Every year for the past 27 years, the city of St. Augustine has donned over 3 million lights around every corner of the historic district. This award-winning display of holiday lights is known as Nights of Lights. It will run from November 14th, 2020, to January 31st, 2021, in historic St. Augustine.
During this time, shops and restaurants will stay open later so you can soak in the beauty of the lights while dining on delicious cuisine or shopping to your heart’s content in the decorated buildings.
Seasonal tours are also offered. Whether you take the trolley, go sailing on a scenic cruise, or take to the sky, you’re sure to see the best areas! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy St. Augustine’s spectacular Nights of Lights.
Events
Nights of Pints
Ready to do some barhopping? Then be sure to check out Nights of Pints! This event is offered by four of the local St. Augustine breweries and will start on Saturday, November 14th, 2020, when the lights come on and continue through the season until Nights of Lights ends on January 31st, 2021.
For $30, you’ll receive a commemorative T-shirt and passport that entitles you to a free pint at the four participating local breweries at any time during the Nights of Lights event. This year’s event will also benefit a local charity, Swamp Haven Rescue! This organization helps rescue and re-home dogs.
Here are the four participating breweries:
Scenic Water Tours
St. Augustine Sailing Nights of Lights Charters
If you’re looking for a fancy and fun way to enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, you won’t want to miss out on these tours! Relax and enjoy the sparkling lights while you sail along the city’s Bay Front. St. Augustine Sailing offers three different sailing packages:
- Twinkle Package: A one-hour tour that includes a delectable dessert, festive beverages served in a commemorative mug, and a photo to highlight your trip.
- Sparkle Package: A two-hour tour that includes sweet & savory snacks, festive beverages, and a photo to highlight your trip.
- Glitter Package: A three-hour tour that includes an upscale 4-course dinner prepared by a private chef, signature festive beverages, and a photo to highlight your trip.
Scenic Cruise Nights of Lights Tours
Take a nighttime tour of Nights of Lights aboard the Victory III with Scenic Cruise! The cruise is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 14th to December 27th, 2020. Cruises will also be available on Saturdays only from January 2nd to January 29th, 2021. The cruise will depart from the Municipal Marina at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Due to limited capacity, reservations are encouraged.
Eco Tours Nights of Lights Boat Tour
Eco Tours offers private boat tours that give you a fantastic view of St. Augustine’s holiday lights from the water. These tours are held nightly and depart at 6 PM and 7:30 PM.
Old Town Cycle Cruise Holly Jolly Yachty
Ready to get your cycle on? Glide along the water in this pedal-powered cruise. From November 14th, 2020 to January 31st, 2021, Old Town Cycle Cruise is offering nightly waterfront cruises to enjoy the Nights of Lights. Guests can BYOB and can choose to provide power by peddling during the cruise. The captain will steer the boat and make sure everyone is having a fantastic time.
Florida Water Tours Nights of Lights Tour
If you’re looking to make the holidays even more special and memorable, Florida Water Tours offers world-class yacht charter services during the Nights of Lights event. You’ll even get some complimentary Hot Cocoa and 3D glasses to use while you take in the millions of shining lights!
Three tours head out nightly, with the first tour leaving at 6:00 PM, ideal for kids 3+. The two later tours set out at 7:45 PM and 9:30 PM and are geared more towards adults. An onboard bar is available during all tours.
St. Augustine Boat Tours Nights of Lights Tour
This one-hour boat tour runs nightly from November 14th, 2020, to January 31st, 2021. Not only will the tour offer you a relaxing view of the Nights of Lights, but you’ll also get to see many of the city’s remarkable historical landmarks! This tour can be booked individually or for private group charters.
Bird’s Eye View
First City Helicopters Nights of Lights Tours
If you want to view the city of St. Augustine from a bird’s perspective, look no further! First City Helicopters offers nightly tours during the Nights of Lights season. What a great way to view the millions of lights from the sky!
Trains, Trolleys, & More
Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights Tours
Board one of Ripley’s festive red trains as it heads out around the city on a “lightseeing” tour. Guests will receive magical viewing glasses to make viewing the displays even more fun! Whether you want to sit back and relax as you enjoy the sights or take part in the holiday caroling, this tour will be fun for the whole family!
The Tasting Tours Nights of Lights Tours
If you’re interested in riding around in a horse-drawn carriage or old-fashioned roadster, check out The Tasting Tours! They offer both private and public tours.
Gold Tours Private Nights of Lights Tours
These private electric cart tours are 45 minutes long and accommodate up to six people. They allow guests to get up close and personal when it comes to viewing the city’s holiday lights. The tours are narrated and offer riders a way to get closer to some of the displays.
Old Town Trolleys Famous Nights of Lights Tour
Truly get into the spirit of the season with this fantastic tour! You’ll have the opportunity to see the famous holiday lights and sing jolly Christmas carols. You’ll even get complimentary magical viewing glasses that turn the lights into glittering snowflake and star shapes!
