St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is one of the most-visited holiday events in the country — National Geographic has called it one of the best holiday lights displays in the world. The historic downtown is strung with millions of white lights from Thanksgiving weekend through mid-January. The 2026–27 season runs November 21, 2026 through January 18, 2027. Official Nights of Lights info →
Why It’s Worth Planning Around
Nights of Lights spans almost two full months, which means it’s less about picking one weekend and more about picking the right weekend — Thanksgiving week and the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s book fastest and command the highest demand.
What to Do
Walk the historic downtown after dark, take a horse-drawn carriage or trolley tour built specifically around the lights, and book dinner reservations well ahead — downtown restaurants fill up fast every night of the season.
Where to Stay
We manage vacation homes throughout St. Augustine, many an easy walk or short drive from the historic downtown lights. View available homes →