The Christmas season in St. Augustine is known for its sensational Nights of Lights holiday display. During Nights of Lights, white lights glow from the sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions and trail through approximately 20 city blocks in St. Augustine’s Historic District. This beloved celebration is often described as dazzling, spectacular, amazing, and enchanting.
Seeing the Nation’s Oldest City aglow with more than three million white lights is an unforgettable holiday experience that, over the past 32 years, has become a cherished tradition for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Since 1994, the city has embraced this festive atmosphere, inspired by the Spanish custom of placing a white candle in windows during the Christmas season.
Often recognized as one of the best holiday light displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights begins with Light-Up! Night on November 15 in the Plaza de la Constitución, and stays lit through January 14, 2026.
The official lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., when a switch is flipped and millions of sparkling white lights outline public and private buildings, bridges, trees, and landmarks throughout St. Augustine’s Historic District.
Weeks of preparation go into the illuminations. City workers string more than 12 miles of lights in the Plaza alone, adorn Victorian lamp posts with red ribbons and fresh wreaths, drape evergreen garlands on public buildings, and decorate the city’s Christmas tree—a 25-foot fir from Sugar Mountain, North Carolina. The design company Angels in the Architecture partners with the city to illuminate the Bayfront, the Bridge of Lions, and other historic sites. Local hotels and businesses join in, ensuring the city glows in unison.
There are countless ways to enjoy the Nights of Lights. Visitors can stroll through the Historic District, take a trolley or train ride, or see the display from the water. To reduce traffic, the city provides free parking and shuttle service from designated lots outside downtown.
For those exploring on foot, favorite stops include the Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Constitución, the Lightner Museum, and the Bridge of Lions—all perfect photo spots. Several tour companies offer guided walking and cart tours that weave history, fun and stories with holiday magic. Participate in fun holiday events throughout the city, including the Christmas Experience at Villa Zorayda. For a bird’s-eye view, climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.
For more about Historic St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights visit www.NightsofLights.com
