Nights of Lights GRINCHmas Ride

Electric Vehicle Rides with the Grinch

From Saturday, November 15, 2025, to Sunday, January 11, 2026, Tasting Tours presents the Grinch, a tour guide with attitude, on a 45-minute ride aboard an electric vehicle. This family-friendly tour for those who are not frightened by a grouchy green fellow in a Santa suit, presents a relaxed and often funny way to tour the town and enjoy the holiday. The still grouchy but more family-friendly tour operates during the daytime, at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. The evening tour operates on the half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

With a chip on his shoulder, the Grinch begrudgingly passes through downtown in an open-air electric car where Christmas lights shine bright on all the shops, as wreaths, bows, and an entire enchanting city of decor bring the holiday to life. As "Whoville" is in full swing, the Grinch plays holiday music (only because it's part of his job) while attempting to share his perspectives on the season of joy. 

The Details

• What: A 35- to 45-minute un-merry ride through town with the Grinch, for a fun and unmerry Christmas.
• Admission: Daytime at $40.00 per person for ages two and older. $320.00 for private tours for up to nine people. Nighttime at $50.00 per person and $400.00 for a private ride of up to 9 people.
• When: Grinch tours operate from November 15, 2025, through January 11, 2026. They depart on the half hour between 5:00 and 9:30 p.m.
• Exceptions: There are no tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day.
• Where: Departing from 47 Cordova Street.
• Contact: Call (904) 325-3911 or go to their website to book a tour.

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. 

Also, see below for information about the STAR Beach Shuttle for Nights of Lights. That shuttle runs on Anastasia Island and drops people off on the east side of the bridge.

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, 24, 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

Light-Up Night Anastasia Shuttles

Two additional lots on Anastasia Island will operate from 4:00 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, it's easy. 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.

STAR Beach Shuttle for Nights of Lights

During the Nights of Lights Season, the STAR bus stops transiting downtown at 4:00 p.m. and moves to a route on Anastasia Island. 

Beginning on Sunday, November 16, 2025, and continuing through January 4, 2026, the STAR bus travels a route on Anastasia Island from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

The bus delivers passengers to 201 Gerado Street, on the east side of the Bridge of Lions. 

It stops at many of the St. Augustine Beach hotels to pick up guests of those hotels and at several parking areas along the route:

• Alligator Farm, 999 Anastasia Boulevard (There may be less parking available on December 12, during their market)
• St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 A1A S.
• A Street + A1A Beach Boulevard
• St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1a Beach Boulevard

Click here to learn more about the STAR Beach Shuttle for Nights of Lights.