The oldest metropolis within the United States is attracting world consideration, however not for its wealthy historical past, stunning seashores, stylish lodging or award-winning delicacies. Instead, tens of 1000’s of tourists yearly are touring to the historic coastal metropolis of St. Augustine, Florida for a dose of vacation magic.
November by January town’s historic downtown district transforms right into a whimsical winter competition known as Nights of Lights, a city-wide occasion that includes tens of millions of twinkling lights so improbable that Clark Griswold would cease in marvel. From the sidewalks to the rooftops vacation shows embellish historic buildings, public areas, motels, eating places, and small companies. And most notably, these magnificent mild shows are all free for the group to take pleasure in.
Now in its thirty first 12 months, the competition showcases an eclectic mixture of shows, every hoping to be the largest and brightest show on the town. Residents and guests alike dressed for the season including to the ambiance of the competition. Golf carts taking part in Christmas tunes, pushed by the Grinch himself roll down Aviles Street. Horse-drawn carriages cross with {couples} bundled collectively on a cold Florida evening sipping cups of mulled wine. Almost each inch of town, each enterprise, each resort, showcasing their very own persona with themed timber and customized decorations in and out.
From strolling excursions to scenic sails, there are various methods for guests to benefit from the Nights of Lights festivities. Consider including these tour experiences to your upcoming itinerary.
Golf cart tour with St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours
St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours affords among the finest methods to expertise the competition that covers greater than 20 blocks of town’s historic district. Guests are welcomed by their private driver, dressed for the event, to board the open-cabin electrical golf cart. Small teams are handled to family-friendly vacation music and stress-free viewing alternatives as they leisurely make their manner across the metropolis. These golf carts are a straightforward and comfy strategy to navigate in any other case tight streets and congested areas of the occasion. This specific tour is advisable for households with younger youngsters in addition to these with mobility issues. Each electrical golf cart can accommodate as much as 9 company for this roughly 45 minute tour.
Private carriage rides from The Tasting Tours
Ready to star in your individual Hallmark Christmas film? Private horse-drawn carriage rides from The Tasting Tours are glorious for {couples} searching for a little bit of that film worthy romance. But not only for {couples}, these old style carriage excursions are additionally nice for grownup teams of 4 or much less searching for a extra customized, intimate and opulent viewing expertise of the historic downtown district. Passengers are handled to pleasant workers, festive carriage decor and provided glasses of wine as they embark on an enthralling guided tour of town’s lightscape. These 35-45 minute excursions are booked by appointment and topic to availability.
Not to be ignored, the guided strolling excursions from St. Augustine Experiences may simply be the expertise you might be searching for. Walking excursions can elevate your standing from normal vacationer to educated native insider, exploring the nooks, crannies and distinctive places in any other case missed by vacationers. Guests are greeted by a pleasant tour information able to cater to their tempo and pursuits as they discover the expansive winter competition by foot. The tour information effortlessly blends town’s deep historical past and folklore with up to date occasions and notable mild shows. Not wanting company to overlook a festive second, the tour information shares extra about happenings to go to on foot just like the 7:00 pm “snow” and self-serve drafts at Auggie’s Draft Room along with providing a tailor-made checklist of stops so as to add to a Nights of Lights itinerary. An glorious tour expertise for vacationers seeking to see the lights, but in addition seize the magic of town’s unbelievable historical past. These 90 minute excursions are provided 7 days per week, rain or shine.
Everything you must plan your journey in 2024
Sunset sail with Schooner Freedom Charters
Sailing day by day from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, the family-owned and operated Schooner Freedom Charters supply the right sundown sail for viewing the lights from the bay. The 76-foot ship welcomes its passengers with open arms. Before setting sail they provide a useful security lesson, instantly adopted by a champagne (or soda) toast. The on deck environment is stress-free and gorgeous, entertaining {couples}, teams and even households with younger youngsters. Families are welcomed to assist increase the sails, and kids provided an opportunity to “steer” the boat. The crew serves limitless bar drinks and shares extra in regards to the websites and wildlife. Once the solar fades away the Schooner lights up in its personal vacation show whereas the crew passes round Christmas candies and performs festive music. The ship sails varied components of the shoreline so company can have one of the best seat in the home to view the lights. The roughly 2 hour excursions set sail at 4:15 pm November 23 by January twelfth.
Other not-to-miss vacation occasions and actions
After vacationers view the gorgeous lights, they need to additionally plan to attend one of many many vacation occasions taking place in the course of the winter competition. Other occasions to take pleasure in embrace the Luminary Night on the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Christmas Experience at Villa Zorayda, and the annual vacation boat parades in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay to call just some. Many native motels, inns and eating places will even offer particular dinners, excursions and menus specifically curated for the season. Travelers seeking to plan a go to to Nights of Lights ought to discover the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau web site for extra sources.
Without doubt St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is likely one of the greatest winter mild festivals free to the general public within the United States. With one thing for everybody, this occasion is definite to dazzle teams, {couples}, households and the “Grinchiest” of vacationers.
Anna Marie Imbordino
Anna Marie Imbordino is a journey author from Charleston, SC, USA. Her love of historical past and the humanities retains her touring, seeking to expertise not simply the locations, however the individuals who create tales.
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