Colonial Night Watch
Experience St. Augustine history and join the parade of the Colonial Night Watch in the nation's oldest city.
Colonial Night Watch
(732) 309-2332 Activities at Colonial Quarter throughout day; Grand Illumination Procession from Castillo to Plaza at 7 p.m.
53 St George St,
St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Colonial Night Watch will take place on December 3, 2022. 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 any citizen still on the streets after the city gates were locked, were required to carry a light so they could be seen and identified by the Night Watch.
At the Colonial Quarter, on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Spanish, French, British and Native American Living History Interpreters portray events of colonial St. Augustine from 1739 through 1784. Visitors can observe military and Native American arts, culture, and lifestyles. Entry is free, and guests will be able to enjoy performances and education by historians in period clothing.
The Colonial Night Watch culminates in a torchlit parade, starting at the Castillo de san Marcos at 7:00 p.m. From the Castillo, the parade will march to the City Gate and down St. George Street to the Plaza de la Constitución, where it stops at the Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum. The public is invited follow the troops as they march from the City Gate down St. George Street.
At the Government House, parade participants will be greeted with a welcoming speech, which will be 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 participate in singing Christmas carols.
Admission: FREE
When: Events on Saturday, December 3, 2022, will include day-long activities at the Oldest House Museum Complex from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the torchlit Colonial Night Watch parade, which begins at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Oldest House Museum Complex is located at 271 Charlotte Street, in St. Augustine. The Colonial Night Watch parade begins at the Castillo de San Marcos, proceeds west to the City Gates and south down St. George Street to the Plaza de la Constitution.
Above photo courtesy of Jackie Hird.
Colonial Night Watch
(732) 309-2332 Activities at Colonial Quarter throughout day; Grand Illumination Procession from Castillo to Plaza at 7 p.m.
53 St George St,
St. Augustine, FL 32084
