If you don’t live downtown in St. Augustine you may need a good reason to tackle the traffic and hoards of tourists. Winter is the perfect time of year to make the trek and enjoy our picturesque town. What’s that? It’s cold? Put your coat on, grab a scarf, and go take a walk through downtown, it’s beautiful! For the true southerners who are freezing in 70 degree weather, here’s a list of reasons to bundle up and brave the cooler temperatures.
- Nights of Lights:
This one is a no brainer. If you have lived in St. Augustine for any period of time you have seen the nationally acclaimed lists Nights of Lights has been shared on. Whether you prefer to enjoy the twinkling lights walking through town, riding a pedi cab or trolley, the beauty that is Nights of Lights in St. Augustine is sure to warm your soul. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about gazing at holiday lights while sipping hot cocoa with your loved ones, which brings me to Number Two. - Seasonal Drinks (non-alcoholic & alcoholic):
Kilwin’s is right on Saint George Street and the perfect first stop to pick up a hot chocolate for an evening stroll looking at the lights. The Kookaburra does a Hot Chocolate Bar every weekend, Whetstone’s Chocolates offers a spicy minorcan hot chocolate, and The Chocolate Turtle also has some warm options.
If you are interested in a festive drink to warm you up before walking through town try The Tini Martini for a minty cocktail like a Grasshopper.
The Ice Plant is another spot to stop on your way to the lights for their drink The Moon and Antarctica. Think snowy thoughts. 🙂 Most places downtown with a bar will have Bailey’s available, if you want a warm drink consider a traditional Baileys Irish Coffee. - Shop Local
There are plenty of locally owned businesses downtown to finish all of your Christmas shopping at, many of which are having holiday sales over the next couple of weeks. - Holiday Displays
It may not be New York City’s iconic 5th Avenue holiday windows, but many of the business owners downtown do take the time to put up beautiful holiday displays to liven up your Christmas shopping trip and put you in the spirit. - Special Events (Shows & Tours)
21st Annual Holiday Tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns, December 13th and 14th
Regatta of Lights, December 13th at 6:00 P.M. on the bayfront.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, December 14th at 3:00 P.M.
The Nutcracker by the St. Augustine Ballet, December 20th and 21st
Miracle on 34th Street, through January 4th. - Photo Opps
Who wouldn’t want a photo in their winter getup on the lawn of The Fort? With palm trees and the waterfront in the background you could easily have a family picture for holiday cards or just a fancy Instagram photo flaunting our festive Florida town.
Is there anything else jolly that brings you downtown in the winter? Share with us below in the comments!
