Nights of Lights runs every night from Saturday, November 21, 2026 (Light-Up! Night) through Monday, January 18, 2027, from dusk to dawn in historic downtown St. Augustine. Walking the lights is free; trolley, train, boat and walking tours charge separately.
The dates at a glance
- Light-Up! Night: Saturday, November 21, 2026. Live music from about 4 p.m. around the Plaza and City Hall; the lights switch on around 6:30 p.m.
- Nights of Lights: every night through Monday, January 18, 2027, dusk to dawn.
- Grand Illumination: Saturday, December 5, 2026. A free, torch-lit living-history procession from the City Gate down St. George Street to the Plaza, about 7 to 8 p.m.
Times are set by the organizers and can change, so check the City of St. Augustine before you go. Our events page keeps the season's dates in one place.
Where to walk
The lights cover the historic district, so the best plan is to park once and walk a loop:
- Plaza de la Constitución. The heart of the lights, with the gazebo, the oaks and the Cathedral Basilica on the north side. Read the Plaza's history.
- King Street. Walk west past the former Hotel Ponce de León (now Flagler College) and the courtyard of the Lightner Museum and City Hall, one of the prettiest spots of the season. Read about Flagler's hotels.
- St. George Street. Head north through the pedestrian street to the City Gates. What you're looking at.
- The bayfront and the Bridge of Lions. Finish along the water. Walking partway onto the bridge gives you the classic view back over the glowing skyline. The bridge's story.
Tours, trolleys and boats
Several companies run special lights tours by trolley, train, boat and on foot. Riders often sing carols as they loop through town, and it's one of the most festive ways to see the season. These sell out on busy weekends, so book ahead.
Compare lights tours More options
Tips for a better night
- Go on a weeknight if you can. Weekends, Light-Up! Night and the weeks around Christmas are the busiest.
- Arrive before dusk. Park, grab dinner, and be in place as the lights come on.
- Park once. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility near the Visitor Information Center is a short walk from the City Gates.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many streets are brick or uneven.
- Book your room early. Downtown hotels and inns fill fast for holiday weekends. Where to stay.
Make a day of it
Come downtown in the afternoon and play a self-guided scavenger hunt while it's light. The free Three Keys walk takes about 20 to 35 minutes from the City Gates to the Castillo, and The Lost Treasure of St. Augustine ends in the Plaza, right where the lights are brightest.
Questions people ask
When is Nights of Lights 2026–2027?
Nights of Lights runs nightly from Saturday, November 21, 2026 (Light-Up! Night) through Monday, January 18, 2027, from dusk to dawn.
Is Nights of Lights free?
Yes. Walking downtown to see the lights is free. Trolley, train, boat and walking tours charge separately.
What is the best night to see Nights of Lights?
Weeknights are usually less crowded than weekends, Light-Up! Night and the weeks around Christmas.
Where should I park for Nights of Lights?
Many visitors park once at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility near the Visitor Information Center and walk. Confirm rates and hours with the city.
How long does it take to see the lights?
Plan on one to two hours to walk the Plaza, King Street, St. George Street and the bayfront at an easy pace.
Hours, fees and schedules change. Confirm with each organizer or site before you go. ← More from the blog