It’s time to don your boots and scarves because the winter season is the perfect time to take a vacation with your family – and St. Augustine is the perfect place to do it! Not only is the city lit up with holiday lights, but there are so many exciting things to do. In addition to all the fun things you can normally do in St. Augustine, you can also experience tree lightings, holiday activities, holiday light displays, holiday tours, and so much more. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the winter season in St. Augustine!
Christmas Tree Lighting Holiday Tour at the Villa Zorayda Museum
While they are unable to continue their annual “Candlelight Tours” due to COVID-19, visitors can still tour the museum and view their spectacular Christmas display! The Villa has been decorated for the Holidays, and a gigantic Christmas tree has been put up in the Court of Lions. Take a fantastic audio-guided tour through this historic former home and see both Victorian and traditional decorations, more than 100 candles lit up throughout the museum, and a grand lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the doors open at 5:00 PM. You can begin your tour at any time and at your own pace. The tour is around 60 minutes long and includes an overview of the Villa, its previous owners, and the collections of art and antiques inside.
Check out their website for more information on the tour, pricing, and available dates!
Surf Illumination at St. Augustine Beach
Head over to Pier Park on December 5th between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM for the Surf Illumination event! You’ll get to enjoy festive holiday music while your kids have fun with balloon twisting, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and temporary tattoos. Around 5:30 (or dusk), you’ll get to see the lighting of the St. Augustine Beach Christmas Tree!
There will also be vendors participating in their Holiday Market & Bazaar. These vendors will have arts and crafts, holiday vacation information, and snacks and refreshments. Admission is free.
Elkton’s Bright Nights of Drive Thru Lights
If you love holiday lights, you will definitely want to gather your family and drive through the spectacular and dazzling displays at Sykes Family Farms! These fantastic light displays will remain up through January 2, 2021.
You can check out their website for more information on days, times, and pricing.
Nights of Lights
Every year the city dons millions of lights all around the historic district. The displays of holiday lights will run until January 31st, 2021. With St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, there are many train, trolley, and boat tours available to get the most out of the event. There are also events such as Nights of Pints, and if you’re looking to view the lights from above, there are amazing helicopter tours available!
Check out our Nights of Lights blog for some of our favorite ways to experience this incredible annual event!
“Una Noche de Navidad” and Las Posadas
This event takes place at Mission Nombre de Dios on December 19th, between 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Here, you will be able to experience the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while watching a live nativity, 16th-century Spanish reenactors, and the traditional Las Posadas procession.
Check out their website to learn more!
Black Raven Adventures
Ahoy! Board the Black Raven for a truly unique holiday adventure. From now through January 8th, 2021, head to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina to be entertained by the Black Raven’s pirate crew. They’ll be singing sea shanties and Christmas Carols as well as sharing some of the pirate history of St. Augustine.
Check out their website for more information, pricing, and to book your spot!
Schooner Freedom
Spend some quality time with friends and family aboard the Schooner Freedom, St. Augustine’s only tall ship. They offer several different cruises, including Day Sails, Sunset Sails, and Moonlight Sails. In addition, during the Nights of Lights event, they are offering 2-hour Nights of Lights Sails. This is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit as you see the twinkling lights of the city glow over the sunset. In addition to all the holiday displays, you may also see wild dolphins, birds, turtles, and more!
Take a look at their website for more information on their sails, events, pricing, and dates. When you board the Schooner Freedom, you’re sure to have an amazing and memorable experience!
