Nights of Lights runs nightly from Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 18, 2027, and walking downtown to see the lights is free. For the best family evening, do a daytime scavenger hunt, eat an early dinner, then walk the lights with a simple “three discoveries” photo game, and finish while everyone is still having fun.
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.
Start with a mystery before the lights
Build your afternoon around a self-guided scavenger hunt. Children have something to search for, and the grown-ups get a reason to slow down and look closely at the city. An unusual doorway or a pattern in a building becomes part of the outing.
Browse the adventures on Since 1565 before you arrive. Check the route, age guidance and play instructions, and play a daytime hunt before your evening walk. Younger kids (4–9) can try The Little Detectives’ Big Adventure; ages 6 and up love The Lost Treasure of St. Augustine. Want to try one first? The free Three Keys walk takes about 20 minutes.
Explore scavenger hunt adventures
Try the three discoveries challenge
Here is a free little game to bring along. Find a reflection of the lights, a doorway your family would put in a storybook, and a building detail you cannot identify yet. Use public sidewalks and choose places where you can stop without blocking other people.
Each person gets to explain one choice. What makes that doorway mysterious? What might the unfamiliar detail do? Take a photo or make a quick sketch, then look up the unanswered question together later. There is no winning speed. Everyone who notices something gets to contribute.
Give the memory a place to live
Before your trip, consider a family ornament or a small notebook. Write the date and your funniest discovery inside the notebook. If you choose an ornament, pick a design you would enjoy seeing again next December. Our own Since1565 Etsy shop has St. Augustine keepsakes; check the listing details and delivery estimate before ordering.
Leave enough room for a happy ending
Choose an early dinner if that suits your children (see where to eat), bring water and an extra layer, and decide on a meeting place before entering a busy area. Give yourselves permission to finish while everyone is still having fun.
Driving in? The city’s free Nights of Lights shuttle and the downtown garage are explained in our parking guide. If you are staying overnight, compare the actual route between your accommodation and your evening plans. On Expedia, review the total price, parking, room setup and cancellation terms before booking.
Compare St. Augustine stays on Expedia → (affiliate link)
Before leaving, ask each child to name the discovery they would show a friend. That answer can become the first page of next year’s adventure. For viewing spots and trolley options, see our full Nights of Lights 2026–27 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 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 Nights of Lights good for kids?
Yes. The lights are free to walk, and families can make the evening easier with a daytime scavenger hunt, an early dinner, a simple photo game and a pre-agreed meeting spot in busy areas.
What can kids do in St. Augustine during Nights of Lights?
Try a self-guided scavenger hunt in daylight (Since 1565 has hunts for ages 4–9 and 6+, plus a free 20-minute walk), then look for reflections, storybook doorways and mystery details along the lit streets.
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