Now in its 25th year, Nights of Lights bestows on the St. Augustine holiday season a sense of magic as millions of white lights line the city. From November through February, the city is illuminated and merely strolling along the streets is an enchanting experience. Nights of Lights beckons millions toward the city every year, and we know that can get a little overwhelming. So to help ring in the season and get you ready, here’s everything you need to know about Light Up Night and beyond at St. Augustine’s 2018 Nights of Lights.
LIGHT UP! NIGHT
A tradition since Nights of Lights began, the nearly three-month-long event begins with a ceremonial flipping of a switch. Light Up Night will take place on Saturday, November 17. The festivities will begin at 4pm in front of City Hall (the Lightner Museum) with a spirited performance by Showtime USA. Then at 5:30pm from the historic Plaza de la Constitución Gazebo, the All Star Orchestra will take the stage with great swing and big band sounds all in grand holiday style.
At 6:30pm, city officials and special guests (that are still to be announced) will flip the switch that fills the city with a magical holiday sparkle. Entertainment continues in the Plaza until 7:30pm as thousands gathered for the lighting ceremony linger in the downtown area to start their holiday shopping, have dinner the company of good friends, or to simply enjoy the beauty of the city in the glow of millions of white lights.
Road Closures/Restricted Parking
Make note of the road closures that will take place on November 17 – Cathedral Place: Cordova St. and Avenida Menendez will have parking prohibited all day; street closed to vehicles 5–8pm. King Street: Cordova St. and Avenida Menendez will have parking prohibited all day; street closed as determined by police to ensure pedestrian safety.
FREE SHUTTLES
Each year, the city offers a free park and ride shuttle to help alleviate some of the traffic associated with the event. There will also be shuttles available on select dates throughout the season.
Light Up! Night Only
1-11pm
St. Johns Co. Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
North San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Ave.
Drop off at: St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, 10 S. Castillo Dr.
4-11pm
Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340-C A1A South
R.B. Hunt Elementary, 125 Magnolia Dr.
Drop off at: East end of the Bridge of Lions
Friday & Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend, Saturdays in December
1-11pm
St. Johns Co. Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View
North San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Ave.
Drop off at: St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, 10 S. Castillo Dr.
NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOURS
There are plenty of ways to see the city’s favorite holiday tradition, but sometimes you want more than just a sidewalk view. With family in town or just a special night on the horizon, these local tours will let you enjoy the dazzling lights in style.
Florida Water Tours
November 17-February 3
www.floridawatertour.com
Schooner Freedom
November 17-January 6
www.schoonerfreedom.com
Gold Tours
November 18-January 20
www.staugustinegoldtours.com
Red Trains
November 17-January 26
www.ripleys.com/redtrains
Biplane Tours
November 17-February 3
www.staugustinebiplanerides.com
Old Town Trolley
November 18-January 31
www.trolleytours.com
Rockin’ Red Roadster
November 17-February 3
www.thetastingtours.com
Native Sun Boat Tour
November 17-February 3
www.boattoursstaugustine.com
Learn more about St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights by visiting www.citystaug.com/LightUpNight. Images via the City of St. Augustine.
Find more events in St. Augustine by visiting our online calendar of events!
