Nights of Lights: Everything You Need To Know!

Planning your visit to St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights? Each winter, the Nation’s Oldest City transforms into a glowing wonderland, with millions of white lights twinkling across the historic downtown. From the bayfront to the brick-lined streets, it’s a holiday spectacle you don’t want to miss. To make your experience even more magical (and stress-free!), the City of St. Augustine offers a FREE Park & Ride Shuttle on select nights throughout the season — so you can skip the parking hassle and focus on the fun.

How the Free Shuttle Works

Here’s how the free shuttle makes it easy to enjoy the festivities:

1. Park for Free at one of the designated lots outside the downtown area.
2. Ride for Free directly to the heart of the celebration.
3. Explore Downtown, surrounded by stunning light displays, restaurants, and attractions.
4. Return Easily — simply hop back on at the Visitor Information Center for a quick ride to your car.

Shuttle Parking Locations

Park for free at any of these convenient lots:

• Broudy’s Lot – 198 W. King Street
• North San Marco Lot – 301 San Marco Avenue
• St. Johns County Health Department – 200 San Sebastian View

All shuttles drop off and pick up at the Visitor Information Center (10 S. Castillo Drive).

Shuttle Dates & Times

The free shuttle runs from 1 PM to 11 PM on the following dates:

November: 15, 16, 21–23, 28–30
December: 5–7, 12–14, 19–24, 26–31
January: 1–4, 9–11

Special Note: On December 6, due to the Christmas Parade, shuttle service will operate 8 AM – 11 PM.

The shuttle runs on all major event and high-attendance days, including Light-Up! Night, Thanksgiving Weekend, every Friday–Sunday in December, and daily the week after Christmas.

Anastasia Island Shuttle – Light-Up! Night Only

For those coming from the island, a special free shuttle will run on Saturday, November 15 from 4–11 PM with the following stops:

• Anastasia Baptist Church – 1650 A1A S
• R.B. Hunt Elementary – 125 Magnolia Drive
  Drop-off Location: Corner of Gerado St. and Flagler Blvd (North Davis Shores, east end of the Bridge of Lions)

Light-Up! Night – Saturday, November 15

Kick off the season in style!

• Live entertainment begins at 4 PM
• Lighting ceremony starts at 6:30 PM in the Plaza de la Constitución
• Street closures will occur downtown for pedestrian safety during the event
• Cost: Free and open to the public

Best Ways to See the Lights

Once you’ve made it downtown, there are so many magical ways to experience Nights of Lights! Whether you prefer something cozy, romantic, or adventurous, here are a few of the best options:

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride – Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy a private, romantic ride through the glowing streets.
• Trolley Tour – Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Red Train for a narrated ride filled with history, music, and holiday cheer.
• Boat Tour – View the dazzling skyline from the water with a Nights of Lights boat cruise along the Matanzas Bay. There is a wide selection of boat tour companies to choose from! 
• Golf Cart Tour – Perfect for small groups, these guided tours let you zip through town at your own pace while taking in all the sparkle.
• Walk the Town – Stroll along the bayfront, down Aviles Street, or through the Plaza de la Constitución for up-close views and plenty of photo ops.

Each experience offers a unique perspective on the city’s iconic holiday glow — you can’t go wrong with any of them!

Download the Nights of Lights App

Make the most of your visit! Download the Nights of Lights app in your App Store for all the information you need — shuttle maps, parking locations, event schedules, and more — right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, taking advantage of the free shuttle service is the easiest and most enjoyable way to see the lights, stroll the beautifully lit streets, and experience the charm of St. Augustine’s holiday season — all without the parking stress!