From the glow of Nights of Lights to cozy dinners and family walks on the beach, here’s how to enjoy the Ancient City during Christmas week.

A City Wrapped in Lights

There’s something magical about Christmas in St. Augustine. The air feels softer, the cobblestones seem to sparkle, and the glow of three million white lights stretches across every palm, bridge, and balcony. It’s a season that transforms the Nation’s Oldest City into a storybook scene, where visitors come from all over the world just to walk beneath the lights.

If you’re spending the holidays here, you’ll find that St. Augustine takes Christmas at a gentle pace. Many restaurants and attractions give their teams the day off, while others close a little early on Christmas Eve so everyone can enjoy time with family. The upside is that the city itself never sleeps — the lights stay on, the plazas glow, and the streets are open for peaceful evening walks under the stars. By the next day, shops, tours, and cafés reopen ready to welcome you back. Just remember to plan ahead, make reservations, and call before you go so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Nights of Lights: The Heart of the Season

St. Augustine’s world-famous Nights of Lights runs from mid-November through January 11th, 2026 and it’s the reason many visitors come for the holidays. The event covers the entire historic district in a blanket of tiny white lights, creating a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere that’s as walkable as it is photogenic.

A quick reminder: Nights of Lights is a walking event, not a drive-through. The magic is in wandering through the narrow streets, exploring the shops and cafés that glow from within, and watching the reflections dance on the bayfront. With that said, there are plenty of shuttle, tours bus, and carriage services to give your feet a break.

For transportation, check OldCity’s Nights of Lights page for details about special shuttles, trolley routes, and parking options. Whether you take a carriage ride, hop on a boat tour, or simply stroll along the Plaza de la Constitución, this is the moment that makes St. Augustine sparkle brightest.

Pro tip: Arrive before dusk, wear comfortable shoes, and linger as the lights flicker to life.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Ancient City

Christmas in St. Augustine feels different in the best way. The city slows down, the crowds thin out, and the lights seem to shine a little softer. Here’s what to expect around the holiday itself.

Christmas Eve:

Many restaurants and attractions will close early so staff can celebrate with their families. If you’re planning to dine out, make a reservation well in advance and confirm holiday hours. A late afternoon walk through the Plaza is a perfect pre-dinner tradition, especially when the bells start to ring from nearby churches.

Christmas Day:

While many places close completely, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the day.

• St. Augustine Alligator Farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a fun, family-friendly outing that’s unique to our coastal corner of Florida.
• Downtown remains open for walking and photography. The shops will be closed, but the light displays continue to glow beautifully in the quiet streets.
• A beach walk on St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach is one of the best ways to start or end Christmas Day. Bring coffee and watch the sunrise, or visit at sunset when the sand cools and the sky turns pink.

And if you prefer to stay in and enjoy a special meal, consider ordering ahead. Both Outer Banks Boil Company and Asado Life offer delicious take-home options for the holiday.

Where to Eat and Order Ahead

Photo Credit: Outer Banks Boil Company

Dining in St. Augustine during Christmas week is a treat all its own. The city’s restaurants fill with the smell of mulled wine, seafood, and fresh bread, and many places decorate their patios with garland and twinkle lights.

Most eateries are open leading up to Christmas, though hours may vary. For those planning ahead, Outer Banks Boil Company offers a classic Lowcountry boil that you can pick up before the holiday, perfect for a laid-back dinner at your rental or vacation home. Asado Life also offers order-ahead experiences with premium meats and sides, ideal for a festive meal without the fuss. While they’re closed on Christmas Day, you can order early and heat up a feast in comfort.

For those looking to dine out, consider Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar at the Casa Monica Hotel or The Aviles Restaurant at the Hilton St. Augustine Bayfront — both known for refined menus and festive ambiance that make any holiday evening feel special.

If you’re venturing out to dine, make reservations early, especially for Christmas Eve. After Christmas Day, most restaurants reopen with regular hours and a cheerful post-holiday buzz that carries through New Year’s Eve.

Holiday Shopping and Last-Minute Gifts

If you’re visiting St. Augustine during the holidays, make time to explore the city’s festive markets and local boutiques. They’re full of handcrafted treasures, coastal-inspired décor, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Start your shopping season a little early at the Holiday Shoppes, a two-day event on November 22 and 23 at the First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra Beach. It’s a great place to find fine art, handmade jewelry, and distinctive holiday gifts before the December rush.

If you’re arriving closer to Christmas, plan to visit The Christmas Market St. Augustine for a cozy, hometown-style shopping experience running from November 15 – December 24, 2025 (Closed on Thanksgiving – November 27, 2025). This open-air market features local vendors, festive food, and live music — the perfect setting for finding that last-minute gift or sipping hot cocoa under the lights.

And don’t miss the Lightner Museum Holiday Market on Thursday, December 4 from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., where artisans and makers fill the historic courtyard with handcrafted goods and seasonal décor. It’s one of the most picturesque shopping experiences in the Ancient City.

After browsing the markets, wander through downtown’s boutiques along St. George, King, and Aviles Streets. Most stay open through Christmas Eve for last-minute finds, then reopen after the holiday with special post-Christmas sales.

Family Fun and Relaxed Adventures

Families can visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, which is open daily including Christmas Day, for an up-close look at incredible wildlife and thrilling zip-line experiences.

Once the holiday itself passes, St. Augustine opens back up to its usual pace — lively, scenic, and full of discoveries. Outdoor lovers can stretch their legs at Fort Mose Historic State Park or Anastasia State Park, both open for peaceful walks, bird watching, and scenic coastal views. Add in a quiet beach walk on Vilano or St. Augustine Beach, and you’ve got the perfect mix of nature and relaxation to balance the holiday bustle.

Boat tours, carriage rides, and museum visits also resume right after Christmas, giving visitors plenty of ways to enjoy the final weeks of Nights of Lights without the early-December crowds. For couples, an evening lights cruise or cozy dinner at a bayfront restaurant is the perfect way to unwind after the holidays.

Travel Tips for Holiday Week

Visiting during Christmas week is magical, but it’s best to come prepared.

• Call ahead for hours and reservations, especially for dining and attractions.
• Use shuttles to avoid downtown parking challenges during Nights of Lights.
• Wear layers — Florida winters can shift from warm afternoons to cool evenings.
• Plan your timing — early evenings are less crowded and still full of sparkle.
• Check closures — most restaurants and attractions are closed on Christmas Day, though reopen December 26.

OldCity’s event listings and Nights of Lights guide are your best friends for real-time updates, shuttle routes, and local tips.

A Bright Holiday in the Nation’s Oldest City

Even when doors close on Christmas Day, St. Augustine never truly stops shining. Between the glow of Nights of Lights, the call of the ocean, and the charm of its historic streets, the city offers a peaceful, picture-perfect way to celebrate the season.

Whether you’re walking hand in hand under the lights, sharing a delicious meal with friends, or simply watching the sun rise over the beach, St. Augustine serves up the perfect blend of warmth and wonder.

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