Nights of Lights: More than just Light-Up Night
Light-Up Night for the St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights season is Nov. 19 but don’t worry if you can’t make it in town that night. Nights of Lights lasts all the way through Jan. 31, 2017! That’s plenty of time to plan a trip and fit in all of your favorite events, attractions, and sightseeing.
Mark your calendars because we’ve created a list of things to do while in the Nation’s Oldest City during this holiday season.
Reindeer Run
When: Dec. 3
What time: 8:55-9:15 a.m.
Where: Starts on Castillo Drive near Ripley’s
This one-mile run takes place along the St. Augustine Christmas Parade route right before the parade starts in front of a cheering crowd. It starts on Castillo Drive near Ripley’s and finishes on Cordova Street near Mojo’s BBQ. This race is great fun for the whole family whether you are running or just watching!
Annual Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 3
What time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Where: Begins near Mission Nombre de Dios
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a Christmas parade? The St. Augustine 62nd Annual Christmas Parade is one of the largest parades in North Florida full of floats, marching bands, horses, and Santa! The parade begins near the Mission Nombre de Dios and continues throughout downtown ending behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. Santa will be available after the parade for pictures in the Plaza de la Constitucion.
Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade
When: Dec. 3
What time: 7-8 p.m.
Where: Begins at the Castillo de San Marcos
St. Augustine Colonial Night Watch features reenactors from St. Augustine’s colonial past in the years 1739-1785. The Torchlight Parade will start at the Castillo de San Marcos to the City Gates. Once the parade reaches the gates, the public is invited to walk behind the reenactors for a procession down St. George Street to the Government House. At the Government House, there will be a speech and the assembled units will fire a volley of joy to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. For additional information, please visit the Historic Florida Militia website.
Garden Club Tour of Homes
When: Dec. 4
What time: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Throughout downtown
Each year, the St. Augustine Garden Club decorates homes and landmarks throughout the city. Click here to purchase tickets to the 48th Annual Garden Club Tour of Homes. Tickets are limited so advanced purchase is required.
Luminary Night at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
When: Dec. 7
What time: 7-9 p.m.
Where: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
On this special night in December, the public is invited to the come to the Lighthouse grounds for a free night of children’s crafts, refreshments, live music including a string quartet inside the lighthouse tower, and an up-close look at the museum’s Christmas decor.
Holiday Regatta of Lights
When: Dec. 10
What time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: St. Augustine Bayfront
This annual event sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club takes place on the St. Augustine Bayfront. All kinds of boats decorated in beautiful lights will be in the parade. The lights reflecting on the water is a sight to behold. The sidewalk along the bayfront fills up every year, so be sure to get there early to get a good spot!
Holiday in the Gardens
When: Dec. 11
What time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
The annual holiday celebration at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a sight to see for the whole family. There will be arts & crafts, live music, a bake sale, a plant sale, gift shop, and Santa and Mrs. Claus! You can also have tea with Mrs. Claus. Donate a toy or non-perishable food item for free entry into the park.
St. Augustine Community Chorus Christmas Program
When: Dec. 10-11
What time: 8-9 p.m. on Dec. 10; 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 11
Where: Cathedral Basilica
The St. Augustine Community Chorus will be performing their annual Christmas Program entitled “A Ceremony of Carols” by Benjamin Britten. The concert will include excerpts from Handel’s Messiah plus some traditional Christmas carols. Please check on the Community Chorus website for all additional information including ticket prices.
The Nutcracker performed by the St. Augustine Ballet
Performance times: 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. on Dec. 17-18
Where: Lewis Auditorium at Flager College
The annual performance of the Nutcracker by the St. Augustine Ballet is a tradition you don’t want to miss. The best area dancers will hit the stage and put a performance you won’t soon forget. Click here for more information. Ticket prices vary.
As you can see, there is plenty to do in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights season. To keep up with all events, go to our calendar. And above all, enjoy your time in the Nation’s Oldest City!
