Nights of Lights St. Augustine
Three million lights. One magical season.
What is Nights of Lights?
Nights of Lights St. Augustine transforms the entire historic district every year from mid-November through late January. A holiday tradition for over three decades, more than three million white lights blanket the old city—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.
- 2026-2027 Season
- November 21, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Dates run mid-November through late January each season, with lights turning on at dusk each evening. Planning ahead for a future season? The official tourism site posts the next season's dates once confirmed. - 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
- Planning Your Visit
- The lights glow every night of the season. Weeknights are quieter than weekends, and arriving right at dusk means you catch the whole district lighting up at once instead of walking into it mid-stride.
Light-Up! Night Opening Ceremony
The season kicks off with the annual Light-Up! Night celebration, typically on a Saturday in mid-November. The official lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 PM in the Plaza de la Constitución, but you'll want to arrive early—live entertainment starts at 4:00 PM with local musicians, performers, and holiday festivities.
When the lights flip on for the first time, thousands of spectators count down together as the entire downtown transforms in an instant. It's one of those St. Augustine moments you don't forget. If you can only visit once during the season, this is a great night to be here.
Best Photo Spots During Nights of Lights
After photographing dozens of sessions during Nights of Lights over the past decade, 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 begin with the evening sky, then transition into the lights as they come on, giving you both sunset photos and magical nighttime shots in one session.
We've been photographing during Nights of Lights for over a decade and plan around the crowds and the evening light, so we know which spots are quiet on which nights.
What We Offer
- St. Augustine Family Photography – Perfect for holiday cards and annual portraits
- Couples & Engagements – Romantic nighttime portraits
- St. Augustine Elopements – Intimate ceremonies among the lights
- Proposals – We'll capture the moment she says yes
Recent Nights of Lights Sessions
See more from our holiday season work
Nights of Lights St Augustine Tickets
Here's the good news: Nights of Lights is completely free. There's no admission fee, no tickets required, and no gates—just show up and enjoy millions of twinkling lights throughout downtown St. Augustine.
That said, there are some paid experiences that enhance the visit:
- Holly Jolly Trolley – A narrated trolley tour through the lights with hot cocoa
- The Grinch Ride – A holiday trolley tour hosted by the Grinch himself
- Nights of Lights Boat Tours – See the lights from the water aboard the Schooner Freedom or other boat charters
- Horse-drawn carriages – Romantic rides through the lit streets
All of these require advance booking and sell out quickly, especially on weekends. But the lights themselves? Free for everyone, every night of the season.
Tips for Visiting Nights of Lights
Free Shuttle & Parking
Skip the downtown parking headaches with free park-and-ride shuttles. Park at the Health Department lot or Broudy's lot (near the Outlets) and ride into downtown for free. On busy weekends, this is the way to go.
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.
Boat Tours
See the lights from the water. The Schooner Freedom and other charter boats offer evening cruises along the bayfront—a completely different perspective you can't get from land.
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.
The Grinch Ride
A St. Augustine holiday tradition. Hop on a trolley with the Grinch himself as he takes you through the lights—heckling tourists, yelling at pedestrians, and spreading his special brand of holiday cheer. Kids love it. Adults love it more.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lights turn on at dusk each evening (around 5:30-6:00 PM depending on the time of year) and stay on until the early morning hours, typically around 2 AM.
Yes! Nights of Lights is completely free to attend. Simply walk through downtown St. Augustine and enjoy the lights. Paid options like trolley tours and boat rides are available but not required.
Nights of Lights runs from mid-November through January, and the lights glow every night of the season. Weeknights are less crowded than weekends, and we plan around the crowds and the sunset on your date. Arriving 30 minutes before sunset lets you watch the lights come on.
The free park-and-ride shuttles from the Health Department lot or Broudy's lot are the easiest option. If you prefer to park downtown, the Cordova Street parking garage is your best bet—but expect it to fill up on weekends.
The season typically runs from mid-November through late January—about two full months of lights every evening. The 2026-2027 season runs November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027. Check the official tourism site for exact dates.
Absolutely! The lights create a beautiful backdrop for photos. For professional-quality portraits, we offer photography sessions throughout the season.
Want photos during Nights of Lights?
Sessions are available each season. Call or write and we will check your date.
Check Availability