St. Augustine ⛵

Christmas Edition: 32nd Annual Night of Lights! 🎄

November 15, 2025 - January 11, 2026

Hold onto your sun hats—St. Augustine’s 32nd Annual Night of Lights is not your average holiday display! Imagine wandering through nearly 20 blocks aglow with over 3 million twinkling white lights, hunting for a secret red bulb like a holiday P.I., and belting out Christmas karaoke under a towering tree from Sugar Mountain, NC. Whether you’re a crowd-loving beachgoer or a quiet holiday explorer, this event is pure magic from start to finish!

You'll want to make this a Christmas tradition:

• Epic Light Hunt: There’s one sneaky red bulb hidden among millions—can you find it before anyone else?

• Step Challenge: With over 7,200 steps logged, you’ll earn your holiday treats!

• Historic Vibes: Stroll cobblestone streets, ride horse-drawn carriages, and cross the iconic Bridge of Lions (those marble lions are Michelangelo-approved) in the Nation's Oldest City.

• Waterfront Wonderland: Boats and ships in the bay sparkle with Christmas lights—don’t forget your camera!

• Karaoke & Cheer: Join the crowd for Christmas karaoke in the Plaza de la Constitución, right by the 25-foot Christmas tree that traveled all the way from North Carolina.

• National Fame: Recognized by National Geographic and the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the world’s best holiday light displays.

Tips!

• Arrive early for the best views (and fewer crowds).

• Use the shuttles—unless you want to be stuck on the bridge with everyone else and don't forget cash for tipping!

• Book your downtown room months ahead or stay at the beach for a breezy escape.

• Don’t forget to check out the shops, galleries, and live music—there’s something for everyone.

Gimme Some Grub 🦞

The food this trip was absolutely amazing! It was a short trip and we opted for food at the resort for dinner and breakfast for convenience and the yummy factor, of course. We stumbled onto the BBQ place at the Night of Lights and hit the jackpot of St. Augustine!

1. Cozy meets coastal at Santiago's Florida Kitchen & Craft Bar (located in the Guy Harvey Resort)

   $20-$30 per person—Bring a couple of twenties and you're golden!

   Spanish, Latin American, and southern cuisines

   Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

   Indoor/outdoor seating

   https://santiagosfloridakitchen.com/

2. Mojo Old City BBQ

   $10-$20 per person—BBQ bites that won't burn your wallet.

   Good barbecue and southern food

   Lunch and dinner

   Indoor/outdoor seating

   https://mojobbq.com/mojo-old-city/

Snooze Spots 🛏️💤

Just ten minutes from downtown, our beachside retreat was a great find! The Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach offered beautiful ocean and poolside views. Everywhere you look there were Guy Harvey’s images, local art, and recycled surfboards kind of like staying in a mini art gallery. Red lights outside keep migrating turtles safe, and pets are welcome too. We saw some CUTE pups, y’all! Evenings brought live music and cozy fire pits at the resort’s award-winning restaurant. This place was pure sunshine even in the midst of some dreary weather. We would totally do this again!

https://guyharveyresortstaugustinebeach.com/our-hotel/