The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is Here: Nights of Lights!

For over 30 years, St. Augustine has kicked off the holiday season with a dazzling festival of lights: Nights of Lights. Every year, the historic town strings millions of tiny sparkling white lights on lamp posts, building tops, around towering oak trees and over the Bridge of Lions. Lights will adorn the city throughout approximately 20 blocks, turning the already picturesque town into a magical wonderland. The tradition started in 1993, and is loosely inspired by a Spanish Christmas tradition of placing white candles on window sills. The idea in St. Augustine was set into motion in the early 1990s by then Mayor Len Weeks and former City Councilman William Lennon. The two sought a way to lighten up the dark months of the year, as a way for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the city and to promote local businesses during the holidays. With a grant from the City of St. Augustine and contributions from locals, Nights of Lights began as a partnership – and it continues strong today, with joint funding from the City and St. Johns Tourist Development Council. Angels in the Architecture have put up and maintained all 3 million lights for the past 26 years, and, of course, residents and businesses join in on decorating the town as well.

This year, the 31st Annual Night of Lights will begin on November 23rd and be up until January 26th. The lighting celebration begins on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 4 p.m., with the official turning of the switch at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. Whether it’s enjoying the sparkle on foot or by trolley or train, there are endless ways to celebrate the lights and holidays this year in St. Augustine. Jump on a trolley to explore the lights with Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Red Train Tours. Take a leisurely walk through the city on a specialty walking tour or by horse and carriage. Climb the lighthouse steps to see the display from the sky or hop on a beautiful sailboat to see the show from the water. There are so many ways to enjoy the night, and this extensive list has every way to experience it. Parking is available at some businesses and at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility. Shuttles into town are also available. For a more relaxed pace, visit on a weeknight, where wait times are less and streets aren’t as crowded with pedestrians or vehicles. Most businesses stay open late, and there are many holiday events and exhibitions on display scattered throughout downtown:

St. Augustine Distillery’s Whiskey Wonderland kicks off the night before the lights on Friday, November 22nd with the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree! Sip cocktails and spirit tastings and enjoy after-hours shopping, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 112 Riberia St.

The Holly Jolly Shopping Spree takes place Saturday, November 23rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts, holiday decorations and other special treats will be available, starting at the Old Jail, with check-in at 8:45 a.m., and the first Trolley departing at 9:25 a.m. for a tour and drop off in Uptown St. Augustine. Enjoy shopping, eating and more merriment! Tickets are $65 per person and include lunch, tour, champagne and discounts at many of the shops and boutiques on San Marco Ave.

Luminary Night at the St. Augustine Lighthouse is an annual tradition featuring more than 2,000 luminaries on the grounds and streets surrounding the historic landmark. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th, guests can also climb the tower for sparkling views of Nights of Lights. This is a free event! 100 Red Cox Dr.

Don’t miss out on the glowing wonderment of Nights of Lights and the holidays in St. Augustine. Nights of Lights has been named one of the ten most dazzling lighting displays in the world by National Geographic, and St. Augustine one of the best cities to visit at Christmas by Conde Nast Traveler. There is so much to see! Happy Holidays!