Nights of Lights St. Augustine
Three million lights. One magical season.
What is Nights of Lights?
Every year from mid-November through late January, St. Augustine transforms into a glittering wonderland. Over three million white lights blanket the historic district—draped across Spanish colonial architecture, wrapped around ancient oak trees, and strung along the bayfront.
Named one of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic, Nights of Lights draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to Florida's oldest city each season. The lights come on every evening at dusk and stay lit until the early morning hours.
2025-2026 Dates
November 15, 2025 – January 26, 2026
Lights turn on at dusk each evening
Where to See Them
The entire historic downtown district, concentrated around:
- Plaza de la Constitución
- St. George Street
- Lightner Museum & Flagler College
- The Bayfront & Bridge of Lions
Best Time to Visit
Weeknights are less crowded than weekends. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to watch the lights come on—it's magical.
Best Photo Spots During Nights of Lights
After photographing dozens of sessions during Nights of Lights over the past 15 years, we've found the spots that photograph best—and the ones worth skipping.
Lightner Museum & Alcazar Courtyard
The Lightner Museum exterior is stunning with lights reflecting off the architecture. The Alcazar Courtyard (with the bridge and fountain) is iconic but gets crowded—we recommend arriving early or shooting on weeknights.
Flagler College Entrance
The grand entrance with its Spanish Renaissance architecture and palm trees wrapped in lights creates a dramatic backdrop. Best photographed from across the street to capture the full scale.
Treasury on the Plaza
The historic bank building and surrounding plaza offer multiple angles. The vault door inside is a favorite for couples who got married here.
Cathedral Basilica
The oldest church in Florida, beautifully lit during the season. The plaza in front provides space for portraits with the illuminated facade behind.
The Bayfront
Palm trees wrapped in lights stretching along the water. Less crowded than downtown and offers a different feel—more open and romantic.
Casa Monica Resort
The Moorish Revival architecture looks incredible lit up at night. Great for quick portraits if you're staying there or passing by.
Photography Sessions During Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights creates a backdrop unlike anything else in Florida. We offer portrait sessions during the season for families, couples, engagements, and elopements.
Sessions typically start 30-45 minutes before sunset. We capture golden hour first, then transition into the lights as they come on—giving you both warm sunset photos and magical nighttime shots in one session.
We've been photographing during Nights of Lights for over a decade and know which spots work best at what times, where to avoid crowds, and how to make the most of the limited evening light.
What We Offer
- Family Sessions – Perfect for holiday cards and annual portraits
- Couples & Engagements – Romantic nighttime portraits
- Elopements – Intimate ceremonies among the lights
- Proposals – We'll capture the moment she says yes
Our Nights of Lights Photography
Real sessions from past seasons
Tips for Visiting Nights of Lights
Parking
Downtown parking fills up fast on weekends. The parking garage on Cordova Street is your best bet, or park at the Visitor Center and take the trolley in.
What to Wear
December evenings in St. Augustine are mild but can get chilly—50s to 60s typically. Layers work well. For photos, avoid logos and neon colors.
Trolley Tours
Old Town Trolley offers special Nights of Lights tours with hot cocoa. It's a great way to see everything without fighting for parking.
Combine with Dinner
Make a night of it. Grab dinner on St. George Street, then walk through the lights. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the displays.
Want photos during Nights of Lights?
Limited sessions available each season. Book early to secure your spot.
Check Availability