Every year, the historic city of St. Augustine transforms into a radiant display of holiday lights known as the Nights of Lights. This enchanting celebration attracts visitors worldwide, eager to experience the glow of more than three million white lights that adorn every corner of the city. From the cobblestone streets to the centuries-old architecture, the entire town sparkles in festive splendor.
National Geographic named the Nights of Lights one of the best holiday displays in the world. It’s more than just a visual treat, it’s a blend of tradition, community, and celebration that showcases the unique charm of America’s oldest city. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this magical event.
Must-See Events During Nights of Lights
The Nights of Lights festival is brimming with special events that celebrate the holiday season in St. Augustine. From stunning light displays to historic tours, markets, and parades, there’s no shortage of festive fun. Here are some of the top events happening during the 2024-2025 season:
Nights of Lights Light-Up! Night
November 23, 2024 | 4:00 PM
Location: Lightner Museum & Plaza de la Constitución
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Light-Up! Night celebration, a cherished tradition that marks the start of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Join thousands of visitors at the Lightner Museum and Plaza de la Constitución as the city’s millions of lights are illuminated at dusk. Enjoy live music, special holiday performances, and a countdown to the lighting ceremony, making it an unforgettable evening for all ages.
Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings, and Trees
November 22, 2024 – January 11, 2025 | Various Times
Location: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Lighthouse Illuminations at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is an after-hours event that transforms the historic lighthouse into a festive wonderland. Guests can explore the museum and grounds, which are adorned with over 20 themed Christmas trees inspired by maritime culture and history. Each tree is uniquely decorated, providing a visual journey through different themes, such as oceanic life, lighthouse history, and holiday traditions. The event includes holiday music and refreshments, making it a wonderful family-friendly outing during the Nights of Lights season.
Holly Jolly Shopping Spree
November 23, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: San Marco Avenue
Start the holiday season with a festive day of shopping along San Marco Avenue at the Holly Jolly Shopping Spree. With exclusive deals, holiday treats, and a cheerful atmosphere, this event is perfect for finding unique gifts while enjoying the seasonal ambiance. Reservations are required for this popular spree, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot and kick off your holiday shopping in style.
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum Nights of Lights Exhibition
November 23, 2024 – January 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Experience the rich history of St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. The historic home, dating back to 1798, will be beautifully decorated in traditional holiday fashion, with the outdoor space illuminated by twinkling lights and the fireplace mantels decorated with festive holiday displays. Celebrate art and history with their ‘100 Years of Music’ theme while exploring one of the city’s oldest and most well-preserved buildings. The museum’s exhibits and the festive decorations create an unforgettable holiday experience.
Nights of Lights Holiday Market
November 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025 | Sundays – Thursdays 3:00 – 9:00 PM, Fridays & Saturdays 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Colonial Quarter
Explore the charm of the Nights of Lights Holiday Market at the Colonial Quarter, where holiday spirit fills the air. Featuring a variety of local vendors, handcrafted gifts, festive décor, and seasonal treats, this market offers something for everyone. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy holiday shopping and experience the historic charm of St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights.
Nights of Lights Group Carriage & Wine Rides
November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Tasting Tours
Experience St. Augustine’s dazzling lights in a unique and festive way with the Group Carriage & Wine Rides by The Tasting Tours. Enjoy a group carriage ride through the illuminated streets while sipping on wine and soaking up the holiday ambiance. This tour offers a lively, social experience perfect for groups and couples looking to make the most of the holiday season.
Nights of Lights Private Carriage & Wine Rides
November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: The Tasting Tours
For a more intimate and personalized experience, book a Private Carriage & Wine Ride with The Tasting Tours. This private tour allows you and a guest to enjoy a cozy carriage ride through the city’s sparkling holiday lights while you sip wine with up to 3 guests. It’s a romantic and memorable way to experience Nights of Lights in an unforgettable setting.
Light Up the Beach Art Walk
November 30, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine Beach hosts its own festive celebration with the Light Up the Beach event, featuring an evening filled with art, shopping, and dining along A1A Beach Boulevard. Local art galleries will open their doors, showcasing the work of talented artists from around the area. The street itself will be adorned with lights, providing a magical holiday atmosphere for all who attend. This family-friendly event is a perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping while supporting local business.
Holiday Evenings at the Villa Zorayda Museum
Saturdays from November 30, 2024 – January 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Villa Zorayda Museum
Step inside the historic Villa Zorayda Museum for a festive evening tour featuring beautifully decorated holiday displays and a 10-foot Christmas tree adorned with over a thousand lights. This enchanting experience combines history, architecture, and holiday spirit, allowing guests to explore the museum’s unique collection in a warm, seasonal setting. A perfect event for those looking to add a cultural touch to their Nights of Lights adventure!
Vilano Holiday Village
Every Saturday from Nov. 30 – Dec. 21, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Vilano Beach
Kick off the holiday season with a coastal celebration at Vilano Beach! The Vilano Holiday Village event brings holiday cheer to the beach with festive lights, local vendors, caroling, a murder mystery night, and activities for all ages. This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit by the sea, complete with a tree-lighting ceremony and visits from Santa. It’s the perfect way to start your Nights of Lights experience with a beachy twist.
Castillo by Candlelight: Enemy at the Gates
December 6, 2024 | 6:45 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Castillo de San Marcos
Step back in time and experience Castillo de San Marco by candlelight in this immersive, historical re-enactment. Visitors will witness the tension of the past as the fort prepares for an imminent attack, featuring live demonstrations, historical storytelling, and the atmospheric glow of candlelight lighting up the ancient stone walls. This unique event offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and citizens defending the city centuries ago, adding a captivating historical element to the Nights of Lights season.
Candlelight Tours at the Villa Zorayda Museum
Fridays & Mondays, December 6, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM
Location: Villa Zorayda Museum
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with Candlelight Tours at the Villa Zorayda Museum. Guests are guided through the museum’s unique architecture and historic collections by the warm glow of candlelight. Each room is adorned with holiday decorations, including the museum’s 10-foot Christmas tree. This tour offers a serene, intimate way to experience both history and holiday spirit during the Nights of Lights.
It’s a Wonderful Life
December 6-8 & December 13-15, 2024 | Various Times
Location: The Waterworks
Celebrate the holiday season with a live stage adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Waterworks. This heartwarming production brings George Bailey’s story to life, highlighting themes of hope, family, and community in a touching and nostalgic performance. It’s an ideal show for those who cherish this holiday classic and want to experience it in a new, engaging way!
Colonial Night Watch Events
December 6 & 7, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Colonial Quarter
Travel back in time with the Colonial Night Watch events, celebrating St. Augustine’s colonial history. Daytime activities include historical re-enactments, interactive exhibits, and costumed performers who demonstrate life as it was centuries ago. On December 7th, the evening finishes off with the Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade, where re-enactors march through the streets. The public is encouraged to join in or watch from the sidelines. After three “Volleys of Joy” are fired by the troops, everyone is invited to join in singing Christmas Carols.
St. Augustine Christmas Parade
December 7, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Location: Downtown St. Augustine
The holiday season in St. Augustine wouldn’t be complete without the St. Augustine Christmas Parade! This joyful event brings festive floats, marching bands, and holiday-themed characters through the streets of downtown. With Santa Claus leading the way, this parade is a must-see for families and visitors of all ages, capturing the holiday spirit in a fun and lively celebration.
Surf Illumination
December 7, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. Johns County Pier Park & Pavilion
Celebrate the holidays by the sea at the Surf Illumination event, held at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. This annual celebration includes the lighting of the official St. Augustine Beach Christmas tree, live music, festive vendors, and a visit from Santa Claus. Families can shop for holiday gifts, enjoy local vendors’ food, and enjoy the lively beachside atmosphere. The tree lighting ceremony creates a spectacular backdrop as the lights reflect off the ocean waves, making it a must-see event for visitors of all ages.
Lightner Museum Holiday Market
December 8, 2024 | 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Lightener Museum, 75 King Street
The historic Lightner Museum opens its doors for a one-of-a-kind holiday market featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and vendors selling handmade gifts, home décor, and holiday treats. Set against the stunning backdrop of the museum’s grand architecture, the Holiday Market offers a unique shopping experience that blends history with holiday cheer. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, shop for holiday treasures, and enjoy live music performances throughout the day. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or simply looking to immerse yourself in the season’s festivities, this market has something for everyone.
Visit with Santa
December 13, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Plaza de la Constitución
Bring the family for a magical evening in the beautifully decorated Plaza de la Constitución, where children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their holiday wishes. Frosty the Snowman will also be wandering around the event to take pictures with children and their families. The plaza, aglow with holiday lights, creates a warm and festive setting for photos and fun, making it a cherished memory for all ages!
Holiday Market on Main
December 14, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Hastings Main Street
Join the local community in Hastings for a festive December Market featuring handmade crafts, holiday gifts, and seasonal treats. This lively market offers a wonderful selection of local vendors, perfect for holiday shopping and finding unique, one-of-a-kind items. Enjoy the small-town charm, support local artisans, and embrace the holiday spirit just a short drive from St. Augustine.
Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade
December 14, 2024 | 10:00 AM
Location: Hastings Main Street
Celebrate the holiday season in true hometown style with the Hastings Hometown Christmas Parade. Join locals along Main Street to enjoy festive floats, marching bands, holiday music, and Santa himself in a warm and inviting community celebration. The parade pairs perfectly with the Holiday Market on Main, allowing visitors to enjoy both events in a single holiday outing.
St. Augustine Beach Holiday Market
December 14, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Park
The St. Augustine Beach Holiday Market offers a final opportunity for holiday shopping in a laid-back, beachside setting. Local vendors and artisans set up booths along the pier, selling handmade crafts, festive decorations, and holiday foods. The market is an excellent spot to find unique gifts while enjoying the cool ocean breeze and holiday ambiance. Bring the family for a fun day of shopping, and don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the beautifully lit St. Augustine Beach Pier, which will be illuminated with holiday lights for the occasion.
Regatta of Lights
December 14, 2024 | 6:00 PM
Location: Matanzas Bay
The Regatta of Lights is one of St. Augustine’s most iconic holiday events, bringing together boat owners from around the area to participate in a lighted boat parade along Matanzas Bay. Sailboats, fishing boats, and even small watercraft will be decked out in colorful lights and festive decorations, competing for awards in categories like Best Theme and Most Creative. The spectacle is best viewed from the seawall along the bayfront, where families gather to watch the twinkling lights reflecting on the water. The Regatta of Lights is a magical sight for both locals and visitors, capturing the holiday spirit in a truly unique way.
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
December 14 & 15, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM & 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Respectively
Location: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College
Delight in the magic of the season with the St. Augustine Winter Spectacular, an annual holiday production filled with dance, music, and storytelling. This enchanting performance features talented local dancers, festive choreography, and beautiful costumes, bringing holiday cheer to the stage. Set in the elegant Lewis Auditorium, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Community Chorus Christmas Concert
December 14 & 15 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Experience the joy of the season with the St. Augustine Community Chorus in the breathtaking setting of the Cathedral Basilica. This annual Christmas concert fills the air with traditional carols and festive music performed by local vocalists and instrumentalists. The cathedral amplifies the beauty of each note, making this a must-see event for music lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike!
St. Augustine Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour
December 15, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Various Bed & Breakfasts Throughout St. Augustine
For a truly immersive holiday experience, the St. Augustine Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour offers a chance to step inside the city’s most charming inns, each beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The tour features 20 bed and breakfasts, each with its own theme and style, creating a festive and warm environment. Guests can explore these historic inns while sampling delicious holiday treats prepared by local restaurants. The tour also provides insight into the history of each property, making it an ideal way to combine holiday cheer with a bit of St. Augustine’s rich heritage. Proceeds from the event benefit local charities, adding a philanthropic touch to your holiday experience.
Performances of The Nutcracker
December 20-22 | Various Times
Location: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College
Enjoy the timeless magic of The Nutcracker as local dance students and professional guest artists bring Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday classic to life on stage. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker prince on a magical journey filled with stunning choreography, lavish costumes, and enchanting sets. This ballet has become a holiday tradition that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Una Noche Navidad – A Las Posadas Experience
December 21, 2024 | 3:00 PMM – 8:00 PM
Location: Mission Nombre de Dios
Celebrate the holiday season with Una Noche Navidad, a traditional Hispanic holiday event at Mission Nombre de Dios. This cultural celebration includes reenactments, cookies and hot cocoa, and activities that honor the story of Las Posadas, commemorating Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. With a suggested $5 donation, visitors can experience an evening filled with community spirit and holiday warmth in a historical setting.
Enchanting Christmas Tales
December 22, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: The Waterworks
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of captivating holiday stories at the Enchanting Christmas Tales event. Hosted at The Waterworks, this event features engaging storytellers who bring classic Christmas tales to life, capturing the attention of young listeners and creating heartwarming memories. It’s a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the magic of storytelling during the holiday season.
The Barber of Seville
December 29 & December 31, 2024 | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM Respectively
Location: Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College
Step into the world of opera with The Barber of Seville, a lively and comedic performance of Rossini’s beloved classic. Follow the story of the clever barber, Figaro, in this fun and family-friendly production filled with humor, romance, and unforgettable melodies. This entertaining opera is a perfect way to add a bit of culture and fun to your holiday season in St. Augustine.
Light Up the Night! New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
December 31, 2024 | 8:30 PM
Location: St. Augustine Beach Pier Park
Ring in the New Year with a bang at the Light Up the Night! Fireworks Show at St. Augustine Beach Pier Park. This dazzling display of fireworks over the ocean provides a breathtaking finale to the holiday season. Arrive early to enjoy the festive atmosphere and find the perfect spot to watch the sky light up as you say farewell to 2024 and welcome in the New Year!
Looking for some more fun events to partake in during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights? Check out our calendar here!
Best Ways to See the Lights
There are multiple ways to explore and enjoy the dazzling displays around the city. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll through the streets or a scenic boat ride along the bay, here are the top tours to help you take in the magic:
Walking Tours
One of the most intimate ways to experience the Nights of Lights is on foot. Walking through the historic district allows you to take your time, soaking in the twinkling lights that cover everything from the city gates to the towering spires of churches. You can explore at your own pace, making stops along the way to grab a hot cocoa or capture the perfect photo.
Trolley and Train Tours
For a guided experience, hop on one of the trolley or train tours that run throughout the season. These tours are ideal if you want to sit back, relax, and learn more about the city’s history as you enjoy the light displays. Many of these tours also include festive music and complimentary hot chocolate, adding to the holiday cheer.
Boat Tours
See the city from a different angle with a boat tour along Matanzas Bay. As you glide across the water, you’ll get stunning views of the illuminated skyline, including the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos. Boat tours often offer a peaceful, romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for couples and families looking to enjoy a quieter evening.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
For a truly magical experience, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of downtown St. Augustine. With the clip-clop of hooves echoing through the streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you take in the festive scenery.
Where to Eat: Dining During Nights of Lights
St. Augustine’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with waterfront views or a casual spot to grab a bite, the city’s restaurants offer something for every palate. Check out our Where to Eat During St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights page for some of our top recommendations!
Where to Stay: Accommodations for Every Style
From luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, St. Augustine offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you prefer a beachfront retreat or a cozy inn in the heart of the historic district, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite suggestions.
Practical Tips: Parking, Shuttles, and Getting Around
Navigating the city during Nights of Lights can be challenging, especially on busy weekends. Here are some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible:
Parking
Parking in downtown St. Augustine is limited, especially during peak times. The best option is to park at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility, which offers ample space and is within walking distance of most attractions. However, there are also various parking lots and on-street parking locations as well. Be sure to arrive early, as spaces fill up quickly during the holiday season!
Shuttle Services
During the busiest nights, the city offers a free shuttle service from designated parking lots to the downtown area. This is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of finding parking downtown.
Check out our dedicated Nights of Lights page for more information on parking and shuttle services during the holiday season!
Conclusion
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is a holiday spectacle not to be missed! From stunning light displays and festive events to charming dining and cozy accommodations, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a solo traveler, the magic of the season will leave you with lasting memories.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, wear comfortable shoes, and soak up the holiday cheer in the nation’s oldest city. Happy holidays!
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