Every Night from Nov. 21, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016 at Plaza de la Constitucion
The 2015 Nights of Lights festival turns the city of St. Augustine into a dazzling holiday display.
The 21st Annual Nights of Lights dazzles the city as some three million lights adorn every corner of the historic district for two months.
This spectacular holiday lights display runs from November 21, 2015, to January 31, 2016. view this award-winning sight in downtown St. Augustine. During Nights of Lights, businesses downtown stay open later, letting you dine in view of the lights and shop amongst the lit buildings. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas of Nights of Lights, and there are also a variety of specialty tours — everything from walking to horse-and-carriage tours, and even tours to see the lights from the water and from the air!
There are plenty of photo opportunities from the beautifully lit bayfront strung with lights, to the Christmas tree placed in the center of the plaza with holiday gifts surrounding it. From dusk until dawn, the lights bring holiday cheer to vacationers and locals in St. Augustine.
Nights of Lights begins with Light Up! Night on November 21, 2015. For more information and a full schedule of events, check out the profile page for Light Up! Night Lighting Ceremony.
Nights of Lights is the winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine where each historic downtown business and many residents participate by lighting up their buildings. The Nights of Lights celebration was chosen in 2011 and 2012 by National Geographic as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world. Even today, in 2015 and 2016, it continues to shine as a holiday destination for vacationers from all over the world.
Especially significant light displays are visible at Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. The main plaza, called the Plaza de la Constitución, features lights draped around every tree. There’s also a Christmas tree in the center where photos can be taken. Another business known for their light display is the Tini Martini Bar and Casablanca Inn. Visitors and locals can dine on their outdoor patio amongst the glowing bulbs. The view of the bayfront from the Bridge of Lions during Nights of Lights is a favorite for many, and a guaranteed photo opportunity.
History of Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights in St. Augustine traces its origins back to the traditional Spanish practice of displaying a white candle in windows during the Christmas holidays. Candles in the window allude to the fact that Mary and Joseph could find no inn that would give them shelter. When the Spanish put candles in their windows, they were symbolically making room in their homes and hearts for Jesus. It also reflects the welcoming attitude of the holiday season, showing that guests are welcome to the home. The stunning lights reflect the city’s 450-year history and illuminate the beautiful cityscape for lasting holiday memories. The city of St. Augustine has been celebrating Nights of Lights for 21 years.
Things to Do during Nights of Lights
Looking for things to do in St. Augustine during Nights of Lights 2015-16? St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation’s oldest city. From roof shingle to doorway entrance, the buildings of downtown will glow in holiday cheer. Vacationers can walk through the Plaza de la Constitución during Nights of Lights and stare up at the glowing lights in the trees, and wander through the brick streets of downtown while taking in the beautiful and magical sights. Visitors can snap photos with outdoor displays, like the holiday tree in the center of the town plaza, or grab some hot cocoa from a local restaurant.
Check out these local tours during Nights of Lights. Note that some tours do not start until the night after the Lighting Ceremony.
For information on Light Up! Night on Nov. 21, 2015, read our Ultimate Survival Guide to Nights of Lights.
