The illuminating history of St. Augustine

For the past 30 years, St. Augustine has marked the Saturday before Thanksgiving with Light Up Night.

During the annual Nights of Lights, millions of twinkling white lights come to life and illuminate the historic architecture of the nation’s oldest city.

The festival has roots in the Spanish tradition of placing white candles in the windows of homes to mark the Christmas season. Today, Nights of Lights has a global audience, recognized by National Geographic, Conde Nast Travelers, and AAA Auto Club as one of the best cities for holiday lights displays.

Nights of Lights kicks off Saturday, November 18 with Light Up! Night. Downtown St. Augustine will hum with anticipation for the switch to be flipped, and the city to light up from the sidewalk up to the rooftops.

Light Up Night! is a free event that begins at 4 pm with a holiday performance by Showtime USA at City Hall. Then at 6 p.m., the All-Star Orchestra takes the stage with great swing and big band sounds at the historic Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo. At 6:45p.m. the switch is flipped, lighting up the city.

The City of St. Augustine offers a free Park & Ride Shuttle for Light Up! Night, and during peak days throughout the holidays. Multiple pick-up and drop-off locations are available.

With the festival encompassing more than 20 blocks of the historic district, there are many ways to experience the Nights of Lights! Historic buildings, museums, inns, hotels, restaurants, boats, carriages, trees, and more are all lit with soft white lights.

The decorated tree in the middle of the Plaza de la Constitución is a holiday staple, while the scenery from the top of the Bridge of Lions provides an expansive shot of the lights. Join Ancient City Tours for guided walking tours full of fascinating stories.

St. Augustine has many local businesses that provide a variety of ways to enjoy the lights. Two of the most popular rides are Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour and Ripley’s Red Train Nights of Lights Tours. Both tours depart nightly at 6 pm, the Trolleys from the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center and the Trains from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.

St. Augustine Land and Sea and Pineapple Ride &Tours offer luxury golf cart tours of the lights for up to 12 guests. Their tours are a fun and interactive experience – Spanish-speaking guides are available.

For a vintage vibe, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and take in the lights leisurely. Rides with The Tasting Tours are offered daily, including boutique wines and VIP boarding. They also provide family-friendly rides with the Grinch or Scrooge.

Take in the lights from the sea by booking one of St. Augustine Sailing‘s luxury sailboats departing from Camachee Cove Marina. For larger groups, the Schooner Freedom brings traditional sailing techniques to life during their Sunset and Nights of Lights sails. For a powered boat journey, hop on board with Florida Water Tours, St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, St. Augustine Boat Tours, St. Augustine Eco Tours, Pia & Me Charters, and Red Boat Tours. Also check out the Black Raven Pirate Ship.

See the lights from above with two of the city’s most unique perspectives. First City Helicopter offers evening flights over downtown in their famous yellow helicopter. Circle the city and take in the splendor. If flying isn’t your speed, it only takes 219 steps to climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum and enjoy the sweeping views from the red tower.

Come for the lights and stay for the fun. Florida’s Historic Coast has many other events  like the Colonial Nightwatch Parade, the Regatta of Lights and the Annual Christmas Parade for visitors to enjoy.  Join St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches to celebrate 30 years of illuminating the nation’s oldest city. Plan your stay now.

FloridasHistoricCoast.com