St. Augustine is home to one of the best holiday light displays in the world and we’re already planning our next road trip!
Aah, the holiday season… there’s nothing quite like it! Whether you’re more of a grinch or you’re the type of person who turns everything in their lives red and green as soon as November 1 hits, one thing we might all agree on is the fact that holiday lights are kind of amazing. Luckily for us, the town of St. Augustine in Northern Florida, has one of the most spectacular light shows in the whole world, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
So even though we might not get the chance to stroll down London’s Regent Street all decked out for the holidays or wander through Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens (both also on Condè Nast’s list) at least we know we can drive up to historic St. Augustine for some extra dazzling lights this season!
Besides being known as the oldest city in the country, St. Augustine is also famous for its absolutely mesmerizing holiday lights. Once a year, Nights of Lights gives the historic town a new and shiny makeover lighting its Spanish Colonial architecture with millions of flickering light bulbs. Virtually the entire town is engulfed by the thousands of holiday lights that make St. Augustine “all new and shiny when it’s lit up.”
Approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district are covered in lights– Hotels, rooftops, shops restaurants and historic buildings are all covered in twinkling lights head to toe.
The stunning display can be admired from various vantage points including trolley rides, boat tours and even romantic carriage drives. The best locations from which to admire the holiday lights are probably the Plaza de la Constitución, also home to St. Augustine’s magnificent holiday tree, and the Bridge of Lions, where you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking display and its amazing flickering reflection by the water.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the city has had to cancel many of its Christmas events, however, they’re still holding boat, carriage and trolley tours on select dates throughout the holiday season. Nights of Lights is also a free event that last all the way through January 31, 2021, so if you feel like traveling and getting into the holiday spirit you can always just hop on your car and head up to St. Augustine after sundown for a holly jolly dose of festive lights!
See also: Experience The Florida Snow At This Awesome New Snow Park!
[Featured image: St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra — Florida Historic Coast ]