A good Nights of Lights weekend has one main activity per day: an easy first-evening walk under the lights (free, nightly Nov. 21, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027), a daytime scavenger hunt on day two, and an open departure morning. Book lodging by comparing total cost, parking and walking distance to downtown.
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.
Make the first evening easy
Arrive with enough time to settle in before your evening plans. Check this season’s parking and shuttle details rather than relying on last year’s (our parking guide has the 2026 free-shuttle lots and dates). Pick a manageable area to explore and agree where you will meet if anyone gets separated.
For that first walk, try a free observation challenge. Each person chooses a reflection, a surprising shadow, and one detail they would draw. Share your choices over dinner or a warm drink. Even people who think they are looking at the same scene tend to notice different things.
Give the next day a purpose
Choose a Since 1565 scavenger hunt as your daytime activity. Read its description and route before buying so it suits your group’s interests and walking preferences, and play it in daylight. History fans like The Secret of the Spanish Fortress; families with younger kids, The Lost Treasure of St. Augustine.
Explore scavenger hunt adventures
Leave a gap afterward. Someone may want to revisit a building, ask a question, or spend longer over lunch. That flexibility matters when your group includes children or people who prefer a shorter day. Our list of free sights is handy for filling it.
Bring home something you made
A travel journal can hold everyone’s version of the weekend. Use a notebook you already own, or pick one up on the trip.
Try one page called “The city in five lines.” Sketch the outline of a roof or doorway using only five lines. On the opposite page, write a question you want to answer when you get home. Give the youngest traveler as much space as the oldest. (Want a keepsake too? Browse our Since1565 Etsy shop.)
Choose your stay around the whole weekend
Compare St. Augustine options for your actual dates and group size. Look at total cost, parking, cancellation terms and travel time to the places you plan to visit. Check whether any advertised amenity has a separate charge or limited hours. See also where to stay.
Compare accommodation options on Expedia → (affiliate link)
Keep a little of your departure day open. Ask everyone what they would like one more look at, then choose what fits comfortably. December weekends also bring parades and the boat Regatta of Lights; see the 2026 Christmas events calendar and our Nights of Lights guide.
Check current official Nights of Lights visitor information →
Questions people ask
How many days do you need for Nights of Lights?
One evening is enough to see the downtown lights, but a two-night weekend lets you add a daytime scavenger hunt, free sights and a second, slower evening walk.
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.
Is there a free shuttle for Nights of Lights?
Yes. The city runs a free shuttle 1–11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and most Sundays from Nov. 21 through Jan. 2, and daily Dec. 18 – Jan. 2, from lots including 200 San Sebastian View, 198 W. King St. and 301 San Marco Ave. to the Visitor Information Center. There is no shuttle on Christmas Day.
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