Colonial Night Watch

The Colonial Night Watch takes place on December 6, 2025. The main event, a torchlight parade, begins at the Castillo de San Marcos at 7:00 p.m. This popular annual event recreates historic Night Watches in garrison towns, where citizens on the streets after the city gates were locked had to carry a light so they could be seen and identified by the Night Watch.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Castillo de San Marco will host events on the grounds outside the fort throughout the day on Saturday, December 6.

• 10:30 a.m. - Authentic-style military weapons inspection of the troops
• 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. - Musket and field artillery demonstration

At the Colonial Quarter, on Saturday, December 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Spanish, French, British, and Native American Living History Interpreters portray colonial St. Augustine events from 1739 through 1784. You can observe military and Native American arts, culture, and lifestyles. Entry is free.

The Colonial Night Watch culminates in a torch-lit parade, starting at the Castillo de San Marcos at 7:00 p.m. The historic reenactors march to the City Gate and then down St. George Street to the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum at the Plaza de la Constitución. The public is invited to follow the troops as they march from the City Gate down St. George Street.

At the Governor's House, parade participants will be greeted with a welcoming speech, followed by a "Volley of Joy" by soldiers and militia, as they sing Christmas carols to ring in the holiday season.

The public is invited to follow the parade to the Plaza and is encouraged to sing along with the caroling.

Admission: Free

When: Events on Saturday, December 6, 2025, include weapons demonstrations on the grounds of the Castillo, day-long activities at the Colonial Quarter, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the torch-lit Colonial Night Watch parade, which begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084

The Colonial Night Watch parade begins at the Castillo de San Marcos, 2 Castillo Drive, and proceeds west to the City Gate and south down St. George Street to the Plaza de la Constitución.

Nights of Lights Free Parking and Shuttles for 2025

Free parking and free shuttle rides to and from your car on 33 days and nights during Nights of Lights. 

How Does it Work?

Park for free in one of three lots, take a free bus to the Visitor Information Center, enjoy all Nights of Lights has to offer, and take a free bus back to your car. 

When Will it Operate?

• From 1:00 to 11:00 p.m., on 33 days of Nights of Lights, and on December 6 (the day of the Christmas Parade) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• November: 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30
• December: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31
• January: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11

Where Will You Park? 

Three lots will operate on all 33 days:

• Broudy's Lot, 198 West King Street, St. Augustine, off U.S. 1
• North San Marco Lot, 301 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine
• St. Johns County Health Department, 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine, off U.S. 1

Two additional lots on Anastasia Island will operate from 1:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Light-Up! Night, November 15, 2025

• R.B. Hunt School, 125 Magnolia Dr., St. Augustine, Florida 32080
• Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A S, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Why Use the Shuttle?

First, it's free.

Second, you avoid the hassle of driving around and around the city streets looking for a parking spot.

Third, Nights of Lights is a walking event and a tour event. Leave your car in a free lot, take a free shuttle to the Visitor Information Center, walk around town, and ride on a carriage, a trolley, a red train, or a golf cart.