St. Augustine Nights of Lights

Nights of Lights runs nightly from November 18, 2023 through January 31, 2024

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights | 2023-2024 is celebrating 30 years of bringing joy to our community and visitors. Nights of Lights is only made possible by dozens of individual participating businesses. Thanks to them, as well as the City of St. Augustine, this brings people downtown each year to enjoy the free holiday light display with their family and friends.

Aviles Street in Historic Downtown dressed in holiday decor for St. Augustine's Nights of Lights holiday display.

  • Date: Nightly, from November 18, 2023 through January 31, 2024.
  • Time: Each night the light display turns on at dusk and remains on throughout the night.

During the holidays, St. Augustine becomes a truly magical place with millions of tiny white lights adorning the city. This award-winning, annual event – “Nights of Lights” – runs nightly … this year from November 18, 2023 through January 31, 2024. Holding the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best Holiday Displays In The World by National Geographic, this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of this event.

A photo of walking in Historic Downtown during the Nights of Lights holiday display.

Light Up! Night

Date: November 18, 2023
Location: Plaza de la Constitución

Light Up Night Schedule:

4:00 pm – Gather in front of the Lightner Museum for a grand performance by Showtime USA, a local hip-hop dance team that sings and performs.

5:30 pm – Make your way to the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitucion for a performance by the All-Star Orchestra who perform in grand holiday style each year on Light Up Night.

6:30 pm – At approximately 6:30 pm, the lights of the Christmas Tree in the Plaza de la Constitucion are switched on. This is followed by a ten-second group countdown that ends in the flick of a switch that turns on the Nights of Lights display.

Times subject to change.

Special Light-up! Night Service on Anastasia Island November 18, 2023 Only

These locations have not been confirmed by the City of St. Augustine.  This is information from 2023-24 season.  We will post as soon as confirmed with the City of St. Augustine.

Avoid traffic and park for free on Light Up Night ONLY by riding one of the two free shuttles listed below.  Each shuttle picks up riders from locations below, then drops them off near Historic Downtown.

The Anastasia Island shuttle will offer service only on Saturday, November 18, Light-Up! Night from locations on Anastasia Boulevard from 4:00pm to 11:00pm from parking locations to the east end of the Bridge of Lions. Shuttle service on Anastasia Island is provided by Historic Tours of America and Ripley’s Red Train Tours.

North City and US 1 Parking Including Light Up Night, November 18, 2023

These perimeter parking lot shuttles offer service on all days of operation, from 1:00pm to 11:00pm.

Note: The last shuttle will pick riders up from the east end of the Bridge of Lions and the Visitor Information Center to return them to their vehicles no later than 11 pm.

Parking and Shuttle Information

Nights of Lights Free Shuttle Service

Our free shuttle service is back again this Nights of Lights 2023 – 2024 season!

ONLY on the special nights listed below (to be confirmed), avoid traffic and park for free by riding the free shuttles available. Each shuttle picks up riders from three locations and drops them off near Historic Downtown.

  • Friday, November 24 (Thanksgiving weekend)
  • Saturday, November 25 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
  • Every Saturday in December (2, 9, 16, 23)
  • Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)

North City and US 1 Parking Shuttle Locations

These perimeter parking lot shuttles offer service on all days of operation, from 1:00pm to 11:00pm.

Note: The last shuttle will pick riders up from the Visitor Information Center and return them to their vehicles no later than 11 pm.

Shuttle Service Photo

Parking Under the Nights of Lights

Here are a few tips for parking during the Nights of Lights:

  • Historic Downtown Parking Facility, near the Visitors Information Center, costs $15 per vehicle per entry or $3 per vehicle per with a ParkNow card.  Accommodates 1,200 vehicles.
  • Pay attention to parking spaces monitored by parking meters and NEVER park by a curb marked in yellow.
  • Time limit: on-street: 3 hours / parking lots: 4 hours

More Shuttle Info >>>

Explore the Nights of Lights

Nights of Lights runs nightly from November 18, 2023 through January 28, 2024.

There are many ways to partake in the Nights of Lights fun, the most popular way is to walk around with good company, enjoying the display and bayfront location! Hot cocoa, a scarf, and a pair of mittens are all you need for a cozy viewing of the Ancient City in all its glory. However, if you are looking for an offbeat tour, St. Augustine offers fantastic tours by Land, Sea, and Air! Regardless of how you spend your night – be sure to take a ride over the Bridge of Lions, from Anastasia Island. The view of the Bayfront lit with thousands of bulbs flickering in the wind is one of St. Augustine’s most memorable images!

A photo of people riding the Old Town Trolley in front of the Lightner Museum during St. Augustine's Nights of Lights holiday display.

Land Tours

A timeless way to experience Nights of Lights is via Ripley’s Red Train, or Old Town Trolley. There is something about riding through town while singing along to Christmas carols that is untouchable to any other St. Augustine experience! For a more laidback experience, book a Nights of Lights Carriage Ride with the Tasting Tours of St. Augustine – paired with complimentary wine and souvenir glasses, you’re sure to make a few memories!

Water Tours

Famously romantic, viewing the lights from the Matanzas River has been a long-time favorite of locals and travelers alike. The gentle winter breeze, calm rocking of the ship, and an informative guide are a perfect setting for a Florida holiday experience.  Schooner Freedom Charters, St. Augustine Scenic Cruise and TH Charters are just a few of the options giving you the opportunity to enjoy the Nights of Lights season along the bayfront of St. Augustine.

Air Tours

Adventurers, there is even a way for you to experience the city-wide holiday display!  First City Helicopters has been showcasing St. Augustine’s skyline of lights since the very first Nights of Lights. A flight over St. Augustine is exactly the kind of thing you would see on a Bucket List and is sure to be a memory you’ll never forget! Be sure to make your reservation ahead of time.

Nights of Lights Tours >>>