Festive St. Augustine experiences in your Nights of Lights itinerary

The oldest metropolis in america is attracting international consideration, however not for its wealthy historical past, stunning seashores, stylish lodging or award-winning delicacies. As a substitute, 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 incredible that Clark Griswold would cease in surprise. From the sidewalks to the rooftops vacation shows enhance historic buildings, public areas, resorts, eating places, and small companies. And most notably, these magnificent mild shows are all free for the neighborhood to take pleasure in.

Now in its thirty first yr, the competition showcases an eclectic mixture of shows, every hoping to be the most important and brightest show on the town. Residents and guests alike dressed for the season including to the ambiance of the competition. Golf carts enjoying Christmas tunes, pushed by the Grinch himself roll down Aviles Road. Horse-drawn carriages cross with {couples} bundled collectively on a cold Florida night time sipping cups of mulled wine. Virtually each inch of town, each enterprise, each lodge, showcasing their very own persona with themed bushes and customized decorations in and out. 

From strolling excursions to scenic sails, there are numerous methods for guests to benefit from the Nights of Lights festivities. Contemplate including these tour experiences to your upcoming itinerary.

Golf cart tour with St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions

St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions gives top-of-the-line methods to expertise the competition that covers greater than 20 blocks of town’s historic district. Visitors 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 enjoyable viewing alternatives as they leisurely make their method across the metropolis. These golf carts are a simple and comfy strategy to navigate in any other case tight streets and congested areas of the occasion. This specific tour is really useful for households with younger youngsters in addition to these with mobility issues. Every electrical golf cart can accommodate as much as 9 friends for this roughly 45 minute tour.

Personal carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions

Able to star in your individual Hallmark Christmas film? Personal horse-drawn carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions are wonderful for {couples} on the lookout for a little bit of that film worthy romance. However not only for {couples}, these old style carriage excursions are additionally nice for grownup teams of 4 or much less on the lookout for a extra personalised, intimate and splendid viewing expertise of the historic downtown district. Passengers are handled to pleasant employees, festive carriage decor and supplied 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.

To not be ignored, the guided strolling excursions from St. Augustine Experiences would possibly simply be the expertise you’re on the lookout for. Strolling 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. Visitors 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 modern occasions and notable mild shows. Not wanting friends 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 record of stops so as to add to a Nights of Lights itinerary. A superb tour expertise for vacationers trying to see the lights, but additionally seize the magic of town’s unimaginable historical past. These 90 minute excursions are supplied 7 days per week, rain or shine.

Sundown sail with Schooner Freedom Charters

Crusing each day from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, the family-owned and operated Schooner Freedom Charters provide the proper sundown sail for viewing the lights from the bay. The 76-foot ship welcomes its passengers with open arms. Earlier than setting sail they provide a useful security lesson, instantly adopted by a champagne (or soda) toast. The on deck environment is enjoyable and gorgeous, entertaining {couples}, teams and even households with younger youngsters. Households are welcomed to assist increase the sails, and youngsters supplied an opportunity to “steer” the boat. The crew serves limitless bar drinks and shares extra in regards to the websites and wildlife. As soon as 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 numerous components of the shoreline so friends can have the most effective seat in the home to view the lights. The roughly 2 hour excursions set sail at 4:15 pm November 23 by January twelfth.

Different 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 through the winter competition. Different occasions to take pleasure in embrace the Luminary Evening on the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Christmas Expertise at Villa Zorayda, and the annual vacation boat parades in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay to call just some. Many native resorts, inns and eating places may even offer particular dinners, excursions and menus specifically curated for the season. Vacationers trying to plan a go to to Nights of Lights ought to discover the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Seashores Guests and Conference Bureau web site for extra assets.

No doubt St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is among the finest winter mild festivals free to the general public in america. 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, trying to expertise not simply the locations, however the individuals who create tales.