Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Downtown St. Augustine comes alive with over three million twinkling lights, in honor of the holiday season. Our guide to the St. Augustine Nights Of Lights includes parking and transportation info, plus what to see and do.
The Nights of Lights was recognized as one of the top ten Holiday Lights Displays in the world, as designated by National Geographic. Even repeat visitors will marvel at the beauty: it's just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights runs every night from November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025. This holiday tradition is world-famous, and completely FREE. Here’s how to make the most of this magical, city-wide event!
While you're enjoying the dazzling lights, stop in to sip one of the many Christmas cocktails in St. Augustine.
Updated September 2024 by Meghan Roth
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Expert Tips and Info
Nights of Lights can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can mitigate the stress and make the most incredible experience.
Arrive early to secure parking. With so many visitors driving in and out of downtown, parking spaces are a hot commodity. Plan to get to town earlier in the day before the crowds, and you’ll have a better chance at a prime spot.
Make dining reservations before you go. This time of year is typically more busy than usual, and favorite restaurants fill up quickly.
Book tours and tickets ahead of time. Again, these reservations fill quickly, so if there’s a must-do experience on your list, lock it in, ASAP.
Prepare with your own glow necklaces and festive accessories. There are plenty of street vendors selling glow paraphernalia, especially on Light Up! Night, but you’ll save time and money when you bring your own to the party!
Bring your patience. Even with the best-laid plans, Nights of Lights can be busy, traffic-filled and crowded. Don’t let it get you down, take your time enjoying the beauty all around!
City of St. Augustine Park & Ride Shuttle
Take advantage of the free, City of St. Augustine Park & Ride Shuttle on select nights. Just park at the St. Johns County Health Department (200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine), San Marco Lot (301 San Marco Ave), or Broudy’s Lot (corner of US 1 and W. King), hop on the shuttle, and get exploring. Shuttles normally run from 1-11pm.
- Saturday, November 23 Light Up! Night
- Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
- Saturdays in December (On Saturday, December 7, in consideration of the Christmas Parade, the shuttle will operate from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.)
- Thursday, December 26 through Saturday, December 28 (Broudy's Lot Only).
- Shuttle service will not be provided on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
NOTE: Due to the increased traffic and congestion during the holidays, the St. Augustine STAR Circulator will operate a modified schedule from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning on Saturday, November 23 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The STAR Circulator will resume normal operating hours, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Special Light-up! Night Service on Anastasia Island
The Anastasia Island shuttle will offer service only on Saturday, November 23, Light-Up! Night from locations on Anastasia Boulevard from 4:00pm to 11:00pm from parking locations to the east end of the Bridge of Lions. Shuttle service on Anastasia Island is provided by Historic Tours of America and Ripley's Red Train Tours.
- Anastasia Baptist Church
1650 A1A S (32080) - RB Hunt Elementary
125 Magnolia Dr.
Passengers will be dropped off and picked up near the east end of the Bridge of Lions, at the corner of Gerado St. and Flagler Blvd. in North Davis Shores.
The Best Time To See St. Augustine Holiday Lights
There is no bad time to see the Nights of Lights. Light Up! Night is always the highlight of the season with music and the official tree lighting, but other nights are just as magical.
Weeknights after the New Year and the end of winter break are usually a great bet for a more relaxed pace and fewer people. The weather is typically a little cooler in the second week of January, and the hustle and bustle is not quite as extreme.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights: Tours and Packages
While walking through Old Town to see the lights is an easy way to enjoy the season’s most beautiful light display there are several other ways to enjoy the magic.
Old Town Trolley Nights of Lights Tour: Hop on the Old Town Trolley for a spectacular evening tour of the lights display. You’ll get some extra magic with special viewing glasses, get a tour of the town while signing carols, and even enjoy a cider and cookie treat.
Nights of Lights Boat Cruises: The Ancient City lights are beautiful from land, but the lights from the water are exquisite. From private charters to group water tours, you’ll experience the magic from a completely different perspective. Check out different options from Florida Water Tours and St. Augustine Sailing.
Holiday Tasting Tours: Tasting Tours is known for their food and beverages tours in open-air, electric vehicles.
For Nights of Lights, Holiday Tasting Tours adds a little holiday dazzle with several themes perfect for couples, groups, and family. Choose from the Grinch, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Scrooge, or just a private wine and carriage tour for a fun way to enjoy the night.
City Walks VIP Nights of Lights Historic Walking Tour: Enjoy St. Augustine’s sparkling history up close and personal with a licensed tour guide and avoid the crowds, on the original City Walks VIP Nights of Lights Historic Walking Tour which is offered entirely FREE to all guests by St. Augustine City Walks every night at 6:30 p.m.
Join the Villa Zorayda Museum this Holiday Season for their “Candlelight Tours”. The Zorayda is beautifully decorated for the Holidays with decorations throughout the Museum and a spectacular Christmas tree is located center stage in the “Court of Lions”. Victorian and traditional decorations are found in every room of the Museum for visitors to enjoy. Over 100 candles are aglow throughout as you take a state of the art audio guided tour of this historic former home to learn about the building's impressive 140 years of history and its beautiful art and antique collection. Admission is $13.99-$25.99. This tour is not recommended for children ages 5 and under. Limited availability, advanced tickets are highly recommended. Tours are at 5:30 and 7 p.m. on select evenings during Nights of Lights.
Explore even more Nights of Lights Tours – as recommended by locals!
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Dates
St. Augustine Nights of Lights runs every night from November 23, 2024 – January 26, 2025. This holiday tradition is world-famous, and completely FREE.
Light Up! Night, the very first night, is scheduled for November 23, with the official lighting ceremony at 5:30PM at the historic Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo. Dance and musical performances begin at 4:00PM and continue to 7:30PM.
READ MORE: Where to Find Orlando's Best Holiday Lights
No matter how you take on the Nights of Lights this season, you're certain to have the holly jolliest time around!
