It’s one of the top rated holiday events in the nation and it’s right here on Florida’s First Coast. Get all the details you need to make your Nights of Lights Experience the most memorable event of your holiday season!
The Top 8 Ways to See Nights of Lights
1. Tour the Lights by Trolley
Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour. Tours depart nightly beginning at 6 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center.
2. Tour by Train
Get on track for Nights of Lights on the Santa’s Red Express Tours. The tour begins at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
3. See the Sparkle from the Water
Nights of Lights shines from the water, too. St. Augustine Eco Tours harbor tour of the Nights of Lights provides a peaceful way to experience the illuminated city aboard 6 or 12-passenger boats. Take in the view of Nights of Lights from the sea aboard the Schooner Freedom on the ship’s Sunset Sail. Old Town Cycle Cruise, Florida Water Tours, Scenic Cruise, St. Augustine Boat Tours, Pia & Me Charters, St. Augustine Sailing and Red Boat Tours also offer Nights of Lights boat cruises, and the Black Raven offers light show views plus an entertaining pirate show.
4. See the Lights from Above
For a completely different perspective, climb 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The sight of the entire city dressed in tiny white lights is a view to behold. Or, enjoy a bird’s eye view of St. Augustine during Nights of Lights aboard Old City Helicopters. It’s a breathtaking view unlike any other
5. Enjoy A Wine & Carriage Tour
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45-minute group ride. Enjoy the sparkling scenery as well as a bottle of delicious boutique wine to share! Ride Includes: VIP Boarding, complimentary wine to enjoy on the carriage ride and souvenir wine glasses. The Tasting Tours offers nightly excursions starting at $69 per person. Private Carriage Rides are also available, as well as ‘family oriented’ Roadster Rides with the Grinch!
6. Go On a Guided Tour
On most Fridays and Saturdays in December and January, Ancient City Tours guides lead a 90-minute walking tour where participants can enjoy St. Augustine’s history while learning about unique colonial folklore and holiday traditions amid the backdrop of the glow of the city’s white lights. Sites include the opulent Lightner Museum courtyard, Plaza de la Constitución, and the enchanting Bayfront.
7. Take A Group Tour by Luxury Golf Cart
Small groups can book a Nights of Lights tour with St. Augustine Land & Sea Tours. Enjoy St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights in the comfort of a luxury 8-seat golf cart, attended by a knowledgeable tour guide.
8. Cuddle Up For A Romantic Ride
Enjoy a romantic horse and carriage tour. Tours depart from the Bayfront near the Castillo de San Marcos daily. Rates vary from $125 for a group of 4 and up. Reserve your carriage with Country Carriages.
Photo: St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau
