Celebrate together in St. Johns! Our guide has all the community events to make your holiday season special. For St. Johns natives and newcomers, our guide is your passport to festive adventures.
One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting Nights of Lights, where streets shimmer with thousands of twinkling lights. Families can also enjoy the Nights of Lights Tours, offering a unique perspective with guided strolls through the illuminated displays. And the Lighthouse Illuminations is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the historic lighthouse adorned in vibrant holiday colors. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around St. Johns
- Nights of Lights (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights Tours (St. Augustine)
- Lighthouse Illuminations (St. Augustine)
- Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour (St. Augustine)
- The Light of Christmas – Drive-Thru Light Display (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing (St. Augustine)
- Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights Aboard the Schooner Freedom (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride (St. Augustine)
- Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride (St. Augustine)
See these and even more events listed below!
St. Johns Holiday Light Displays
Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Historic downtown buildings illuminated with millions of lights.
Description:
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights is a spectacular holiday lights display featuring over three million lights adorning historic downtown buildings. The event includes special tours, musical performances, and a festive atmosphere.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights
Nights of Lights Tours
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday light display in historic downtown St. Augustine.
Description:
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights features millions of tiny white lights adorning historic buildings, creating a dazzling holiday display that is free to the public. Visitors can explore the city's unique Spanish Colonial architecture, enjoy various tours, and experience the festive atmosphere.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights Tours
Lighthouse Illuminations
What to Expect:
Unique themed tree decorations celebrating 150 years of the lighthouse.
Description:
Marvel at over 20 beautifully themed trees, including the Anniversary Tree, celebrating 150 years of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Each tree tells a distinct story, with the Nautical Adventures tree showcasing decorations from across the nation.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Lighthouse Illuminations
Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour
What to Expect:
Guided holiday light tour with complimentary treats and viewing glasses.
Description:
Explore St. Augustine's historic district adorned with over 3 million sparkling white lights on a guided tour with Old Town Trolley. Sing along to holiday carols, enjoy complimentary treats, and wear special viewing glasses to enhance the experience.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour
Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Character rides with Grinch, Santa, and Scrooge.
Description:
Enjoy a 45-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through historic St. Augustine, featuring character rides with Grinch, Santa, and Scrooge. This holiday experience is perfect for families and those aged 21 and above, offering a smooth and hassle-free adventure with VIP boarding.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights GROUP Carriage Ride
Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Private, VIP horse-drawn carriage ride through historic district lights.
Description:
Embark on a romantic private horse-drawn carriage ride through St. Augustine's historic district during the Nights of Lights, enjoying the sparkling scenery and festive atmosphere.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights PRIVATE Carriage Ride
Nights of Lights Aboard the Schooner Freedom
What to Expect:
Unique sailing experience with historic city lights.
Description:
Embark on a 2-hour sailing adventure aboard the Schooner Freedom, where you'll witness St. Augustine's historic downtown area illuminated by millions of white lights. Enjoy the sunset and moonrise while dolphins play in the sea, all under the twinkling lights of the city's unique Spanish Colonial architecture.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights Aboard the Schooner Freedom
Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement
What to Expect:
Family-friendly boat tour with complimentary refreshments.
Description:
Red Boat Tours offers a 1.5-hour cruise through St. Augustine's Nights of Lights, featuring 3-4 million lights and a family-friendly atmosphere. The tour includes complimentary hot cocoa and Christmas candies, and guests can enjoy the city's unique Spanish Colonial architecture while taking in the breathtaking views.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Red Boat Tours Nights of Lights Excitement
Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing
What to Expect:
Private yacht charters with festive decorations and seasonal treats.
Description:
St. Augustine Sailing offers Nights of Lights packages featuring private yacht charters with festive decorations, cozy blankets, and seasonal treats. Glide along Matanzas Bay as millions of twinkling lights illuminate the historic district, offering panoramic views of St. Augustine's skyline.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights - From the Water's Point of View with St. Augustine Sailing
Sparkle Package with St. Augustine Sailing
What to Expect:
Private sailing yacht experience with upscale food pairings.
Description:
Savor the essence of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights aboard a luxury sailing yacht. The Sparkle Package offers a private 2-hour charter experience featuring an upscale perfect pairing of sweet and savory bites, along with a hot festive beverage. Enjoy the dazzling lights of the award-winning display while snuggling together on the beautiful intracoastal waterways.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Sparkle Package with St. Augustine Sailing
Twinkle Package with St. Augustine Sailing
What to Expect:
Luxurious sailing experience with dessert and beverage.
Description:
Embark on a 75-minute cruise aboard a luxury sailing yacht, savoring delectable desserts and signature festive beverages while taking in the dazzling city lights.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Twinkle Package with St. Augustine Sailing
Nights of Lights: Spirited Ride with Beetlejuice
What to Expect:
Costumed character ride with Beetlejuice through historic downtown.
Description:
Embark on a spirited ride with Beetlejuice through historic downtown St. Augustine, featuring millions of dazzling lights and Beetlejuice's hilarious holiday hijinks.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights: Spirited Ride with Beetlejuice
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Decorated boats judged on overall look and decoration composition.
Description:
The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade is a long-standing holiday tradition where vessels of all shapes and sizes adorn their hulls with festive decorations, floating along the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors gather to witness this spectacular event, which concludes with a beautiful fireworks show.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Glowing Gardens
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light show with natural surroundings.
Description:
Glowing Gardens at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens features an immersive holiday experience with millions of glowing lights, sculptures, and natural surroundings. Explore unique displays like Crystal Currents, Lit Art Sculptures, Ground Displays, and Hanging Stars.
Where: Jacksonville | More Info: Glowing Gardens
St. Johns Holiday Markets and Shopping
Nights of Lights Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Seasonal shopping and treats in a historic setting.
Description:
The Nights of Lights Holiday Market in Historic Downtown St. Augustine offers a delightful assortment of holiday gifts and treats, including an ugly sweater contest and perfect family photo opportunities.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: Nights of Lights Holiday Market
St. Johns Holiday Shows and Entertainment
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
What to Expect:
Elite dance performances with elaborate costumes and stage settings.
Description:
The St. Augustine Winter Spectacular is a holiday production featuring a variety of dance styles and stage effects, presented by The Dance Company. The event includes high-kick dancers, ballerinas, and acrobats, along with dazzling costumes and stage settings. It is a great way for visitors and locals to get into the holiday spirit.
Where: St. Augustine | More Info: St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
St. Johns Other Holiday Activities
Nights of Living Light: Bioluminescent Kayaking
What to Expect:
Immersive bioluminescent kayaking experience in a shallow tidal lake.
Description:
Embark on a 90-minute guided kayak tour through Guana Dam, where you'll witness the breathtaking bioluminescence of glowing waters. Paddle through the illuminated waters, led by an expert guide, to experience this natural wonder up close.
Where: Ponte Vedra Beach | More Info: Nights of Living Light: Bioluminescent Kayaking
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Fruit Cove (6 miles)
- Fleming Island (10 miles)
- Palm Valley (12 miles)
- Lakeside (14 miles)
- Ponte Vedra Beach (15 miles)
- Jacksonville Beach (17 miles)
- Oakleaf Plantation (18 miles)
- Jacksonville (18 miles)
- Palm Coast (40 miles)