Dazzling Nights of Lights returns to St. Augustine this November for its 30th anniversary.

ST. Augustine, Florida. -Can you believe it? The holidays are just a few weeks away, and they bring with them holiday decorations, holiday shopping, and a lot of traffic. But who doesn’t love driving around town to admire beautifully lit homes and businesses? And it just so happens that one of the best light displays in the world is right here in Northeast Florida.

The 30th annual Night of Lights returns to St. Augustine on Saturday, November 23, 2024 and will be brightly lit for public viewing until Sunday, January 26, 2025.

The annual event “Bright Night!” The show at Parque de Menendez (the area in front of St. Augustine City Hall) begins at 4:00 pm with Showtime USA offering a wide selection of holiday favorites. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the All-Star Orchestra will perform dazzling swing and big band sounds in a festive setting at the historic Plaza de la Constitución gazebo. Following the performance, a night ceremony will take place in the square at 6:30 p.m., during which the night lights will turn on to illuminate the city. Finally, the concert, which ends at 19:30.

With an impressive array of holiday lights, downtown businesses remain open later to accommodate additional holiday shops and restaurants and allow visitors to see the wonderful display of lights.

If you don’t want to walk all over downtown St. Augustine, the trains and trolleys offer special tours to view the award-winning exhibits. Homes and businesses in downtown St. Augustine are also joining in on the fun by adding their own dazzling lights.

“The holiday was chosen in 2011 and 2012 National Geographic as one of the top 10 colorful holiday light displays in the world,” according to the City of St. Augustine. “The magnificent spectacle continues to captivate, becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination for holidaymakers from all over the world every year.”

What parts are illuminated?

Intricate light displays can be seen at Flagler College, the Lightner Museum, and on side streets such as Cordova and Orange.

In the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, every tree is decorated with lights and in the center there is a huge Christmas tree. The main pedestrian-only shopping area is Rue St. George, and the Tini Martini bar is located on the grounds of the Casablanca Inn.

Don’t forget to take a photo with the giant Christmas tree and Lions Bridge.

How did it start?

“Nights of Lights” began as a traditional Spanish practice of placing candles in windows during Christmas.

“The stunning lights reflect over 450 years of the city’s history and illuminate the beautiful cityscape, creating unforgettable holiday memories.”

Click here for more details and information.