St. Augustine's 2026 holiday season starts with Light-Up! Night on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Nights of Lights runs every evening through Jan. 18, 2027. The biggest free events are the Christmas Parade (Sat., Dec. 5, 9 a.m.), the Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade (Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m.) and the Holiday Regatta of Lights (Sat., Dec. 12, 6 p.m.).
Light-Up! Night and Nights of Lights (Nov. 21 – Jan. 18)
Light-Up! Night is Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. Live entertainment starts at 4 p.m. in front of City Hall (75 King St.), and the official lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. It's free, and no tickets are needed. After that, the lights shine every evening through Jan. 18, 2027.
Free shuttle: 1–11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and most Sundays from Nov. 21 through Jan. 2, and daily Dec. 18 – Jan. 2. Pickup lots are the St. Johns County Health Department (200 San Sebastian View), Broudy's lot (198 W. King St.) and the San Marco lot (301 San Marco Ave.). Drop-off is the Visitor Information Center (10 S. Castillo Dr.). There's no shuttle on Christmas Day. On Light-Up! Night only, an extra Anastasia Island route runs 4–11 p.m. to the east end of the Bridge of Lions.
For the best viewing spots, trolley options and photo tips, see our full Nights of Lights 2026–27 guide. Driving in? Read Where to Park in Downtown St. Augustine.
Saturday, Dec. 5: two parades in one day
The St. Augustine Christmas Parade starts at 9 a.m. near the Mission Nombre de Dios off San Marco Avenue and continues through the downtown historic streets. It's listed as 9–10:30 a.m. and free. The city's free Park & Ride shuttle starts early that day, at 8 a.m.
That evening is the Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade, presented by the Historic Florida Militia. It begins at 7 p.m. from a new starting point near the Visitor Information Center, goes down Orange Street, through the City Gate and south along St. George Street, and ends at the Governor's House Cultural Center & Museum (48 King St.), with a musket "Volley of Joy" and carol singing. Free.
On Friday, Dec. 4, the militia's encampment and living-history demonstrations run 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Oldest House Museum (14 St. Francis St.).
History vs. reenactment: the Night Watch is a living-history event. The militia's uniforms, drills and the colonial setting are drawn from history; the scenes themselves are recreated for visitors.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Holiday Regatta of Lights
Decorated boats light up Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It's free, organized by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. The bayfront walk along that stretch puts you right beside the boats; arrive early for a spot along the seawall.
Also on Dec. 12: Las Posadas and a Live Nativity at the Mission Nombre de Dios (101 San Marco Ave.). Times weren't posted when we checked, so contact the mission before you go.
Holiday exhibits worth a ticket
- Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings & Trees, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (100 Red Cox Dr.), Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 16, 2027. Listed admission is $22.95–$26.95, with free parking. Evening hours weren't posted, so check staugustinelighthouse.org before you plan a night visit.
- "A Celebration of Art and History: Family Traditions," Ximenez-Fatio House Museum (20 Aviles St.), Nov. 21 – Jan. 16. Holiday displays on the house's fireplace mantels. Open Monday to Saturday (Wednesday from 11 a.m.), closed Sunday; docent tours at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are sold through the museum's website.
- Nights of Lights 360 Video Experience at the Lightner Museum (75 King St.), Nov. 21 – Jan. 17. Free. Evening hours vary by day, so check the listing on floridashistoriccoast.com.
Plan around the holidays
- The Castillo de San Marcos is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Other days, first admission is 9 a.m. and last admission is 5 p.m.
- Parade days are busy. Use the shuttle, or walk in from your hotel (where to stay).
- Fill a December daytime with a scavenger hunt: The Secret of the Spanish Fortress pairs perfectly with the Night Watch, and the free Three Keys walk passes the City Gate on the torchlight route.
- See everything else on our events page and the free sights. Teachers and co-ops planning a December field trip: group field trips.
Sources (checked Nov. 8, 2026): floridashistoriccoast.com (Nights of Lights, Christmas events, Christmas Parade, Colonial Night Watch, Holiday Regatta of Lights, Lighthouse Illuminations, Nights of Lights 360); staugustinelighthouse.org; ximenezfatiohouse.org; nps.gov/casa (hours).
Questions people ask
When is Light-Up! Night 2026 in St. Augustine?
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026. Live entertainment starts at 4 p.m. in front of City Hall, and the lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. It's free.
When is the St. Augustine Christmas Parade 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. near the Mission Nombre de Dios on San Marco Avenue and continuing through downtown. It's free.
What is the Torchlight Parade in St. Augustine?
The Colonial Night Watch Torchlight Parade is a free living-history procession by the Historic Florida Militia. In 2026 it's Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., from near the Visitor Information Center through the City Gate and down St. George Street.
When is the Regatta of Lights 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m., on Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo. It's free.
Is the Castillo de San Marcos open on Christmas?
No. The Castillo is closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. It's open the rest of the season, with first admission at 9 a.m.
Hours, fees and schedules change. Confirm with each organizer or site before you go. ← More from the blog