How to Experience St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights (2025–2026)
Trolleys, Boats, Carriages, Apps & More
Every winter, downtown St. Augustine turns into a glowing holiday village. More than three million white lights wrap around historic buildings, palm trees, and the waterfront from the Plaza de la Constitución to the Bayfront, earning its place as one of the top holiday light displays in the world. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
For the 2025–2026 season, Nights of Lights runs from November 15, 2025 through January 11, 2026. The big “Light-Up! Night” kickoff happens on Saturday, November 15, when the city flips the switch in the Plaza and the whole downtown comes to life. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+2St. Johns County+2
The best part? It’s free just to walk around and enjoy the lights. You’ll only pay if you choose to book a tour or special experience. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
Know Before You Go
Parking, Shuttles & the Official Nights of Lights App
Downtown St. Augustine gets busy during Nights of Lights—especially on weekends and around the holidays. To make things smoother, the city and Visitors & Convention Bureau have rolled out tools to help you plan ahead.
Download the St. Augustine Nights of Lights App
New this season is the official St. Augustine Nights of Lights mobile app, created by Florida’s Historic Coast and the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. Visit St. Augustine+3St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+3St. Johns County+3
The app is like having a local guide in your pocket. It includes:
Interactive maps of downtown
Parking information and park-and-ride shuttle details
The ability to see where to park and pin your parking spot
Estimated shuttle times and directions to shuttle lots
Event schedules and know-before-you-go tips Visit St. Augustine+3St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+3St. Johns County+3
How to get it:
Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
Search for: “St. Augustine Nights of Lights”
Download the official app from Florida’s Historic Coast / Visit St. Augustine
You’ll also see download links on the official Nights of Lights pages:
Park Smart & Use the Shuttles
On select dates, especially Light-Up! Night and busy weekends, free Park & Ride shuttles run between satellite parking lots and the Visitor Information Center. The app and official websites share up-to-date shuttle maps and times. St. Johns County+3St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+3St. Johns County+3
Even when shuttles aren’t running, plan to:
Arrive early
Use the Historic Downtown Parking Facility or designated lots
Expect to walk—Nights of Lights is a stroll-through, not a drive-through experience coastalrealtyfl.com+3St. Johns County+3St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+3
Ways to Experience Nights of Lights (By Type)
Here’s where the fun begins. There are so many ways to see the lights—whether you’re walking, riding, sailing, or snuggled into a carriage.
I’ve broken it down by type so you can pick what fits your style.
1. Classic Trolley & Train Tours
Best for: First-timers, families, larger groups
Old Town Trolley – Famous Nights of Lights Tour
The classic bright-green trolley all dressed up for the holidays. Expect:
Open-air trolleys
Christmas music and a fun, festive host
“Magic” 3D glasses to make the lights sparkle
Complimentary treats like cider and cookies at the end St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
Departs from the Visitor Information Center downtown.
Ripley’s Red Trains – Nights of Lights
Climb aboard Santa’s Red Trains at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum for a jolly ride through the lights. You’ll get festive music, narration, and 3D glasses. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
Info & tickets: Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights Tours
2. Electric Carts, Golf Carts & Pedicabs
Best for: Small groups, semi-private feel, less walking
These are great if you’d like something cozier than a big trolley.
Gold Tours – Private electric-vehicle tours (up to 6 people) with history, holiday lights, and an intimate, guided feel.
Pineapple Ride & Tour – EV and pedicab Nights of Lights rides, fun guides, and a very “you’re in a Hallmark movie” vibe in a pedicab under the lights.
St. Augustine Land & Sea Tours – Golf-cart style tours that keep your group together, with music and commentary.
Pink Culture Tours – Holiday EV rides with fun characters (think a certain green, grumpy guy) for a playful, kid-approved experience.
Often bookable via Pink Culture Tours St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL
3. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Best for: Date night, anniversaries, special occasions
Few things feel more magical than hearing hooves on the brick streets while the lights glow overhead.
The Tasting Tours – Wine & Carriage Rides
Adults-only wine carriage rides glide you through the lights while you sip boutique wine and listen to holiday music. They also offer family-friendly character carriage rides with Santa, Scrooge, or the Grinch. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
Bayfront Carriage Rides
You’ll usually find several carriage companies lined up along the Bayfront near Castillo de San Marcos. Look for signs, pricing, and availability as you stroll.
4. Food, Wine & Tasting Tours
Best for: Foodies, couples, friend groups
Pair your light-gazing with local bites and sips.
The Tasting Tours – Holiday-themed food and wine tours by foot, vehicle, or carriage, stopping at multiple local spots for small plates and drinks.
St. Augustine Experiences – Award-winning walking tours like their Wine, Cocktail & Food Experience, St. Augustine Food Tour, and seasonal offerings that fit perfectly with an evening under the lights.
A great game plan: book an afternoon/early-evening food tour, then wander through the lights or hop on a trolley afterward.
5. Walking Tours (Guided & DIY)
Best for: History lovers, people who like to explore on foot
City Walks – Free Nights of Lights Walking Tour
On select evenings, City Walks offers a free one-hour walking tour that covers the history, traditions, and best viewpoints of Nights of Lights. It’s a fun way to get your bearings before wandering on your own. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
St. Augustine Experiences – History Under the Lights
A 90-minute “History Under the Lights” tour at 5:30 p.m. most nights, blending storytelling with stunning views as the lights come on. Visit St. Augustine
Details & booking: History Under the Lights – St. Augustine Experiences
DIY Walking Route
If you’d rather do your own thing, try:
Start in Plaza de la Constitución for the big tree and classic downtown lights
Wander St. George Street for shops, restaurants, and overhead lights
Finish along the Bayfront and Bridge of Lions for reflections on the water
Pro tip: The Nights of Lights app has maps to help you navigate as you go. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
6. Nights of Lights by Boat
Best for: Big “wow” moments, photos, and something a little different
Seeing the city glow from the water is unforgettable.
Florida Water Tours – Family-friendly and adults-only options, often including hot cocoa, holiday music, and 3D glasses. Some cruises combine sunset views with Nights of Lights in one trip.
Scenic Cruise of St. Augustine – A relaxed, classic boat tour that’s been a local favorite for generations.
Red Boat Tours – Fun, family-friendly boats departing from Vilano Pier, with holiday treats and BYOB options.
St. Augustine Boat Tours – Smaller boats and harbor cruises dedicated to Nights of Lights viewing.
Schooner Freedom – A tall-ship sail that pairs sunset with twinkling lights, blankets, and serious “holiday postcard” vibes.
Adventures in Paradise – Private Nights of Lights Boat Tour
Enjoy a private, captain-led cruise for up to six guests as you take in St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights from the water.
7. Ghost & Haunted Tours (Under the Lights)
Best for: Teens and adults who love a spooky twist
Ghosts & Gravestones – Trolley of the Doomed
Ride through the historic district hearing ghost stories, visiting the Old Jail, and seeing some of the same streets glowing with holiday lights.St. Augustine Lighthouse – Dark of the Moon
Nighttime tours of the lighthouse—one of the city’s most famous haunted spots—with elevated views of the city lights on select nights.
Several other ghost tour companies operate year-round; you’ll find them listed on local event and tourism sites.
8. Free & DIY Ways to Enjoy Nights of Lights
You don’t have to book anything to have a magical night.
Wander the historic district at your own pace
Take photos from the Bridge of Lions, looking back at the city
Grab hot cocoa from a local café and do a “lights + cocoa” stroll
Let the kids run off energy in the Plaza while you soak it all in
The Nights of Lights app and official sites also share webcams and updated info if you like to plan ahead. St. Augustine & Ponte Vedra, FL+1
Quick “Compare & Choose” Guide
Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple cheat sheet:
On a budget / DIY:
Download the St. Augustine Nights of Lights app, park smart, and take a self-guided walking route.
With young kids:
Trolley or red train tours, golf carts/EV tours, or character rides (Grinch, Santa, etc.).
Date night / romantic:
Wine & carriage rides, a tall-ship sail, or a boat cruise at sunset and after dark.
With grandparents or limited mobility:
Trolleys, EV carts, or boat tours offer great views with minimal walking.
History buffs:
Walking tours like History Under the Lights or a ghost tour for a spooky spin.
Locals doing a quick evening out:
Check the app for shuttle updates, grab dinner downtown, and enjoy a post-meal stroll under the lights.
Fall in Love With St. Augustine… and Never Leave
Whether you’re bundled up on a boat, laughing with the kids on a trolley, or just wandering downtown with hot cocoa in hand, Nights of Lights has a way of making people fall in love with St. Augustine.
And if you find yourself thinking, “I don’t want to just visit…I want to live here,” I can help with that part.
If you fall in love with St. Augustine and never want to leave, reach out and I’ll help you turn your favorite holiday getaway into home.
Enjoy Nights of Lights
Machell Klee
815-210-3557
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