Nights of Lights

Imagine an ancient city bathed in the soft glow of millions of tiny lights — this is exactly what the annual Nights of Lights festival in St. Augustine looks like. This massive light show transforms the historic center into a true winter wonderland, where over 3 million white lights adorn the architectural monuments, palm trees, and cozy streets of the oldest city in the USA.

The primary charm of the holiday lies in its classic style: only white bulbs are used here, which emphasizes the elegance of the colonial architecture and creates an incredibly cozy, almost intimate atmosphere. The festival covers about 20 blocks of the historic district, including iconic spots like the Plaza de la Constitución and the waterfront.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to view Christmas lights, the Nights of Lights festival attracts thousands of tourists. It is an entirely free event, accessible to anyone who wants to feel the magic of the season by walking along illuminated pavements or admiring the reflection of lights in the waters of Matanzas Bay.

To find out more about the program, special event dates, and updates, you can use the official resources of the festival organizers.

The main activity during Nights of Lights is, of course, walking. Start your route at the Plaza de la Constitución, where lights literally wrap around the trees and monuments, and then head toward the waterfront to see millions of sparks reflected in the water. Be sure to explore the historic courtyards and narrow alleys, where every shop and cafe tries to outshine the next with festive decor.

For those who want to see everything at once, special tours are available: the famous Old Town Trolleys and Santa’s Red Trains offer themed tours with music and carols. You can also book a boat tour on the bay to appreciate the panorama of the glowing city from the ocean side. If you love history, visit the Castillo de San Marcos or the St. Augustine Lighthouse — they often host special evening programs and reenactments during this time.

Don't miss the season's key events: the Regatta of Lights decorated boat parade in the bay and the Light-Up! Night grand lighting ceremony. You can finish your evening with dinner at one of the restaurants with a terrace offering the best views of the festive city, or go Christmas shopping in the souvenir shops, which stay open late during the festival.

The festival covers the entire historic city center, and the main focal point is the area around St. George St. If you are planning to travel by car, take I-95 to the exit for St. Augustine. Keep in mind that during the holiday season, parking in the center is very limited, so city authorities strongly recommend using the free Park & Ride shuttle, which runs from outlying parking lots directly to the heart of the event.

For those who prefer public transport, the Old Town Trolley or the festive Santa’s Red Train are excellent options, departing from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum. If you are coming from further away, the nearest major airport, Jacksonville (JAX), is approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) away, from where it is most convenient to rent a car or take a taxi.

The best way to get around the "Nights of Lights" district itself is on foot — this allows you to peek into every decorated courtyard and take the best photos without rushing. For those who enjoy boat trips, tours are available from the Bayfront, allowing you to see the glowing city from the water.

The tradition of decorating the city with lights during the winter months dates back to the deep history of St. Augustine, which was founded by the Spanish in 1565. In those times, locals would place burning candles in their windows, symbolizing hospitality and faith. The modern Nights of Lights festival has become a grand continuation of this ancient custom, preserving the spirit of its Spanish heritage.

The current format of the event has existed for over 30 years. What began as a modest local street decoration has grown into a world-class spectacle. Today, the city lights over 3 million white lights annually, which do more than just illuminate the space — they highlight the unique colonial architecture and charm of the oldest city in the USA.

Choosing exclusively white lights for the illumination is not accidental, but rather a pursuit of elegance and authenticity. This choice allows the lights to harmonize with the historic buildings and cobblestone streets without overwhelming them with unnecessary colors. Due to its atmosphere and scale, the festival was listed by National Geographic as one of the top ten places in the world to view holiday lights.

Each year, the festival officially opens with the Light-Up! Night ceremony in late November. This event draws thousands of people to the Plaza de la Constitución, where, accompanied by music and cheers, the city bursts into millions of lights all at once, marking the start of the most magical season of the year.

To take a leisurely stroll through the main illuminated blocks of the historic center, such as the Plaza de la Constitución and the Bayfront, you will need approximately 2–3 hours. This is enough time to soak in the atmosphere and take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the lights.

If you plan to complement your walk with dinner at one of the local restaurants overlooking the lights or take an organized trolley or boat tour, we recommend setting aside an entire evening. Keep in mind that the city becomes significantly more crowded on weekends and during special events, which may slightly increase your travel time around town.

The Nights of Lights festival takes place annually from mid-November to the end of January. The illumination is lit every evening immediately after sunset and delights residents and guests until late at night (usually until 11:00 PM or midnight). Since this is a public outdoor event, you can walk through the illuminated streets for free at any time.

To visit specific museums, take trolley tours, or attend special events (such as the boat parade), it is recommended to check the schedule on the official festival website in advance, as each event may have its own operating hours.

Visiting the Nights of Lights festival is a great reason to explore other landmarks in the nation's oldest city. The historic center is packed with attractions that look especially festive during the holiday season.