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Nights of lights

11/5/2021

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The Lightner Museum all lit up for Nights of Lights
The holidays are on the way and that means Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Florida. Over a 3 million bulbs light up the old city and visitors travel from all over to see the display.
On November 20 at the Plaza in Downtown St. Augustine, the switch will be thrown for the Nights of Lights. Throughout downtown, buildings and homes will be lit up with white lights​ celebrating the holidays.

Plan Your Visit

Throughout November and December there are a number of events to celebrate the holidays. From Parades to holiday markets, so much for the entire family. Here are just a few of the events taking place.

Events
Nights of Lights
November 20,2021-January 31, 2022

Colonial Night Watch
December 4, 2021
Enjoy events throughout the day including the torch parade at 7pm from the Castillio to The Governors House down St. George St. Drums playing and members of the group dawning period dress. 

Christmas Parade
Saturday December 4, 2021 9:00 AM to 121 AM
The parade begins at the parking lot of the Mission Nombre Dios and marches south down San Marco through historic downtown. Floats, bands and of course Santa will be part of the fun. 

Regatta of Lights

Saturday December 11, 2021
Watch boats lit up sail down the Matanzas River. 
The plaza in St Augustine lit up for Nights of Lights
How best to see the lights.
There are a number of ways to enjoy St Augustine during the Nights of Lights. Take a tour on land or water or simply walk the town. Most tours begin on November 21, 2021.

Tour Options
Old Town Trolley
The Old Town Trolley offers tours that pick up and drop off at the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive. Enjoy Christmas music and glasses specifically made to change the lights into different shapes like snowflakes. After the ride, enjoy a hot cup of apple cider. This year they are taking reservations and require you reserve a full row. They do offer parking at the Old Jail north of town with a free shuttle with tour ticket.  For more info, visit Old Town Trolley St Augustine

Red Train
The Red Train Tour is around 30 minutes and picks up and drops off at Ripley's Believe it Or Not on San Marco across from the Visitors Center. They do offer free parking during the tour. As with Old Town Trolley, they are taking reservations by row. Visit the website for Ripley's Red Train for more information. 

Schooner Freedom
The only sailing ship for tours in St Augustine, The Schooner offers tours for the Nights of Lights giving your a fantastic view from the bay. Space is limited so book early. 

For more tour options, check out Viator for private tours plus more boat tours. 
Parking
Parking can be a challenge during this time of year especially during peak times so here are some recommendations. 
  • Get there early. If you are planning on being there for the lights, get there early in the day, enjoy some of the sights. This will give you a better chance of getting parking. 
  • The Garage at the Visitor Center fills quick but the cost is $15 per day and really is your best option for convenience.
  • Parking on the street might be available but you will need to really look for it. There are limits on times and it runs around $2.50 and hour but free after 5:00 PM and on Sundays. 
  • In the past, there has been a park and ride lot for the event but at the time writing this, no specific info was available. Check out the link below for more info. 
  • One of the best options if you are going to take a tour, use the parking at the old jail and take the shuttle. As long as you have a ticket for the Old Town Trolley Nights of Lights tour, this is a great option. 
  • Finally, be mindful of the parking and fees. Parking is heavily enforced in St Augustine and the last thing you want is a ticket for not reading a sign or forgetting to pay. ​
Restaurants
St. Augustine offers some great food options, here are just a few of my recommendations. 
  • Pizza Time offers pizza by the slice and is fantastic. 
  • Proabortion Kitchen is a themed restaurant offer a variety of food options plus live entertainment.
  • Harrys Seafood offers New Orleans style food options plus views of the bay. 
  • Plus so many more options for great food. 
Nights Lights in St. Augustine is a do not miss event for the family. The kids will have a blast and be in awe by all of the lights. Some of my favorite spots is St. George St, The Lightner Museum and the Casablanca Inn, they are lit up with more lights than you have ever seen. For more information on parking, transportation and more, check out the page for St. Augustine Nights of Lights. 

For Hotel accommodations and tour options, you can contact me at the info below. 

Mike Miller
​Freedom to Roam Travel

(904) 534-4318
[email protected]

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    Mike Miller

    I have a passion for travel and believe travel is about experiences. Experiences create memories and are the stories we tell to friends and family - even with a little fudging on the facts.
    So let me create a vacation you can brag about!


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