Regatta of Lights 2025

The Regatta of Lights takes St. Augustine's world-famous Nights of Lights on the water from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Organized by the St. Augustine Yacht Club, sail, power, and paddle vessels of all sizes are decorated with colorful lights to create a dazzling sight for spectators along the bayfront. The best viewing is between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos.

From sailboats to trawlers, from yachts to shrimp boats, the Regatta of Lights participants compete in four categories: best theme, most colorful, best in class, and best overall. The Regatta is an annual must-see event for visitors and locals during St. Augustine's Nights of Lights holiday festivities.

This event honors St. Augustine's maritime roots and rich nautical heritage, and the people who enjoy boating or working on the water. To view this nautical parade, sit along the bayfront by the seawall or enjoy the view from the many restaurants that face the bay, such as Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille and Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila.

If you have a boat that can maintain 5 knots of forward momentum, you're encouraged to decorate your vessel and join the parade. Visit their website to register your boat, or call (904) 824-9725.

These passenger vessels have special trips for the Regatta of Lights:

• Black Raven Pirate Ship
• Florida Water Tours
• Victory II Scenic Cruise
• Schooner Freedom

A word to the wise, these Regatta of Lights trips sell out quickly.

Admission: Free

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Along St. Augustine's bayfront between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos.

Viewing from the Castillo: The Castillo de San Marcos hosts a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The cannon will fire off a cannon round to start the boat parade, and you can view the parade from the top of the Castillo.

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.