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Looking to experience the St. Augustine Night of Lights? Make sure you go prepared! The St. Augustine Night of Lights is one of the biggest events in North Florida – attracting people from all over the country to see the spectacular views while touring the city. This dazzling display has been listed in National Geographic’s Top 10 Places in the World, as well mentions in Huffpost and Country Living as one of the best holiday lights displays in the country. It’s that good!
This insanely elaborate light display stretches from The Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of the historic district through Flagler college and the Lightner Museum, with many businesses and homes taking part in the display.
So, without further ado, let’s start planning your trip to St. Augustine to see Night of Lights!
The Holy Jolly Yachty Tour is the one of the most festive (and fizzy) ways to experience the Night of Lights in St. Augustine. BYOB on a 35ft pedal-powered pontoon boat that includes 12 cycle stations for a cruise along the Matanzas with your friends and family viewing the lights along the shore. Feel the holiday cheer with a drink in your hand, music of your choice, and a one-of-a-kind experience of the Old City’s best time of year.
There is no better way to see the twinkle than on the glittering A1A bayfront!
? Nov 20-Jan 31
? 250 Vilano Road,
St. Augustine, FL 32084
? +1 (904) 599-9492
Luckily, St. Augustine keeps the Night of Lights going every night for two months, so you can come back and explore more. If you’re planning a weekend get-away or a longer stay, there are plenty of great vacation rentals to host you! We recommend Lux Vacation Rentals. They have a ton of properties to chose from whether youre looking for a stay at the beach or a stay downtown. Check out these recommendations when planning your visit to St. Augustine!
? Boat Drinks
One of the best ways to see night of lights is simply hitting the streets by foot! You’ll experience the old cobblestones of the roads and have plenty of opportunities for taking pictures and soaking in the sights. If you’re considering getting your steps in at St. Augustine’s Night of Lights, be sure and make a few pit-stops along the way to truly experience the city at its finest.
This tropical get-a-way is just what you’ve been missing. Whether you are a tourist or a Boat Drinks’ regular, they believe you should eat and drink like a local. This nautical tavern & raw bar in Historic St. Augustine will start or finish your day off strong.
This St. Aug authentic coffee shop has Australia-American espresso and “Aussie” pies, as well as fantastic lattes and specialty drinks. With 5 locations around the area, Kookaburra Coffee has become the area’s go-to coffee shop. Stop in their Downtown location for a hot pick-me-up on during night of lights!
Meehan’s Irish Pub & Seafood House
With nightly live music, a beautifully decorated front porch, and unparalleled views of the Bridge of Lions, Meehan’s is the perfect place to stop in on your trek around night of lights. Whether you’re grabbing a bite or just a quick drink, be sure to step outside and see the Matanzas waterway glittering with the reflection of St. Augustine!
In the heart of Downtown, you’ll find Scarlett O’haras – a low-key staple of St. Augustine. Here, you can catch live music or get some late-night grub. The also have great cocktails and a big, lively bar. Be sure to sneak upstairs to the ghost bar, it’s supposed to be haunted by the owner of the house, which was built back in 1879!
This intimate martini bar next to Meehan’s is the perfect stop for a cocktail on the go. With great drinks and a bar decorated in Night of Lights fashion, you’ll no regret popping in! Whether you choose to enjoy the patio views or huddle in the warmth of the cozy bar, you’ll not miss one minute of holiday cheer.
Villa Zorayda Museums Grand Lighting
If you make on the right night, you can see the Villa Zorayda Museums spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Tour. Adorned with red and gold and located in the Court of Lions, the centerpiece of the entire display is their grand Christmas tree, which reaches high into the vaulted ceilings.
Traditional Victorian decorations can be seen in every single room of the Museum, as well as, nearly 100 candles to create intimacy.
If you haven’t been to Auggies, this time of year is the perfect opportunity. Not only will you be able to fill up your own drinks as you please, but you can experience snow in St. Augustine. Yes you heard right, Auggie’s draft room blows fake snow outside their building every year during the holiday season. Cheers!
Catching on of St. Augustine’s many trolly options is a great way to comfortable see the display, hear some great information about Night of Lights and St. Augustine, and meet other tourists! It’s also perfect for families who have children, as it is a safe and easy way to get around town.
Tip: Be sure to get the “magical viewing glasses” for the kids to see the display!
Old Town Trolleys Famous Nights of Lights Tour
Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights Tour
Gold Tours: (private tours on a narrow bus small enough to fit through the streets other tours can’t)
? Drifters
Check out St. Augustine’s Night of Lights by two wheels or three by renting a scooter, fun coupe, or bicycle for fun way to tour the town. You’ll be able to get down the narrow streets that a car cannot while keeping a full open-air view of the light displays. It’s not only a exciting way to travel, but you’ll make a memorable night touring the lights!
? Country Carriages
One great way to channel the Old City is to travel through it via horse drawn carriage. Nothing is more romantic than cuddling in the back of a whimsical ride, clopping hoofs on cobblestone and breathtaking views of the lights along Castillo San Marco. Bring your own wine or hot cocoa for the perfect pre-industrial era experience of Night of Lights.
? St. Augustine
While St. Augustine’s Night of Lights is something to behold by itself, it is also located in the oldest city in America, which is full of history and interesting stories.
If you’re a history buff and love to learn about the architecture, ghost stories, and relevance of the places you see, you’ll love participating in one of St. Augustine’s guided tours! From the Bridge of Lions to the Lightner Museum, there is more history in the Old City than can fit in one night!
Now that you’re set for a festive stay-cation in St. Augustine with all the stuff to do, we hope to see you making the most of Night of Lights this holiday season! Make sure to tag us in all of your lit photos @stufftodoinjacksonville! Happy Holidays!
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Amber is a City Manager for UNATION and author of the Stuff to Do in Jacksonville City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Jacksonville area, download the UNATION app and follow @StufftoDoinJacksonville on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
