For a Nights of Lights date (nightly Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027, free to walk), share a scavenger hunt before dusk, trade two photo assignments under the lights, and agree on your pace first: a reserved dinner and short walk, or a long stroll with a dessert stop.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission if you book through the Expedia links in this article. The Since 1565 scavenger hunts and the Since1565 Etsy shop are my own.
The 2026–2027 Nights of Lights season runs November 21, 2026, through January 18, 2027. Viewing the downtown light displays is free; lodging, dining, tours and other activities may cost extra.
Share an adventure while it is still light
If you both enjoy puzzles, start with a Since 1565 scavenger hunt that suits your interests. Take turns reading clues. Let the person who usually navigates hand over the map for a while. A shared challenge gives you something to talk about beyond where to eat.
Good picks for two: The Ghosts of the Ancient City (fact vs. folklore) or The Gilded Age Conspiracy (Flagler-era architecture). Check the route and play instructions, plan to finish before dusk, then put the clues away and enjoy the lights at your own pace.
Explore scavenger hunt adventures
Trade two photographs
Give each other a small assignment: photograph one detail that reminds you of the other person, then one scene you would put on a postcard. The photographs do not need to be perfect. The fun is in explaining why you chose them.
A reflection might remind you of a beach trip. A bright window might bring back the first home you shared. You could choose entirely different things while standing in the same place. Take your photos from public viewing areas and pause where other visitors have room to pass.
Add a keepsake with a story
If you like marking occasions, look for an ornament or print with the place and year. Our Since1565 Etsy shop has St. Augustine keepsakes; confirm the design and production time before ordering. It can become a gift after the trip, once you know which memory you want it to hold.
Choose the pace before you choose the plans
Agree on the kind of evening you both want. One couple may want a reserved dinner and a short walk. Another may prefer a longer stroll with a dessert stop. If a restaurant or paid tour matters to you, check its current schedule and reservations directly (ideas: where to eat and tours).
For an overnight visit, compare accommodations with your actual evening in mind. Check the walking route or transport options, parking fees and cancellation terms. A property’s address alone will not tell you how convenient the trip back will feel after a long evening. See also where to stay.
Explore St. Augustine stays for your dates on Expedia → (affiliate link)
Before heading back, show each other your photographs. You may discover that the part of the night you almost walked past is the one you both want to remember. Planning the route? Our Nights of Lights guide covers viewing spots and trolleys.
Check current official Nights of Lights visitor information →
Questions people ask
What is a good date night idea in St. Augustine at Christmas?
Walk Nights of Lights (free, nightly Nov. 21 – Jan. 18). Add a daytime scavenger hunt you solve together, a two-photo challenge under the lights, and dinner or dessert downtown.
When is Nights of Lights 2026–2027?
Nights of Lights runs every evening from Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 (Light-Up! Night) through Jan. 18, 2027, in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Is Nights of Lights in St. Augustine free?
Yes. Walking downtown to see the light displays is free. Trolley tours, boat tours, parking, dining and lodging cost extra.
When is Light-Up! Night 2026?
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. Live entertainment starts at 4 p.m. outside City Hall, and the lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. It is free.
Sources (checked Nov. 8–10, 2026): City of St. Augustine (2026–27 season dates); Florida’s Historic Coast, floridashistoriccoast.com (Nights of Lights, free display, Light-Up! Night and shuttle details). Itineraries, photo challenges and journal activities are our own suggestions. This is an independent visitor guide, not an official city or event-partner page.
Hours, fees and schedules change. Confirm with each organizer or site before you go. ← More from the blog