New Years.
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