Festive St. Augustine experiences for your Nights of Lights itinerary

America’s oldest city has garnered worldwide attention, but its rich history, beautiful beaches, chic accommodations, and award-winning cuisine have not gone unnoticed. Instead, tens of thousands of tourists annually visit Florida’s historic coastal city of St. Augustine in search of holiday magic.

From November to January, the city’s historic downtown district transforms into a quirky winter festival called Night of Lights. The event is a city-wide event featuring millions of twinkling lights so magical that Clark Griswold would stop in wonder. From sidewalks to rooftops, holiday displays decorate historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. And most importantly, all of these spectacular light displays are free for the community to enjoy.

Now in its 31st year, the festival features a variety of exhibits, each aiming to be the biggest and brightest in the city. Residents and tourists alike wear seasonal clothing to liven up the festival atmosphere. A golf cart driven by the Grinch himself rolls down Aviles Street while playing Christmas tunes. A couple passes a horse-drawn carriage together on a cold Florida night, drinking mulled wine. Almost every corner of the city, every business, every hotel shows off its personality with themed trees and custom decorations inside and out.

From walking tours to beautiful sailboat rides, there are many ways for visitors to enjoy the Night of Lights festival. Consider adding these tour experiences to your future itinerary.

Golf Cart Tours at St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours

St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours It offers one of the best ways to experience the festival, covering more than 20 blocks of the city’s historic district. Guests will be greeted by a dedicated driver dressed for the event and board an open-cabin electric golf cart. Small groups leisurely tour the city while enjoying family-friendly holiday music and relaxing viewing opportunities. These golf carts are an easy and comfortable way to get around narrow roads and crowded areas at events. This special tour is recommended for families with young children and those with mobility concerns. Each electric golf cart can accommodate up to 9 people on this approximately 45-minute tour.

Private carriage ride from Tasting Tours

A private carriage ride from Are you ready to star in your own Hallmark Christmas movie? tasting tour Perfect for couples looking for a movie-worthy romance. But in addition to couples, this old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage tour is also perfect for groups of four or fewer adults seeking a more personal, intimate, and luxurious viewing experience of the historic downtown district. Passengers will be treated to friendly staff, festive vehicle decorations, and embark on a fascinating guided tour through the city’s light landscape, where they will be offered a glass of wine. These 35-45 minute tours are by reservation only and are subject to availability.

Not to be missed is the guided walking tour from. St. Augustine Experiences It might just be the experience you’re looking for. A walking tour can elevate your status from standard tourist to savvy local insider by exploring nooks and crannies and unique places that travelers often miss. As you explore the vast winter festival on foot, you’ll be met by friendly tour guides who will adapt to your pace and interests. Tour guides effortlessly blend the city’s deep history and folklore with contemporary events and remarkable light displays. We don’t want our guests to miss out on any festive moments, so our tour guides will tell you more about the events to visit on foot, including the 7pm “Snow” and self-serve drafts. Oggy’s Draft Room Additionally, we provide a list of tailored stops to add to your Night of Lights itinerary. A great tour experience for travelers who want to see the lights but also capture the magic of the city’s amazing history. These 90-minute tours are available seven days a week, rain or shine.

Sunset Sailing on the Schooner Freedom Charter

We sail daily from the family-owned St. Augustine Municipal Marina. Schooner Freedom Charters We offer sunset sails perfect for watching the lights come off the bay. The 76-foot-tall ship welcomes passengers with open arms. There’s a helpful safety lesson before you set sail, and you’ll soon be toasting with champagne (or soda). The atmosphere on deck is relaxing and wonderful, perfect for couples, groups and even families with young children. Families were welcome to help raise the sails, and children were given the opportunity to “steer” the boat. The crew will provide you with unlimited bar drinks and tell you more about the location and wildlife. Once the sun goes out, the schooner lights up with a unique holiday display, and the crew passes around Christmas candy and plays festive music. The ship sails along different parts of the coastline, giving guests the best seat in the house to watch the lights. The approximately two-hour tour departs from November 23rd to January 12th at 4:15 p.m.

Other must-see holiday events and activities

After admiring the spectacular illuminations, travelers should plan to attend one of the many holiday events held during the Winter Festival. Other fun events include Luminary Night. St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime MuseumChristmas experience at Villa Zoraidathe annual Holiday Boat Parade in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay are just a few. Many local hotels, inns, and restaurants also offer special dinners, tours, and menus specially selected for this season. For travelers planning a visit to the Knights of Lights, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau Visit our website for more resources.

Without a doubt, St. Augustine’s Night Lights is one of the best winter light festivals open to the public in the United States. Fun for everyone, this event is sure to attract groups, couples, families and even the most ‘picky’ of travelers.

anna marie imboldino

Anna Marie Imboldino is a travel writer from Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Her love of history and art continues her journey, seeking to experience not only the places, but the people who create the stories.