Nights of Lights Tours 2023 - 2024

Name: Nights of Lights Tours 2023 - 2024
Start: 2023-11-18T18:00:00-04:00
End: 2023-11-18T21:00:00-04:00
Location: Nights of Lights Tours 2023 - 2024

Festive Nights of Lights tours by land and by sea.

November 18, 2023 through January 31, 2024 | After Dark

During the holiday season, the City of St. Augustine becomes a festival of twinkling white lights as it hosts the annual Nights of Lights display. The festivities start at Light Up Night on November 18, 2023, and continue through January 31, 2024.

The wonderland of lights begins at the Plaza de la Constitución, with its holiday tree in the center and every live oak strung with hundreds of white lights. St. Augustine's Historic District — bed and breakfasts, museums, restaurants, historic sites, and shops all sparkle with millions of twinkling white lights. Rachael Ray Magazine named St. Augustine's Nights of Lights as one of the nation's "twinkliest," and National Geographic Magazine listed it as one of the "Top 10 Cities in the World for Holiday Lighting Displays."

There are many ways to view the Nights of Lights, including walking in Historic Downtown and visiting pubs, restaurants, and ice cream shops. For those who want a different perspective on the lights, numerous tours are offered throughout the season, some every night and some just on select nights. Some choose to walk one day and take a tour (or two) on another, experiencing the lights and the festive atmosphere with song, ice cream, a skilled train or trolley conductor, in an open carriage, or with the Grinch.

Ways to view the Nights of Lights:

By Land
By Sea
- Large sail and power vessels
- Smaller, more intimate sail and power vessels
By Air or Sky
- Take a helicopter ride
- Climb the Lighthouse steps

Nights of Lights celebration in St. Augustine, FL — *The fountain in front of the Lightner Museum, and a view of Flagler College.*

By Land

Ride a Train or Trolley

Old Town Trolley's Famous Nights of Lights Tour

What: A 30 to 45-minute ride through Historic Downtown aboard an Old Town Trolley; includes magic glasses, an entertaining driver, and seasonal songs on the speakers, plus cider and a cookie after the ride.
Admission: We will update this information as we learn more.
When: We will update this information as we learn more.
Where: Departing from the Visitor Information Center, 10 West Castillo Drive.
Contact: Call (904) 829-3800 or go here for more information and to reserve seats.

Santa's Red Express Nights of Lights Tours by Ripley's

What: A 30-minute "lightseeing" tour throughout Historic Downtown; includes magic glasses and the opportunity to sing holiday songs along the way.
Admission: In 2022/2023, the cost was $65.99 for one row of four seats.
When: We will update this information as we learn more.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Christmas Day.
Where: Departing from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, 19 San Marco Avenue.
Contact: Call (904) 824-1606 or go here for more information and to reserve seats.

Old Town Trolleys Famous Nights of Lights Tour offers guests an exciting way to see the holiday lights in St. Augustine. — *Old Town Trolley has the holiday spirit with their Nights of Lights tours.*

Take a Tour in an Electric Vehicle

Gold Tours Private Nights of Lights Tours

What: A 45-minute private tour for up to six people includes information about the city's history and the opportunity to see the lights.
Admission: In 2022/2023, the cost was $120.00. Reservations are required.
When: Every Sunday and on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from November 19, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Tours can be scheduled for 6:00, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:00 p.m.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Where: Departing from the parking lot behind the Lightner Museum at 75 King Street.
Contact: Call (904) 325-0547

Explore Tours Nights of Lights Tours

What: A 45-minute ride in an open-air cart, with no set route, can be booked for a private group of up to 10 people or a row of three people. The guide offers insights into Nights of Lights and St. Augustine's history. 3-D glasses are included, and the driver plays holiday music on the sound system. Dogs are welcome.
Admission: $75.00 for a row of three. $200.00 for a private tour of up to 10 people
When: Nightly, on the hour, between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., from November 18, 2023 through January 31, 2024
Where: This tour has two different departure points: next to the Casa Monica Hotel, at 95 Cordova Street, and at the City Gate, 1 St. George Street.
Contact: Call (904) 853-1500

Pineapple Tours Nights of Lights

What: A one-hour ride through town in an electric vehicle driven by "Jack Frost."
Admission: $180.00 for up to nine people on a private tour in the electric vehicle and $60.00 for a row of three seats in a shared cart.
When: Daily, from November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024, at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.
Where: Tours generally start at their office, 134 Riberia Street, where free parking is available.
Contact: Call (904) 615-5515

A family aboard the Gold Tours Nights of Lights tour in St. Augustine — *A family aboard a Gold Tours cart for the Nights of Lights Tour*

St. Augustine City Tours Nights of Lights

What: A 45-minute tour in a seven-passenger golf cart
Admission: During the 2023/24 season, $25.00 per person for those 12 and older, $15.00 for those aged five through 11. $150.00 for a private tour.
When: From Saturday, November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024, leaving on the hour from 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m.
Where: Departing from the corner of Spanish and Cuna Streets, near 54 Cuna Street.
Exceptions: No tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Contact: Call (904) 325-3366

St. Augustine Land and Sea Nights of Lights Tours

What: A private and shared 45-minute electric cart tour
Admission: In the 2023/24 season, a row of three tickets was $75.00.
When: From November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024, at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.
Where: Departing from 26 Spanish Street.
Contact: Call (904) 679-9880

Specialty Tours: Carriage Rides and Guided Walking Tours

Country Carriages

What: A 30-minute tour of downtown
Admission: $150 (1-4 people)
When: We are waiting for more information.
Where: Departing from the bayfront, between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos, and returning to the same location.
Contact: (904) 669-8619

A photo taken by Mark Krancer of a horse and carriage in front a row of buildings with holiday lights

Old City Carriages

What: A private 45-minute carriage ride through St. Augustine's Historic Downtown.
Admission: $100.00 for one to five people.
When: Departs from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
Where: Old City Carriages departs from Avenida Menendez, across from Meehan's Irish Pub.
Contact: Call (904) 788-9229

Tasting Tours Carriage Rides

What: A private 35 to 45--minute tour of downtown by a horse-driven carriage for two or four people and group rides with up to eight people.
Admission: $175.00 for two people for the private ride; two more people can be added at $25 per person. The group ride in the larger carriage is $45.00 per person.
When: Departs at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, with additional departures at 9:00 and 10:00 on Saturdays.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Where: Departing from ChocoLattes Dessert and Wine Bar, 47 Cordova Street.
Contact: Call (904) 325-3911

Tasting Tours Electric Vehicle Rides with the Grinch

What: A 35 to 45-minute un-merry ride through town with the Grinch.
Admission: $35.00 per person aged two and over. $275.00 for private tours for up to nine people.
When: Departs at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, with additional departures at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Where: Departing from ChocoLattes Dessert and Wine Bar, 47 Cordova Street.
Contact: Call (904) 325-3911

Learn tips for capturing St. Augustine's award-winning Nights of Lights during Guy Harvey Resort's photo academy. — *One view of the bayfront during Nights of Lights, as seen from the water.*

By Sea

Large Sail and Power Vessels

Scenic Cruise Nights of Lights Tours

What: This one-hour tour aboard the Victory III offers covered seating on the first level and open-air seating on the top level. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are included. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Admission: $28.70 per adult and $14.38 for children aged 4 - 12.
When: 6:30 p.m. each evening, from November 18 through December 31, 2023, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through January 27, 2024.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving and Christmas and Mondays through Thursdays after December 31.
Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. There is only metered parking in the area, and it fills quickly.
Contact: Call (800) 542-8316 or go here to learn more and to order tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the marina office.

Nights of Lights on the Black Raven

What: The sunset sail on the Black Raven lasts from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Admission: We will provide this when it is available to us.
When: 4:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. There is only metered parking in the area, and it fills quickly.
Contact: Call (904) 826-0000 or go here to purchase tickets and learn more. Tickets can also be purchased at their ship's store at the marina.

Florida Water Tours Nights of Lights Tour

What: Offering Nights of Lights tours on one of two multi-passenger vessels — the 45-foot Osprey has a bar on board, and the 35-foot Island Breeze is a BYOB boat that's family-friendly. Each tour includes complimentary 3D glasses. Some cruises are adults only.
Admission: Generally, $39.00 per adult, $19.00 for children aged 3 - 12, and $6.00 for infants through two years old. Some trips, such as the Sunset cruise and the Regatta of Lights cruise, will cost more.
When: From November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024.
Exceptions: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas
Where: Departing from Dock A-19 at the Camachee Yacht Harbor, 107 Yacht Club Drive.
Contact: Call (904) 827-7728 or go here to learn more and book tickets.

St. Augustine Boat Tours Nights of Lights Tours

What: This one-hour boat tour aboard an open platform boat that holds 20 people starts in Salt Run and cruises along the waterfront for great views of the lights and goes under the Bridge of Lions for additional views. This smaller boat has a shallow draft and can get close to shore.
Admission: $34.00 for adults and $15.00 for children under 8.
When: Just after sunset and again at 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., from November 20, 2023 through January 31, 2024
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving and on December 9, 24, 25, and 31.
Where: Departing from the Conch House Marina, where there is free parking.
Contact: Call (904) 687-8297 or go here to learn more and to book a cruise.

A view of the Nights of Lights from the deck of Sabrage in St. Augustine. — *Nights of Lighs as seen from the water.*

Old Town Cycle Cruise

What: This BYOB Nights of Lights water tour is aboard a 35-foot pedal-powered party boat featuring festive music and auxiliary power. There are 12 cycle stations and room for an additional 12 passengers.
Admission: This event will be updated when we have more information.
When: This event will be updated when we have more information.
Exceptions: This event will be updated when we have more information.
Where: Departing from the Beaches Marina at 250 Vilano Road in St. Augustine. The Beaches Marina shares a parking lot with Beaches Restaurant.
Contact: Call (904) 810-1010

Bluewater Adventure Cycle Boat Nights of Lights Tours

What: Cycle boat tours during Nights of Lights
Admission: We will provide this when it is available to us.
When: Nightly from November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024
Where: Generally leaves from English Landing Marina, 509 S. Ponce De Leon Boulevard.
Contact: Call (904) 460-4004

Schooner Freedom Nights of Lights Sails

What: This 2-hour Nights of Lights cruise takes place on a 41-passenger schooner, that is decorated from stem to stern with lights.
Admission: $70.00 per person plus tax
When: From Saturday, November 18, 2023, through Monday, January 7, 2024.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. There is only metered parking in the area, and it fills quickly.
Contact: Call (904) 810-1010, send an email to schoon[email protected], or go to their ticket office at the marina.

Red Boat Tours

What: BYOB 75-minute tour aboard the White Pelican
Admission: $40.00 for those 11 and older, $15.00 for children aged three to ten, and $8.00 for infants to two-year-olds.
When: Nightly from November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024, at 5:45, 7:30, and 9:15 p.m.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Where: Meet the Red Boat at the Vilano Fishing Pier, 260 Vilano Road.
Contact: Call (904) 436-3566

A couple enjoying a private Nights of Lights cruise aboard a sailboat from St. Augustine Sailing. — *A couple on the bow of a St. Augustine Sailing luxury sailboat enjoying the view from the water.*

Smaller, More Intimate Sail and Power Vessels

St. Augustine Sailing Nights of Lights Charters

What: Private or shared charter cruises on a luxury sailboat. Cruises can include meals, dessert, wine, and sparkling wine.
Admission: Tickets start at $99.00 per person for a shared Nights of Lights tour. Three private charter packages range from $594.00 for a one-hour dessert cruise to $1685.00. and more for a three-hour cruise with a four-course dinner. All cruises can accommodate up to six passengers.
When: From November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Schedules vary.
Where: At Camachee Yacht Harbor, 3076 Harbor Drive
Contact: Call (904) 829-0648 or go here for more information.

Eco Tours Nights of Lights Boat Tour

What: Intimate boat excursions for 6 - 12 passengers, depending on the vessel: a 6-passenger sailing catamaran and a 12-passenger power boat. Both boats are open-air vessels with no cover. Multiple tours are offered each night beginning at 4:14 p.m. Tours leave the dock at 4:15, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. and last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the cruise.
Admission: Adult prices range from $40.00 to $65.00; children's tickets range from $30.00 to $35.00.
When: From November 18, 2023, through January 31, 2024. Multiple tours are offered each night beginning at 4:14 p.m. Tours leave the dock at 4:15, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. and last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the cruise.
Where: Departing from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez. There is only metered parking in the area, and it fills quickly.
Contact: Call (904) 377-7245 or go here for more information.

Cruisin' Tikis St. Augustine

What: A BYOB one-hour cruise along the bayfront on a floating tiki bar for up to six passengers
Admission: $65.00 per person
When: From November 18, through December 31, 2024, at 6:15 and 7:30 p.m.
Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day.
Where: Departing from Beaches Marina, 250 Vilano Road. The Beaches Marina shares a parking lot with Beaches Restaurant.
Contact: Call (904) 980-8454

A view from First City Helicopter flying over St. Augustine during Nights of Lights — *A view of Nights of Lights from First City Helicopter.*

By Air or Sky

First City Helicopters Nights of Lights Tours

What: A flight over the City of St. Augustine, circling overhead three or four times and flying around the lighthouse at least once.
Admission: This event will be updated when we have more information.
When: This event will be updated when we have more information.
Exceptions: This event will be updated when we have more information.
Where: The flight leaves St. Augustine Airport, 4900 US-1 North, St. Augustine.
Contact: Call (904) 824-5506 or go here for more information.

From the Top of the Lighthouse

What: A 90-minute tour of the grounds, ending with a climb to the top of the lighthouse. The lighthouse grounds are decorated with lights, garland, and 20 uniquely trimmed trees.
Admission: $24.95 for all adults and teens. $22.95 for children 12 and under. Only those who are at least 44 inches tall may climb the lighthouse.
When: Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from November 22, 2023, through January 13, 2024, plus December 26 and 28.
Exceptions: December 6, December 25, January 1, 3, 8, and 10.
Where: The St. Augustine Lighthouse, 100 Red Cox Road
Contact: (904) 829-0745 or go here for more information and tickets.

About Nights of Lights

St. Augustine's Nights of Lights festival traces its origin to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays. The tradition continues in 2023, with more than three million white lights twinkling on the historic buildings and landmarks along the bayfront and throughout the city's brick streets.

The City of St. Augustine offers a Free Park and Ride Shuttle Service for Nights of Lights from November 18 to December 30, 2023. For information about operating times and pick-up and drop-off locations, visit here.