Nights of Lights

Nov 18 2023 - 6:00pm to Jan 31 2024 - 11:00pm

The 30th Annual Nights of Lights dazzles the city as some three million lights adorn every corner of the historic district for two months.

This award-winning holiday lights display runs from November 18, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in historic St. Augustine. During the seasonal display, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and browse the shops of the decorated buildings.

The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas, and there are also a variety of specialty tours -- everything from walking to horse-and-carriage tours, and even tours to see the lights from the water and from the air.

Check out our complete list of Nights of Lights tours and all the other holiday events happening in St. Augustine.

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the downtown area, from the dazzling lights along the bayfront, to the Christmas tree placed in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución with holiday gifts surrounding it. From dusk until dawn, the lights bring holiday cheer to vacationers and locals in St. Augustine.

Nights of Lights begins with Light Up! Night on Saturday, November 18, 2023. For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the profile page for Light Up! Night Lighting Ceremony.

This is the local winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine where each historic downtown business and many residents participate by lighting up their buildings. The celebration was chosen in 2011 and 2012 by National Geographic as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world. The dazzling display continues to dazzle, becoming more and more popular each year as a holiday destination for vacationers from all over the world.

Some of the most elaborate light displays can be seen at Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, and on side streets like Cordova St. and Orange St. The main plaza, called the Plaza de la Constitución, features lights draped around every tree, with a huge Christmas tree in the center where photos can be taken. The pedestrian-only main shopping area, St. George Street, is also beautifully lit up.

A frequent award-winner for their light display is the Tini Martini Bar inside the Casablanca Inn. Visitors and locals can dine on their outdoor patio among the glowing bulbs. The view of the bayfront from the Bridge of Lions is a favorite for many, and a guaranteed photo opportunity.

History

Nights of Lights in St. Augustine traces its origins back to the traditional Spanish practice of displaying a white candle in windows during the Christmas holidays. Candles in the window allude to the fact that Mary and Joseph could find no inn that would give them shelter. When the Spanish put candles in their windows, they were symbolically making room in their homes and hearts for Jesus.

It also reflects the welcoming attitude of the holiday season, showing that guests are welcome to the home. The stunning lights reflect the city's over 450-year history and illuminate the beautiful cityscape for lasting holiday memories.

The city of St. Augustine has been celebrating this event for 30 years.

Things to Do

Nights of Lights -- See ALL Upcoming Events!

Looking for things to do in St. Augustine during Nights of Lights 2023-24? This event features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation's oldest city. From roof shingle to doorway entrance, the buildings of downtown will glow in holiday cheer.

Vacationers can walk through the Plaza de la Constitución during Nights of Lights and stare up at the glowing lights in the trees, and wander through the brick streets of downtown while taking in the beautiful and magical sights. Visitors can snap photos with outdoor displays, like the holiday tree in the center of the town plaza or grab some hot cocoa from a local restaurant.

Check out these local tours during Nights of Lights. There are many more tours and all kinds of events happening this year.

Please note that some tours do not start until the night after the Lighting Ceremony, and while some run nightly, others run only on weekends.

 

St. Augustine Events