Festive St. Augustine experiences on your Nights of Lights itinerary

The oldest metropolis in the US is attracting international consideration, however not for its wealthy historical past, stunning seashores, stylish lodging or award-winning delicacies. As an alternative, tens of 1000’s of holiday makers yearly are touring to the historic coastal metropolis of St. Augustine, Florida for a dose of vacation magic. 

November via January town’s historic downtown district transforms right into a whimsical winter competition known as Nights of Lights, a city-wide occasion that includes thousands and thousands of twinkling lights so unbelievable that Clark Griswold would cease in marvel. From the sidewalks to the rooftops vacation shows enhance historic buildings, public areas, inns, eating places, and small companies. And most notably, these magnificent mild shows are all free for the group to take pleasure in.

Now in its thirty first yr, the competition showcases an eclectic mixture of shows, every hoping to be the most important and brightest show on the town. Residents and guests alike dressed for the season including to the ambiance of the competition. Golf carts taking part in Christmas tunes, pushed by the Grinch himself roll down Aviles Avenue. Horse-drawn carriages go with {couples} bundled collectively on a cold Florida night time sipping cups of mulled wine. Virtually each inch of town, each enterprise, each resort, showcasing their very own character with themed bushes and customized decorations in and out. 

From strolling excursions to scenic sails, there are numerous methods for guests to benefit from the Nights of Lights festivities. Contemplate including these tour experiences to your upcoming itinerary.

Golf cart tour with St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions

St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions gives among the finest methods to expertise the competition that covers greater than 20 blocks of town’s historic district. Visitors are welcomed by their private driver, dressed for the event, to board the open-cabin electrical golf cart. Small teams are handled to family-friendly vacation music and stress-free viewing alternatives as they leisurely make their manner across the metropolis. These golf carts are a simple and comfy option to navigate in any other case tight streets and congested areas of the occasion. This explicit tour is advisable for households with younger kids in addition to these with mobility issues. Every electrical golf cart can accommodate as much as 9 visitors for this roughly 45 minute tour.

Non-public carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions

Able to star in your personal Hallmark Christmas film? Non-public horse-drawn carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions are wonderful for {couples} in search of a little bit of that film worthy romance. However not only for {couples}, these old style carriage excursions are additionally nice for grownup teams of 4 or much less in search of a extra customized, intimate and opulent viewing expertise of the historic downtown district. Passengers are handled to pleasant employees, festive carriage decor and supplied glasses of wine as they embark on an enthralling guided tour of town’s lightscape. These 35-45 minute excursions are booked by appointment and topic to availability.

To not be ignored, the guided strolling excursions from St. Augustine Experiences would possibly simply be the expertise you might be in search of. Strolling excursions can elevate your standing from customary vacationer to educated native insider, exploring the nooks, crannies and distinctive areas in any other case missed by vacationers. Visitors are greeted by a pleasant tour information able to cater to their tempo and pursuits as they discover the expansive winter competition by foot. The tour information effortlessly blends town’s deep historical past and folklore with modern occasions and notable mild shows. Not wanting visitors to overlook a festive second, the tour information shares extra about happenings to go to on foot just like the 7:00 pm “snow” and self-serve drafts at Auggie’s Draft Room along with providing a tailor-made listing of stops so as to add to a Nights of Lights itinerary. A superb tour expertise for vacationers seeking to see the lights, but additionally seize the magic of town’s unbelievable historical past. These 90 minute excursions are supplied 7 days every week, rain or shine.

Sundown sail with Schooner Freedom Charters

Crusing day by day from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, the family-owned and operated Schooner Freedom Charters provide the proper sundown sail for viewing the lights from the bay. The 76-foot ship welcomes its passengers with open arms. Earlier than setting sail they provide a useful security lesson, instantly adopted by a champagne (or soda) toast. The on deck ambiance is stress-free and gorgeous, entertaining {couples}, teams and even households with younger kids. Households are welcomed to assist elevate the sails, and youngsters supplied an opportunity to “steer” the boat. The crew serves limitless bar drinks and shares extra in regards to the websites and wildlife. As soon as the solar fades away the Schooner lights up in its personal vacation show whereas the crew passes round Christmas candies and performs festive music. The ship sails varied components of the shoreline so visitors can have one of the best seat in the home to view the lights. The roughly 2 hour excursions set sail at 4:15 pm November 23 via January twelfth.

Different not-to-miss vacation occasions and actions

After vacationers view the gorgeous lights, they need to additionally plan to attend one of many many vacation occasions occurring through the winter competition. Different occasions to take pleasure in embrace the Luminary Night time on the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Christmas Expertise at Villa Zorayda, and the annual vacation boat parades in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay to call just some. Many native inns, inns and eating places will even offer particular dinners, excursions and menus specifically curated for the season. Vacationers seeking to plan a go to to Nights of Lights ought to discover the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Seashores Guests and Conference Bureau web site for extra assets.

Doubtless St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is among the greatest winter mild festivals free to the general public in the US. With one thing for everybody, this occasion is for certain to dazzle teams, {couples}, households and the “Grinchiest” of vacationers.

Anna Marie Imbordino

Anna Marie Imbordino is a journey author from Charleston, SC, USA. Her love of historical past and the humanities retains her touring, seeking to expertise not simply the locations, however the individuals who create tales.