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.

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