The Holiday Spirit Of The Nights Of Lights in St. Augustine
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
One of the most beautiful and historic cities in the state of Florida is St. Augustine. Considered the nation’s oldest city, the holiday season is truly, and quite literally, the city’s time to stand up and shine.
This year, 2016, marks the 23rd year of its ‘Annual Nights of Lights’ celebration, continuing beyond the holidays all the way through January 31, 2017. It is one of those bucket list trips not to be missed. Everywhere you gaze, from the sidewalks to the rooftops, dazzling strings of lights command your undivided attention in a most festive way.
After the dreaded recent visit of Hurricane Matthew, St. Augustine worked diligently to get the debris cleared away and return to a sense of normalcy in preparation for this special event. You might say that this year, the ‘Annual Nights of Lights’ holds even greater significance than in the past. It symbolizes the resilience of St. Augustine residents and its business community. During ‘Annual Nights of Lights’, the city’s historic district is lit by more than 3 million white lights. Historic buildings, museums, local businesses, the Bridge of Lions, the city’s bay front walkway, hotels, bed & breakfast inns and private residences all take part in the popular holiday tradition, which, as you can imagine, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Tradition is definitely important to this ancient city. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting display reflects the city’s 450+ year history and illuminates the magnificent opulence of the city.
‘Annual Nights of Lights’ has attracted world-wide attention for 22 years and prides itself on giving enjoyment and entertainment to all those who attend. National Geographic listed the ‘Annual Nights of Lights’ as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world in 2011 and 2012. Besides viewing the light show, stay overnight and experience all the wonders that St. Augustine has to offer its visitors. There is award-winning dining, tours and entertainment. Have a romantic stay at one of their quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns or enjoy a scenic water view at a beachside resort.
Visitors can enjoy the sights in one of many different ways – on foot, by bicycle or pedicab, on the Old Town Famous Nights of Lights Tour, aboard Ripley’s Red Train or by horse and carriage. This year, the city is offering a free Park ‘n Ride Shuttle every Saturday through December 24. For information on the free shuttle visit www.ParkStAug.com
Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Trolley runs nightly through January 2. The trolley takes guests throughout the city to view Nights of Lights then provides free cider and cookies for a low-fare of $12.99 for adults and $5.99 for children. The trolleys run from the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, located off Castillo Drive. www.trolleytours.com
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum celebrates with nightly tours through January 4, and every Friday and Saturday night, provide old-fashioned Christmas Magic with a giant marshmallow roasting pit, face painting, balloon twisters, stage shows, story time with Mrs. Claus, a visit with Santa and more. This will be your child’s dream come true. Board the Red Train Nights of Lights Tour at Ripley’s Museum, 19 San Marco Avenue. www.ripleys.com/RedTrains
Take an evening historic walking tour through the sparkling city with a licensed guide on Fridays and Saturday nights. Learn unique colonial folklore and holiday traditions as you enjoy historic sites brilliantly lit with white lights. Tickets are $18 per person. www.TourStAug.com
Grab your friends and enjoy a Nights of Lights Wine & Carriage Tour. Enjoy a glass of wine on this group tour aboard a horse-drawn carriage as you meander the brick-lined streets. The Tasting Tours nightly excursions are $49 per person and come with a souvenir wine glass. www.tastingtours.com
Join St. Augustine Eco Tours for a harbor tour of the Nights of Lights. Board the stable and comfortable six or 12-passenger boats for the peaceful trip to experience the illuminated city. Tickets are $35 per passenger and depart nightly by appointment from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. 111 Avenida Menendez, www.staugustineeecotours.com
Take in the view of Nights of Lights from the sea aboard the Schooner Freedom on the ship’s Moonlight Sail. On Fridays and Saturdays set sail on this hour plus tour with complimentary soda, water, beer, wine and hot chocolate for $40 per person www.schoonerfreedom.com
Many local attractions offer special Nights of Lights tours and there are dozens of special events and activities during the winter season on Florida’s Historic Coast. A list of the many tours and events can be viewed in the online calendar.
Mark your calendars for the December 31st Beach Blast Off. This annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display and entertainment at the St. Augustine Beach Pier will ring in 2017. The event features a kids zone, food vendors and live entertainment. The event is from 4-10 p.m. with the fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. www.sabevents.com
As the ‘Annual Nights of Lights’ winds down, St. Augustine is far from quiet. From January 20th through January 22nd, 2017, the city welcomes its annual Film Festival. The festival is at three different locations within the city; the Corazon Cinema and Cafe, the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College and the Limelight Theatre. Each day is followed by an evening party. Tickets are $10 for general admission to a film and $8 for seniors and students. www.staugfilmfest.com
If there is spirit in your heart and a twinkle in your eye, St. Augustine is the place to be during this holiday season.
Photos courtesy of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau.
