St. Augustine's Nights of Lights 2025-26

The 32nd Annual Nights of Lights dazzles with more than three million lights adorning every corner of the historic district for two months.

This award-winning holiday lights display runs from Saturday, November 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, in historic downtown St. Augustine. During the seasonal display, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine with a view of the lights and browse the shops in the decorated buildings.

The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the most lighted areas, and there are several other ways to enjoy the lights, including in an electric cart, from the water, and up in the air.

Featured Upcoming Events

Light-Up Night!

Saturday
Nov. 15

Nov. 15th
6:00 pm

Nights of Lights Tours 2025 - 2026

Dec. 14th
12:00 pm

Holiday Tour of Homes — 2025

All Nights of Lights Events 

Check out our complete list of holiday tours and all the other events happening during Nights of Lights.

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the downtown area, from the dazzling lights along the bayfront, to the Christmas tree placed in the center of the Plaza de la Constitución with holiday gifts surrounding it. From dusk until dawn, the lights bring holiday cheer to visitors and locals.

The City of St. Augustine offers a Free Park and Ride Shuttle Service for Nights of Lights beginning on Light Up Night, November 15, and continuing on select days through the end of December.  For information about operating times and the pick-up and drop-off locations, visit here.

Light-Up! Night

The annual Light-Up! Night begins at 4:00 p.m. with a performance by Showtime USA presenting a variety of holiday musical favorites. Showtime's performance will be in front of St. Augustine's City Hall, 75 King Street. At 5:30 p.m., the All Star Orchestra takes the stage with great swing and big band sounds in grand holiday style at the historic Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo. The Light-Up! Night ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza, when the master of ceremonies switches on the Nights of Lights to illuminate the city. The concert continues after the ceremony until 7:30 p.m.

This is the local winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine, where each historic downtown business and many residents participate by lighting up their buildings. The celebration was chosen in 2011 and 2012 by National Geographic as one of the top 10 dazzling holiday lighting displays in the world. The display continues to dazzle, becoming more and more popular each year as a holiday destination for vacationers from all over the world.

Some of the most elaborate light displays are at Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. The Plaza de la Constitución features white lights draped over the top of every tree, and a colorfully lit Christmas tree in the center where photos can be taken. 

Downtown businesses decorate each year, entering a contest organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Florida's Historic Coast, Old Town Trolley Tours, and several other businesses. Here are the 2024 winners:

• First Place — Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
• Second Place — Renaissance Historic Downtown
• Third Place — Rain Tree Restaurant

You can also enjoy the view of the lit bayfront from the Bridge of Lions and — at a bit more distance — from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

History

The original St. Augustine Nights of Lights committee claimed the idea was based on the old Spanish practice of displaying a white candle in windows during Christmas. Candles in the window allude to the fact that Mary and Joseph could find no inn that would shelter them. When the Spanish put candles in their windows, they were symbolically making room in their homes and hearts for Jesus.

It also reflects the welcoming attitude of the holiday season, showing that guests are welcome to the home. The stunning lights reflect the city's more than 450-year history and illuminate the beautiful cityscape for lasting holiday memories.

Things to Do

Looking for things to do in St. Augustine during the celebration of lights? This event features millions of tiny, white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation's oldest city. From roof shingle to doorway entrance, the downtown buildings are a glow in holiday cheer.

Vacationers can walk through the Plaza de la Constitución during Nights of Lights and stare up at the glowing lights in the trees, and wander through downtown's brick streets while taking in the beautiful and magical sights. Visitors can snap photos with outdoor displays, like the holiday tree in the center of the town plaza, or grab some hot cocoa from a local restaurant.

Check out these local tours during Nights of Lights. There are many more tours and all kinds of events happening during the holiday season.

• Old Town Trolley Famous Nights of Lights Tour
• Ripley's Red Train
• Red Boat Tours
• St. Augustine Eco Tours
• Scenic Cruise Tours
• Florida Water Tours
• St. Augustine Sailing
• St. Augustine Boat Tours
• Black Raven Pirate Ship Tour