If a Nights of Lights trip (nightly Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027) has you thinking about moving to St. Augustine, use part of the visit to test everyday life: groceries, commutes and the areas of St. Johns County that fit your routine. If buying becomes serious, a mortgage preapproval conversation is the next step, but preapproval is not a guaranteed loan.
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.
Enjoy the visit and notice ordinary life
Set aside some daylight to explore the places that would shape your routine. Think about the grocery trip, your workday, and how often you would actually visit the beach or downtown. Try a drive you might make regularly, at a time that reflects your likely schedule.
Historic downtown, the beach areas and other parts of St. Johns County offer different settings. Decide what matters to you personally. Would you prefer a particular type of home, less upkeep, or easier access to your regular activities? Write down the questions that require a second visit.
Explore together before deciding
A Since 1565 scavenger hunt can add an enjoyable discovery to your trip. Choose an adventure that fits your group and follow its route and play instructions. It gives everyone a chance to share what interests them about the city before you begin the more practical conversations.
Explore scavenger hunt adventures
For a longer stay, compare accommodation options and leave time for everyday errands between holiday activities. Review the location, total cost, parking and booking terms before choosing.
Find a stay for a longer look at St. Augustine on Expedia → (affiliate link)
Talk about the numbers when you are ready
If buying a home becomes a serious possibility, I am happy to talk through your next steps. I’m Stina Antonopoulos, a Florida mortgage broker and real estate broker. We can start with your timing, what you want your monthly housing costs to feel like, and whether a mortgage preapproval conversation makes sense now.
If you decide to seek preapproval, the lender reviews financial information to assess potential financing. Preapproval is not a guaranteed loan offer. Final approval depends on the lender’s requirements, underwriting and the property. Your own comfortable budget matters alongside any amount a lender may consider.
A home budget also needs room for property taxes, insurance, maintenance and any applicable association or CDD assessments. Ask for current information for the particular property you are considering.
Connect with Stina about Florida mortgage options →
Stina Antonopoulos, Florida mortgage broker, NMLS #1891367. Verify at nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Preapproval is subject to lender review and is not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity. This invitation is separate from Since 1565 hunts and travel bookings; you can read, buy a hunt or book a stay without any mortgage inquiry.
You can enjoy this visit without deciding anything. If the idea of living here stays with you after the lights, we can talk about what it would take.
Planning the holiday part of the trip? See our Nights of Lights guide and the 2026 Christmas events calendar.
Check current official Nights of Lights visitor information →
Questions people ask
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 a mortgage preapproval a guaranteed loan?
No. Preapproval means a lender has reviewed your financial information to assess potential financing. Final approval depends on the lender’s requirements, underwriting and the property.
What costs should I budget for besides the mortgage payment in St. Johns County?
Plan for property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and any association or CDD assessments, and ask for current figures for the specific property.
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.
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); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (getting a preapproval letter). 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