The History of the Nights of Lights Tradition in St. Augustine, Florida

Our St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the U.S., is known for its rich history and charm. One of its most famous traditions is the “Nights of Lights”, an annual holiday event that transforms the city into a sparkling winter wonderland. But how did this tradition begin, and how has it grown over the years?

The Beginnings of ‘Nights of Lights’

The roots of “Nights of Lights” can be traced back to St. Augustine’s Spanish heritage. The city was founded in 1565, and Christmas celebrations have always been an important part of life here. However, the modern version of “Nights of Lights” didn’t start until the 1990s. In 1994, local business owners and city leaders came together to create a way to attract visitors during the quieter holiday season. They decided to decorate the historic downtown area with white lights to give the city a festive feel.

Growing the Tradition

What started as a modest display of lights quickly grew in popularity. By the late 1990s, the event was drawing more and more people each year. The light display expanded, and by the early 2000s, over a million lights were illuminating the city’s historic streets and landmarks.

Today, more than 3 million lights light up St. Augustine during the holiday season, creating one of the largest and most beautiful holiday light displays in the country.

Why It’s Special

What makes St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” so special is the backdrop. The city’s historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos create a perfect setting for the twinkling lights. Unlike many holiday displays, St. Augustine uses only white lights. This gives the city a classic, elegant feel, making it stand out from the colorful lights found in other places.

The lights are typically turned on during the “Light-Up! Night” ceremony in late November, marking the official start of the holiday season. From that moment until early January, the city is aglow every night, offering visitors a magical experience.

The Impact on the Community

“Nights of Lights” has become a big part of St. Augustine’s economy. The event draws visitors from all over, benefiting local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops. The city also organizes tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and boat trips along the river to make the experience even more special.

The tradition has also brought the community together. Local organizations, schools, and churches often help with the lights and other activities, making it a true community effort.

Nights of Lights Today

Today, St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” is one of the most recognized holiday events in the country. It’s been named one of the best holiday light displays by major travel magazines. The event has grown to include fun extras, like festive concerts and special tours, making it even more appealing to tourists and locals alike.

A Tradition That Shines

From a small display of lights in 1994 to the massive, stunning show we see today, “Nights of Lights” has become a symbol of St. Augustine’s holiday spirit. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, experiencing the lights in this historic city is something special. It’s a tradition that brings together history, beauty, and holiday joy, lighting up the city in more ways than one.

If you’re in Florida during the holidays, don’t miss the chance to see this magical display. St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” is a holiday experience you’ll never forget.

The best way to experience the Nights of Lights in St. Augustine is to view the lights from the water perspective with Florida Water Tours Boat Company. We are a locally owned, family owned boat tour company who offer eco-tourism boat cruises along the St. Augustine Intercostal waterway. Click here to book a ‘Nights of Lights’ cruise with Florida Water Tours.