Planning to visit St. Augustine Nights of Lights in 2026? SAVE THIS! These insider tips will help you experience one of Florida’s most magical Christmas traditions without getting overwhelmed by the crowds! This year marks the 33rd annual Nights of Lights in St. Augustine, Florida, and somehow this historic city gets even more beautiful every year! From millions of sparkling white lights covering the historic district to illuminated boats cruising along the bayfront, there’s nothing quite like Christmas in the Nation’s Oldest City. But with all that Christmas magic comes LOTS of visitors! Here are a few of my favorite tips for making the most of your visit. 1. VISIT WHEN THE CROWDS ARE SMALLER If possible, plan your trip for a weeknight rather than a weekend. Another great time to visit is after the first week of January, when the holiday crowds have thinned out but the lights are still shining! 2. ARRIVE BEFORE DARK One of my favorite things about Nights of Lights is watching the city transform as the sun goes down. Arrive early, enjoy dinner or drinks at one of St. Augustine’s amazing restaurants, and then head outside at dusk to watch the magic happen! 3. DON’T MISS THE REGATTA OF LIGHTS December 12, 2026, is one of my favorite nights of the entire season! The Regatta of Lights Christmas Boat Parade brings beautifully decorated boats along St. Augustine’s historic bayfront. While the bayfront is a popular viewing spot, we love watching from Porpoise Point at Vilano Beach. Watching the sunset and the illuminated boats from the beach is such a special experience! 4. TAKE A NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR Whether you choose a trolley tour, golf cart tour, or scenic boat cruise, seeing the lights from a different perspective is an experience you won’t forget! These tours are especially popular during the Christmas season, so booking ahead is a great idea. 5. STAY OVERNIGHT IF YOU CAN One of the best ways to experience Nights of Lights is to stay in or near St. Augustine’s historic district. Being able to park your car and explore the city on foot makes everything so much easier! I’ve put together an entire series featuring some of my favorite St. Augustine hotels for Nights of Lights, including the pros and cons of each property. Check out my Nights of Lights hotel playlist and story highlights on my page to help you decide where to stay! CHRISTMAS IN ST. AUGUSTINE 2026 Nights of Lights runs November 21, 2026, through January 18, 2027! LIMITED-TIME TICKET DEAL! Right now, you can get UP TO 30% OFF select St. Augustine tours, attractions, and activities, including some incredible ways to experience this historic city! Click the GREEN LOCATION PIN on this video to explore available tickets, compare experiences, and take advantage of these limited-time deals before they’re gone! Whether you’re planning a romantic Christmas getaway, a family holiday vacation, or your first trip to St. Augustine, a little planning can make your Nights of Lights experience even more magical. SAVE this video for your trip, SHARE it with someone who needs to experience St. Augustine at Christmas, and FOLLOW for more local tips, hidden gems, hotels, and things to do in Northeast Florida! #tiktokgostarcreator #tiktoktravelcontest #staugustine #nightsoflights #christmaslights — @thefloridainsider TikTok