When is the 2025 Night of Lights in St. Augustine?
Opening night:
Saturday,
November 15, 2025
Lights stay on nightly through
January 31, 2026
The lights turn on at
dusk each night
and stay lit until
11:00 PM.
Pro Tip: Weeknights = fewer crowds + easier parking!
Best Places to See the Lights
You can’t go wrong anywhere in the Historic District — but here are must-see spots:
- Plaza de la Constitución
(center of it all)
- St. George Street
(shops + cozy courtyards)
- Bridge of Lions
(stunning water views)
- Lightner Museum & Flagler College
(iconic architecture lit up)
- Bayfront & Marina
(boats twinkling on the water)
Night of Lights Parking Guide — Q&A Style!
Where can I park for Night of Lights?
Historic Downtown Parking Garage, 1 Cordova St.
City lots near the
Visitor Information Center
Is there free parking?
✔️ Yes — typically
Sundays & holidays
and some side streets farther from downtown.
Is there a shuttle?
✔️ Seasonal
Park & Ride Shuttles
are often offered on peak dates — check city announcements before you go.
Best advice?
Arrive before
5:00 PM
or go later in the evening to miss the rush.
Dining options you can walk to:
Date Night Picks
- Columbia Restaurant
– Authentic Cuban cuisine + balcony seating
- Michael’s
– Upscale dining with amazing steaks + romantic vibe
- OC Whites
– Cozy courtyard + live music
Family-Friendly Favorites
- Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
– Cajun/Creole flavors + outdoor dining
- Pizza Time
– Grab-and-go NY-style slices on St. George Street
- The Floridian
– Southern comfort food with a twist
Drinks & Late Night
- Prohibition Kitchen
– Live music + craft cocktails
- Ice Plant
– Speakeasy style, cool atmosphere
- Meehan’s Irish Pub
– Bayfront views & warm holiday energy
Family-Friendly Night of Lights Ideas
- Holly Jolly Trolley Light Tour
– Kids love the magic viewing glasses
- Schooner or boat tours
– See the lights reflect on the Matanzas Bay
- Carriage rides
– A classic holiday memory
- Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour
- Cookies + Hot Cocoa along St. George Street
Bonus: Snap your yearly holiday card photo 📸
Night of Lights Date Ideas
- Champagne at
Casa Monica Hotel
courtyard
- Share gelato while strolling the bayfront
- Sunset + lights from the
Bridge of Lions
- Book a
romantic rooftop
dining experience (try
River & Fort)
- Candlelit ghost tour — spooky + fun
Best Places to Shop During Night of Lights
- St. George Street
boutiques & local makers
- Aviles Street
(oldest street with art galleries!)
- St. Augustine Premium Outlets
just 15 minutes away
Shop early → Dinner → Lights = perfect itinerary
Photography Tips for Night of Lights
- Go
right after sunset
for the best glow
- Use
night mode
on your phone
- Bayfront + Plaza offer the BEST wide-angle shots
Quick FAQs
Is Night of Lights free?
✔️ YES! The lights are free to enjoy.
Can you bring pets?
✔️ Downtown is pet-friendly but expect crowds.
Is it stroller-friendly?
✔️ Yes — just pack patience on weekends.
Thinking About Moving to Northeast Florida?
Living this close to America’s oldest city means magical moments like Night of Lights are just a quick drive away.
If you’re considering:
⭐ Buying a home in St. Augustine
⭐ Relocating near the beach or historic district
⭐ Investing in Northeast Florida real estate
I’d love to help you explore your options!
