Ripley's Red Train on a Nights of Lights tour

Nights of Lights Tours 2024 - 2025

Festive Nights of Lights tours by land, sea, and sky.

Nightly, Nov. 23, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025 | 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 Saturday, November 23, 2024, and continue through January 31, 2025.

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 available throughout the season, some every night and some just on select nights. Visitors can 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:

Please note, the following information is from the 2023/24 Nights of Lights. While most of the tours will remain the same, we will provide the 2024/25 dates and prices later in the year. 

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: $69.99 for a row with up to four people. Children aged three and under may sit on an adult's lap and ride at no charge.
  • When: From November 19, 2023, through January 28, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m.
  • 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

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 private tour for one to six people includes information about the city's history and the opportunity to see the lights.
  • Admission: $140.00 for an entire cart. Reservations are required.
  • When: Sundays through Thursdays, from November 20, 2023, through January 28, 2024. Tours can be booked for 6:00 and 7:15 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

GhostAugustine Nights of Lights Tours

  • What: A 45-minute tour in an electric vehicle, for up to seven people. You can book individual seats or the entire vehicle.
  • Admission: Booked in advance: $39.00 per person. Booked on the same day: $49.00 per person. Book the full cart in advance: $225.00. Book the full cart on the same day: $275.00.
  • When: Daily, November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024
  • Exceptions: No tours on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
  • Where: Meet at Beerhammer's Haunted Spirits Store, 162 St. George Street, Suite 19. If Heritage Walk is closed, meet at the entrance, 162 St. George Street.
  • Contact: Call (904) 687-1118 to book tickets.

Panda Tours Nights of Lights

  • What: a 45-minute private electric vehicle tour for up to 5 passengers. 
  • Admission: $200.00 per tour
  • When: Daily, from November 18, 2023 through January 28, 2024. Tours leave on the hour beginning at 7:00 p.m. The last tour option is 11:00 p.m.
  • Exceptions: No exceptions, but the tours do sell out on some evenings.
  • Where: The tour starts at Ancient City Brunch Bar, 210 St. George Street.
  • Contact: Call (904) 687-7113 or visit the website for The Panda Tours to book tickets.

Pineapple Tours Nights of Lights

  • What: A one-hour ride through town in an electric vehicle.
  • Admission: $180.00 for up to nine people on a private tour in the electric vehicle or $60.00 for a row of three seats in a shared cart.
  • When: Daily, from November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024, at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: At 134 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, with free parking, or at several convenient pick-up spots in town. 
  • Contact: Call (904) 615-5515

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 28, 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
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 Land and Sea Nights of Lights Tours

  • What: A private and shared 45-minute electric cart tour
  • Admission: $35.00 per passenger. It is possible to rent the entire vehicle.
  • When: From November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024, at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Trinity Episcopal Thrift Shop, 2 Artillery Lane, behind Trinity Episcopal Church.
  • Contact: Call (904) 679-9880

Specialty Tours: Carriage Rides, Photography, Guided Walking Tours

Nights of Lights Photography Tour in a MOKE

  • What: Drive a MOKE electric convertible through Historic Downtown, guided by a photographer from Seaside Adventures, and pause for memorable family photos.
  • Admission: $225.00 for up to four people.
  • When: From November 18, 2023 through January 28, 2024.
  • Exceptions: No tours on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
  • Where: 606 N Ponce De Leon Blvd, St Augustine, Florida 32084
  • Contact: 904-923-1010
Two women with two MOKE electric vehicles enjoying Nights of LIghts

VIP Nights of Lights Historic Walking Tour - FREE

  • What: A one-hour walking tour, focused on the lights and history of St. Augustine
  • Admission: This tour is free to all. Reservations are required.
  • When: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from November 21, 2023 through January 28, 2024
  • Exceptions: No tour will be conducted on Christmas Eve.
  • Contact: Reservations can be made online. Call (904) 825-0087 if you have questions.

Country Carriages

  • What: A 30-minute tour of downtown
  • Admission: $150.00 for up to four people
  • When: From November 19, 2023, through January 7, 2024, from 5:00 to 10:15 p.m.
  • 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 up to five people.
  • When: Departs from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. (Lights are visible once the sun sets.)
  • Where: Old City Carriages departs from Avenida Menendez, across from Meehan's Irish Pub.
  • Contact: Call (904) 788-9229

Tasting Tours Carriage and Wine Rides

  • What: A private 35 to 45-minute tour of downtown by a horse-driven carriage for two or four people and group rides for 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.
A 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.
  • Regatta of Lights: The Victory III will take passengers on the Regatta of Lights on December 9. Go here for tickets.

Nights of Lights on the Black Raven

  • What: This two-hour boat tour offers a spectacular view of the holiday lights during sunset. Experience life on a pirate ship, sing Christmas carols, grab a drink from the bar, and dance with the crew.
  • Admission: During the 2023/24 season, $39.95 per person for those 13 and older, $29.95 for those aged three through 12, and $9.95 for those under three.
  • When: From November 19, 2023, through January 7, 2024, starting at precisely 4:15 p.m. and ending at 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.
  • Regatta of Lights: The Black Raven will take passengers on the Regatta of Lights on December 9. Call (904) 826-0000 to book a cruise during the Regatta of Lights.

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 and a cup of hot cocoa for every guest. 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 28, 2024. Tours leave the dock at 6:45, 7:00, 8;15, 8:30, and 9:45 p.m.
  • 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.
  • Regatta of Lights: Florida Water Tours offers a special two-hour cruise for the Regatta of Lights. Go here for 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 28, 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 Lights as seen from the water.

Old Town Party Boat - "Holly Jolly Yachty"

  • What: This 90-minute Nights of Lights water tour is aboard a party boat featuring festive music, a lounge in the bow, and a dance floor.
  • Admission: $42.00 per person plus tax. $885.00 for private parties.
  • When: From November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024, with cruises starting at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Departing from the Beaches Marina at 250 Vilano Road. The Beaches Marina shares a parking lot with Beaches Restaurant.
  • Contact: Call (904) 599-9492

Bluewater Adventure Cycle Boat Nights of Lights Tours

  • What: This 90-minute BYOB and snacks boat tour takes parties around historic sites and to see the sparkling Christmas lights from the water.
  • Admission: We will provide this when it is available to us.
  • When: Nightly from November 18, 2023, through January 28, 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 two-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 [email protected], or go to their ticket office at the marina.

Red Boat Tours

  • What: BYOB tours aboard the Pellicano. The 5:15 p.m. tour is family-friendly and lasts 90 minutes. The 7:30 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. tours last 75 minutes.
  • Admission: The 90-minute tour at 5:15 costs $49.00 for all aged 13 and over, $15.00 for those aged 3 - 12, and $8.00 for infants and toddlers under 3. The 7:30 p.m. tour costs $40.00 for adults and $22.00 for those 12 and under. The 9:15 p.m. 75-minute tour is for adults only and costs $40.00.
  • When: Nightly from November 18, 2023 through January 28, 2024, at 5:15, 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

Sabrage Nights of Lights Tours

  • What: 90-minute tour aboard Sabrage, a 63' catamaran with a capacity of 80 guests. The boat has a bar and restrooms.
  • Admission: $50.00 per person
  • When: November 18 - December 31, 2024, at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Exceptions: Christmas Day
  • Where: 117 Dockside Drive, St. Augustine. On the dock at St. Augustine Shipyard.
  • Contact: (904) 310-4999
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, desserts, and wine.
  • Admission by One of Four Packages: Glitter Package —  A three-hour exclusive cruise for up to six passengers, with a four-course meal, starts at $495.00 per person. Sparkle Package — A two-hour cruise for up to 10 passengers, with a curated selection of sweet and savory bites and a glass of sparkling wine, starts at $129.00 per person. Twinkle Package — A 75-minute cruise with a dessert and festive beverage, beginning at $99.00 per person. Shared Nights of Lights Cruise — A 75-minute cruise, with beverages and snacks available for purchase before departure, begins at $89.00 per person.
  • When: From November 18, 2023, through January 28, 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 4:15 p.m. Tours leave the dock at 4:15, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. and last from one to two 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 28, 2024. Multiple tours are offered each night beginning at 4:15 p.m. Tours leave the dock at 4:15, 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. and last from one to two 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.

Red Lion Excursions Nights of Lights tour

  • What: A one-hour private tour for up to six passengers, aboard a 26-foot power cruiser with a cabin for cold nights. Tours can be booked for 6:30, 7:45, or 9:00 p.m.
  • Admission: The private charter costs $385.00 for up to 6 passengers. 
  • When: On Saturdays through Tuesdays, from December 9, 2023, through January 28, 2024.
  • Contact: Call (904) 456-3473, or visit the website for Red Lion Excursions.
  • Shared Tour Option: When available, a seat or two may be booked with another party. The cost is $49.00 per person, call (904) 456-3473 to book.

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

Tiny Tug Nights of Lights Tours

  • What: Two tours, a two-hour sunset/Nights of Lights cruise, and a 90-minute Nights of Lights cruise — both are private tours for up to six people.
  • Admission: $400.00 for the sunset tour and $300.00 for the Nights of Lights Tour. BYOB is allowed.
  • When: Nightly from November 18 through January 28. The Sunset/Nights of Lights cruise is 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The Nights of Lights cruise leaves the dock at 7:00 and 8:45 p.m.
  • Exceptions: There are no cruises on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.
  • Where: Hop on the boat at the Vilano Pier, on the floating dock. 260 Vilano Road, in Vilano Beach.
  • Contact: Call (904) 901-9665 to schedule a trip.

Bluewater Adventure Nights of Light 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 28, 2024
  • Where: Leaves from English Landing Marina, 509 S. Ponce De Leon Boulevard.
  • Contact: Call (904) 460-4004
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: Flights over the City of St. Augustine, circling overhead three or four times and flying around the lighthouse at least once.
  • Admission: $295.00 for up to three passengers. $445.00 for up to three passengers and a longer flight. Reservations are required.
  • When: From November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024, starting 30 minutes after sunset. The last flight is at 8:15 p.m.
  • Where: The flight leaves from the Northeast Florida Regional 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 that are decorated with lights, garlands, and 20 uniquely trimmed trees, ending with a climb to the top of the lighthouse.
  • 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.

Nights of Lights -- See ALL Upcoming Events!
Nights of Lights -- See ALL Upcoming Events!

Have a Question?

Editor's Note: We encourage you to verify event times and details with the organizers, as they may change.