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As it does each year, the Ancient City will transform into a twinkling town during the Annual Nights of Lights. Shining brightly nightly in Downtown St. Augustine from November 22, 2026, to January 18, 2027, the historic district illuminates with over three million dazzling lights! Florida locals can enjoy this world-famous holiday event in many ways.
Here are more than a dozen St. Augustine Nights of Lights tours for locals (and visitors) to book this season.
Why Local Couples Love St. Augustine Nights of Lights?
Orlando and the entire Sunshine State offer tons of festive holiday events. But St. Augustine Nights of Lights is among the most beloved annual traditions. Now celebrating its 33rd year, Nights of Lights was recognized as one of the top ten Holiday Lights Displays in the world by National Geographic. Locals take pride in this historic hometown’s seasonal treasure.
The symbolic white lights connect back to the practice of Spanish homes lighting candles in honor of Christmas and other celebrations. But here’s a fun fact and challenge… According to an editorial published by the St. Augustine Record, “one of the men who placed the lights inserted one red light for his daughter to find. After he retired, the tradition continued.”
Will you try to find it? Pssst… the red light is always positioned somewhere in the Plaza de la Constitucion, just down the way from Castillo De San Marcos National Monument (aka the Fort).
Related Post: A Dazzling Date at St. Augustine Nights Of Lights
Local Insight for St. Augustine Nights of Lights
Because of its well-deserved popularity, Nights of Lights gets busy and, thus, logistical planning is in your best interest – whether you do Nights of Lights on foot, via a tour or however! Here are some pointers:
- Download the App: To simplify logistics, download the official Nights of Lights app for access to everything St. Augustine has to offer this holiday season.
- Park it: Take advantage of the free City of St. Augustine Park & Ride Shuttle on select nights. Alternative options are also outlined on the City’s website.
- Eat it up: Book dining reservations well in advance. Because of the higher-than-usual demand for restaurant tables, walk-in options aren’t favorable.
- Get lit: You may be surrounded by lights, but consider wearing glow sticks or, if you dare, a Christmas sweater that lights up. With heavy road and pedestrian traffic, wearable lights are not only fun but also useful for safety.
- Pack your patience: While magical, the crowded setting can be overwhelming. Remember to stay merry and bright! As a local, opt for a weeknight, which may not be as busy as weekends with the influx of visitors.
- Bring cash for tips: If you’re going to participate in a Nights of Lights tour, bring cash to tip your drive/tour guide. $10-$15 per person is a kind gesture for good service.
Best St. Augustine Nights of Lights Tours for Local Couples
Maybe you’ve experienced Nights of Lights on foot before. Walking around the Ancient City never gets old but, to experience it like never before, book one of these St. Augustine Nights of Lights tours, which are loved by local couples!
Carriage Ride via Old City Carriages
Led by a horse rather than a reindeer, Old City Carriages offers festive rides during St. Augustine Nights of Lights. You can book a Santa-approved sleigh carriage for a 45-minute ride for couples only or, better yet, a double-date experience.
Cost: $290 for four adults
Electric Moke via Seaside Adventures
A moke is sort of a retro vehicle that looks like a cross between a beachy jeep and a cool, open golf cart. While it’s a slower vehicle, the fun factor of Nights Of Lights goes from zero to sixty pretty quickly when riding in a moke.
Cost: $200 (for up to four people)
Electric Vehicle via Tasting Tours
Several companies lead St. Augustine Nights of Lights tours using electric vehicles. You can book one of these long, open-air golf carts with Tasting Tours, as well as Explore Tours, Pineapple Ride and Tour, St. Augustine Gold Tours, St. Augustine Land and Boat Tours and Ghost St. Augustine.
Local couples love booking with Tasting Tours because they offer a few fun themes, like Grinch, Scrooge and Captain Mayhem.
Cost: starts at $45+/person
Old Town Trolley
Departing from the Visitor Information Center for a 30–45-minute ride, the Trolley is the most popular way to do Nights of Lights (aside from walking). Passengers get magical 3D glasses for an elevated light experience, are encouraged to join in onboard Christmas caroling and are treated to sugar cookies and apple cider.
However, because this Trolley is super popular, locals know to book this experience earlier in the season. If you wait, the Trolley has to stop ALOT because of pedestrian traffic.
Cost: starting at $73 per row
Featured image of this blog post is from @oldtowntrolley
Pedicab via Pineapple Ride and Tours
There is something playfully fun about riding on a cycle rickshaw. This St. Augustine Nights of Lights tour gives you front-row seats for friendly banter with a local, knowledgeable guide who’ll aim to give you a ‘wheely’ great time.
Cost: $120
Related Post: Seasonally Shop These Holiday Markets in St. Augustine
Pink Nights of Lights Character Tour: A Barbie-Inspired Holiday Adventure
BK Adventure’s “Merry Pinkmas Nights of Lights” tour offers a unique twist on St. Augustine’s renowned holiday display. Guests embark on a 45-minute Nights of Lights tour through the historic city aboard a pink-lit golf cart, exploring landmarks like Flagler College, the Lightner Museum and Aviles Street, all adorned with millions of sparkling lights.
The tour’s Barbie-inspired theme adds a playful flair, featuring pink décor and engaging storytelling suitable for families, friends and womens’ groups. The cart itself is very comfy, and pink blankets are provided during the ride on chilly nights.
Enjoy a unique playlist of Christmas favorites with a few Barbie-inspired hits mixed in as you ride around the beautiful Ancient City. Come on… you know, for Girls Night Out, you’d be tickled pink to embark on this tour!
Cost: $45 per person
Ripley’s Red Train
Departing from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, this 30-minute adventure, comparable to the Old Town Trolley tour, includes magic 3D glasses and holiday music. Additionally, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is set to show free holiday movies for Nights of Lights tour guests.
Cost: $69.99 per row
Boat Tours and Other Unique Nights of Lights Options
Cruisin’ Tiki
If you’d like to operate on island time during Nights of Lights, plan to have the time of your life on the Cruisin’ Tiki. This floating hut provides a captain, Bluetooth sound system and a cooler so you can stock it with your favorite snacks and drinks.
Cost: $65/person
Related Post: Where to Sip Festive Christmas Cocktails in St. Augustine
Schooner Freedom
Another way to make a splash this holiday season, the Schooner Freedom is a popular on-the-water tour for Nights of Lights. The majestic sailboat is lined with holiday lights to magically mirror the lights on land.
Cost: $75/person
St. Augustine Sailing
Say ‘Ahoy’ to Nights of Lights joy aboard a luxury sailing yacht. Watch the skyline fade from colorful sunset hues to sparkly white lights.
Cost: $99/person and up
Very Merry Nights of Lights Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt experience is an entertaining way to immerse yourself in Nights of Lights. The interactive game creates opportunities to play and problem-solve in the brightest setting.
Cost: $25/adult and $15/child (sold out for 2024)
Leading Edge Helicopter
A bit of a splurge, adrenaline junkies can take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine Nights of Lights. Circling our luminous Ancient City may just make your heart skip a beat.
Cost: $120 per person
Florida Water Tour Cruise
Plunge into the holiday season aboard a 45′ pontoon boat for a 75-minute ride. Cheers to the city’s light display, with beverages served from the boat’s bar. Florida Water Tour Cruise offers several ride options.
Cost: $39/person and up
Other St. Augustine Nights Of Lights Tours
- Black Raven Pirate Cruise
- Blue Water Adventure
- Old Town Party Boat
- Red Boat Tours
- St. Augustine Eco-Tours
While you’re in town don’t forget to raise a glass to this season at these Festive Bars in St. Augustine.
