Nights of Lights

View on map
Nature & SeasonSt. Augustine
Dates21 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsThe festival's white-light aesthetic traces
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Nights of Lights in St. Augustine

Nights of Lights is an annual holiday lights festival that transforms downtown St. Augustine, Florida, from mid-November through the end of January. A public-private partnership between the city, St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, and local businesses since 1993, it drapes buildings and rooftops in more than three million small white lights, free to view.

Its historic-city setting and national seasonal reputation make it a major Florida event.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's white-light aesthetic traces to the traditional Spanish Christmas custom of displaying white candles in windows, symbolizing room made in the home for the biblical Christmas story, a detail that ties the modern lighting display to St

02

The mystery stays covered

Augustine's identity as one of the nation's oldest European-founded cities

03

The city starts moving

Since 1996, the architectural firm Angels in the Architecture has designed and installed the jointly funded lighting displays, giving the festival a consistent design hand across decades

04

The water draws everyone in

Travel outlets have repeatedly ranked Nights of Lights among the best Christmas lighting displays in the country, and the free, walkable downtown format has made it a major tourism driver for St

05

The old stones answer

Johns County across an eleven-week run

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The lighting display continues the Spanish custom of window candles marking Christmas

Water and renewal

Living ritual

adapted into a modern citywide format that reflects St

The sacred route

Living ritual

Augustine's founding as a Spanish colonial settlement

The local code

Living ritual

one of the oldest continuously occupied European-established cities in the United States

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

21 November 2026

Getting around

Walking from historic-district lodging is best.

What to wear

Warm layers for St. Augustine's cooler winter evenings, comfortable walking shoes for the historic downtown's brick streets, and a light jacket or coat, since Florida's coastal winter nights...

Safety

Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.

Where to stay

St. Augustine

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map29.89 N, 81.31 WOpen in Google Maps

St. Augustine, FL

TransportWalking from historic-district lodging is best.
Stay areaSt. Augustine

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to St. Augustine via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near St. Augustine, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearWarm layers for St. Augustine's cooler winter evenings, comfortable walking shoes for the historic downtown's brick streets, and a light jacket or coat, since Florida's coastal winter nights can still be chilly.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Nights of Lights?

Nights of Lights is listed for 21 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Nights of Lights take place?

The festival is listed in St. Augustine, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

St. Augustine, FL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLfloridashistoriccoast.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates21 November 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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