See the Magic of Nights of Lights from the Water!
Escape the downtown crowds this holiday season, and see the lights from the sea
Bridge of Lions FL – View to the illuminated Lions bridge and historic St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights display.
Fall is upon us, which means the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. In St. Augustine, that means over three million white twinkling lights will soon adorn the historic streets of downtown and the bayfront, dripping from ancient oaks, palm trees and historic buildings. Rated one of The Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the World by National Geographic and one of the Best Cities to Visit at Christmas by Conde Nast Traveler, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights 2025 starts November 15, 2025 and ends January 11, 2026. The official lighting ceremony, called Light-Up! Night is Saturday, November 15th and starts at 4pm, with the official lighting beginning at 6:30pm in the Plaza de la Constitución.
The annual festival of lights has been adorning the city for 32 years, spanning approximately 20 blocks, and turning the already picturesque town into a magical wonderland. The tradition started in 1993, and is loosely inspired by a Spanish Christmas tradition of placing white candles on window sills. The idea in St. Augustine was set into motion in the early 1990s as a way to lighten up the dark months of the year, as a way for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the city, and as a way to promote local businesses during the holidays. It brings visitors and locals to the lights every year, and it’s free! Plus businesses stay open late, and town is buzzing from the glow. To make the most of the holidays, and Nights of Lights, we here at Florida Water Tours offer world-class cruises for the festival, with complimentary 3D glasses to enhance your experience, a cozy cup of cocoa and holiday music to get you in the spirit. See the lights from the sea to experience the most magical evening in the oldest city!
We have two cruise options for Nights of Lights: a late night evening cruise, setting sail in the dark, and a sunset cruise that includes a glorious sunset and dazzling holiday lights! The Nights of Lights evening cruises are 75 minutes, and the Sunset cruise is 90 minutes, with options perfect for families or adults-only, with three luxury vessels available to book:
The Osprey is our 45′ pontoon boat that holds 37 passengers, plus 2 crew. It has a bar on board, including Irish cream, mimosas, sangrias and an excellent variety of beer, wine and canned cocktails for those 21 and older. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted on this vessel (but some vessels below are BYOB!). Water, soft drinks and snacks are also available for purchase.
75-Minute Nights of Lights Cruise Options: Osprey Nights of Lights Cruise runs from 6:45pm-8pm and is for all ages. Prices are $39 for adults (ages 13+) and $19 for children (ages 0-12). The 8:15pm-10pm cruise and 9:45pm-11pm tour times are strictly for adults only, ages 21+, for $39 a ticket.
90-Minute Sunset Cruise Option: Osprey Sunset Cruise runs from 5pm-6:30pm and is for adults only (21+). Tickets are $49.
The GBH (Great Blue Heron) is the newest member of the FWT fleet, and is a 47′ luxury power catamaran designed for comfort and panoramic views. This cruise is family friendly, accommodating up to 49 guests, and there is a bar on board and snacks available for purchase.
75-Minute Nights of Lights Cruise Options: GBH Nights of Lights Cruise runs from 7pm-8:15pm and 8:30pm-9:45pm. Tickets are $39 for adults (ages 13+) and $19 for children (ages 5 and over). Children under 5 are not permitted on this vessel.
90-Minute Sunset Cruise Option: GBH Sunset Cruise runs from 5:15pm-6:45pm and is family-friendly, with all ages welcome! Adults (ages 13+) are $49, and children (ages 0 – 12) are $26.
The Island Breeze is our 35′ pontoon boat that holds 24 passengers, plus 2 crew, and is family-friendly. This boat is BYOB, so please feel free to bring your favorite beverages. We also sell beer, wine and canned cocktails in our shop, The Salty Boutique, at the marina.
75-Minute Nights of Lights Cruise Options: Island Breeze Nights of Lights Cruise runs from 7:15pm-8:30pm and 8:45pm-10pm. Tickets are $39 for adults (ages 13+) and $19 for children (ages 5 and over). Children under 5 are not permitted on this vessel.
90-Minute Sunset Cruise Option: Island Breeze Sunset Cruise runs from 5:30pm-7pm and is family-friendly, with all ages welcome! Adults (ages 13+) are $49, and children (ages 0 – 12) are $26.
No matter which cruise you choose, you’ll be dazzled from the water, with an unrivaled view of the city as it becomes a shimmering winter wonderland. You won’t have to fight for a parking spot, or through the crowds downtown. We have ample, free parking, and a designated amount of people on each vessel to ensure your comfort and safety. Sip on a cup of complimentary hot cocoa, a beverage you brought from home or a delicious cocktail from one of our bars on board. We have snacks available for purchase, or indulge in one of our Graze Boxes, which you can pre-order on our site at check out. You can also call or email us up to 12 hours before your cruise to order special snack boxes. Your box will be ready for pick-up in our marina shop during check in (which is 15 minutes before departure). Each vessel has windows that can go up or down, so on those colder evenings we can lower the windows for extra warmth. Be sure to also bring a small blanket to cozy up on those chilly evenings! Blankets, along with other goodies and gifts, are for sale in our marina shop too.
We also recommended grabbing a bite before your cruise at one of our favorite local haunts. If you’d like to make a vacation out of your Nights of Lights adventure, stay at one of our favorites (and some beautiful waterfront options are here too). We welcome you to celebrate Nights of Lights in St. Augustine with us at Florida Water Tours. We’re located at the Windward Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor Marina, 107 Yacht Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084. We offer free parking and restrooms are on board. Our vessels are just a short walk from our boutique, located at Dock A-23, A-24 and A-25. Email us at [email protected] to book or inquire about your next sail.
