Regatta of Lights 2026

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 12, 2026. 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. In 2026, the best places to view the lights are from the Vilano Beach Pier, the Bridge of Lions, or on a boat.

In 2026, due to the construction on the bayfront and Castillo sea walls, fewer people will be able to view the parade from the walk along the bayfront. The boats will meet near the Vilano Beach Pier, and travel south to the Bridge of Lions, turning back to Vilano. 

The Regatta is an annual must-see event for visitors and locals during St. Augustine's Nights of Lights holiday festivities. 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. 

This event honors St. Augustine's maritime roots and rich nautical heritage, and people who enjoy boating or working on the water. To view this nautical parade, sit or stand along the bayfront by the seawall, or stand on the Bridge of Lions. You can also enjoy the view from the second-floor restaurant decks overlooking the bayfront, such as Meehan's Irish Pub and Seafood House, River and Fort, Saint, Harry's Seafood Bar and Grille, and Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila. 

Many tourist boats take guests out to see the regatta from the water.

Register Your Boat

If your boat can maintain five knots of forward momentum, you're encouraged to decorate your vessel and join the parade. You do not need to be a member of the yacht club to participate in the boat parade. Trawlers, sailboats, power boats, and commercial vessels are welcome.

Visit the yacht club's website to register your boat.

Sign on as a Passenger for the Regatta of Lights

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

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

A word to the wise: These Regatta of Lights trips sell out quickly.

Event Details

Admission: Free. Learn more on the yacht club's website.

When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Along St. Augustine's bayfront between the Bridge of Lions and the Vilano Fishing Pier.

Parking and Shuttles During Nights of Lights

Nights of Lights is a event best enjoyed by walking or by taking a walking, riding, or boat tour.

There are two types of bus routes:

1. Free Park and Ride Shuttles on select days. (See Below)
2. Free STAR Circulator Bus on a loop between the Visitor Information Center and St. Augustine Beach.

Free Park and Ride Shuttles

• Park for free in one of the lots outside of town.
• Take a free shuttle bus to the Visitor Information Center, and enjoy Nights of Lights.
• Then, meet the free shuttle bus at the Visitor Center and ride back to your car. 

When Do the Free Shuttles Operate in 2026/27?

• 4:00 to 11:00 pm. on Light-Up! Night, November 21.
• 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on December 5 (the day of the Christmas Parade).
• 1:00 to 11:00 p.m. on the remaining 21 high-attendance days during Nights of Lights.
  • November: 27 and 28
  • December: 4, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31
  • January: 1 and 2

Where Will You Park? 

Three lots will be open on the days the shuttles operate:

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

Special Light-Up! Night Shuttle on Anastasia Island

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m., park for free in one of two lots on Anastasia Island and use the Free Park-and-Ride Shuttle, provided by Historic Tours of America. 

• Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South
• R.B. Hunt Elementary School, 125 Magnolia Drive (off A1A South)
• You will have to walk across the Bridge of Lions to get to town and walk back across the bridge to take the shuttle.

Why Use the Lots and Shuttle Service?

• It's free.
• You avoid driving around (and around) the city looking for a parking spot.
• When the shuttles are operating, the parking garage charges $40.00 after 1:00 p.m.
  • If you arrive before 1:00 p.m or on any day the shuttles don't operate the garage charges $20.00 for the day. 
  • St Johns County residents with ParkStAug pay normal resident price.
• Neighborhoods bordering downtown enact Resident Only Parking on the streets during Nights of Lights. There will be private paid lots in the area, but no on-street parking.

Busiest Days with Heavy Traffic

You can absolutely enjoy these days. Just plan to arrive early.

Here are the special events that will impact the traffic and the shuttles:

• Light-UP! Night, Saturday, November 21—Added shuttles from Anastasia start at 4:00 p.m.
• Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 5—The shuttles start operating at 8:00 a.m.
• Regatta of Lights, Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Coming from Ponte Vedra? View the boats from the Vilano Fishing Pier. Coming from Anastasia? View the boats from the bridge. The viewing space on the bayfront is limited due to construction.