Updated Nights of Lights App Is Live with New Features to Explore St. Augustine’s Holiday Magic

A flyer that says "St. Augustine, FL Nights of Lights app designed for visitors and locals"

Award-winning app offers enhanced visitor tools and easy access to holiday tours by land, sea and air.

Contact: Barbara Golden
Phone: 904-669-8142
Email: BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com

St. Augustine, Fla. (October 21, 2026) – St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights returns November 21, 2026, through January 18, 2027, and visitors can now explore the season with an updated, award-winning Nights of Lights app. New features are live, making it easier to find parking, navigate the Historic District, discover local restaurants and attractions, and explore the many ways to experience the city's spectacular holiday lights.

Launched in 2025 by the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) in partnership with Visit St. Augustine, the free app quickly became a popular visitor resource, generating nearly 90,000 downloads during its inaugural season and engagement by more than one in three visitors. Building on that success, the updated app offers:

Enhanced search capabilities to discover restaurants, attractions, tours, events, live music and more.
Improved parking information, including new visual displays showing parking availability.
Redesigned interactive maps for easier navigation throughout the Historic District.
Convenient access to shuttle information, visitor tips, special offers and holiday experiences, all in one place.

The app was developed through a collaborative effort among the VCB, Visit St. Augustine, the City of St. Augustine and local tourism partners to improve the visitor experience, simplify navigation and connect guests with local businesses and attractions.

“The response to the Nights of Lights app last season was tremendous, and we're excited to build on that success,” says Susan Phillips, President and CEO of the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Working with Visit St. Augustine, the City and our tourism partners, we've created a resource that makes visiting Nights of Lights easier and more enjoyable. From finding parking and booking a tour to discovering a great restaurant or extending a stay, the app helps visitors make the most of their time here.”

Experience Nights of Lights by Land, Sea and Air

Now in its 33rd year, Nights of Lights transforms St. Augustine's Historic District into a dazzling holiday destination, with more than three million white lights illuminating historic buildings, towering trees, waterfront landmarks and the Bridge of Lions.

While strolling the illuminated streets is a holiday tradition, visitors can enjoy the spectacular display from many different perspectives. Festive trolley tours, horse-drawn carriage rides and guided walking tours offer memorable ways to explore downtown. Scenic boat cruises showcase the glowing waterfront and Bridge of Lions, while helicopter tours provide breathtaking views from above. Special experiences at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum offer another unique perspective of the illuminated city.

Many of these popular holiday experiences book quickly, making reservations is a good idea. The Nights of Lights app provides convenient links to available tours and seasonal offers. Explore Nights of Lights by land or by sea for more ways to enjoy the celebration.

Make It a Holiday Getaway

The season begins with Light-Up! Night on Saturday, November 21, featuring live entertainment and the official lighting ceremony in the Plaza de la Constitución. The lights shine every evening through January 18, 2027.
Beyond the lights, visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, festive events, live entertainment and St. Augustine's acclaimed culinary scene, including four MICHELIN-recognized restaurants. Special lodging packages and seasonal deals make it easy to turn an evening of lights into a memorable holiday getaway. For a more relaxed experience, weekday visits often offer shorter lines, easier parking and greater flexibility when booking tours and dining reservations.

Plan Your Nights of Lights Visit

Download the free Nights of Lights app for maps, parking and shuttle information, events, tours, restaurants and special offers. For additional travel information and holiday experiences, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com/nights-lights.

About Florida's Historic Coast

Florida's Historic Coast brings together centuries of history, 42 miles of Atlantic coastline and distinctive experiences in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches. Located in Northeast Florida between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, the destination encompasses St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city; the renowned golf and seaside communities of Ponte Vedra; and the communities of Hastings, Elkton and St. Johns. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, enjoy championship golf and outdoor adventures, discover local dining, arts and live music, or simply unwind by the ocean.

For travel information, visit FloridasHistoricCoast.com or call 1-800-653-2489. Follow Florida's Historic Coast on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.