.jpg)
11 hours ago
4
Article content
Florida’s Historic Coast’s renowned holiday lights display returns Nov. 21, 2026–Jan. 18, 2027
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
St. Augustine, FL, Aug. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While Florida’s Historic Coast is in full summer mode, St. Augustine is already preparing for its world-famous Nights of Lights festival, returning Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027.
Article content
Article content
Nights of Lights began in 1993, inspired by the traditional Spanish practice of placing a single white candle in the window during the Christmas season. Thirty-three years later, the festival has become an internationally acclaimed holiday tradition. National Geographic named Nights of Lights one of the world’s Top 10 holiday light displays in 2011 and 2012. An impact study conducted by Downs & St. Germain Research following the 2025–2026 festival found that 97% of surveyed attendees were satisfied with their visit, and 90% said they would return for Nights of Lights.
Article content
Article content
“Our destination truly shines during the holiday season,” says Susan Phillips, President and CEO of St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Not only does the city look beautiful, but Florida’s Historic Coast also excels at providing a top-notch visitor experience. There’s a reason St. Augustine was named in the top five of the World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2025. t’s a bucket-list experience that often becomes an annual holiday tradition.”
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Nights of Lights will return on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, the weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday, which is the festival’s traditional start date. The lights will remain on through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Nights of Lights is free and open to all, with no ticket required to enjoy the lights. The festival kicks off with Light-Up! Night, featuring live entertainment and the official lighting ceremony in the Plaza de la Constitución. Each evening, Historic Downtown St. Augustine glows with more than three million white lights adorning everything from rooftops and towering oaks to the iconic Bridge of Lions. Many tour operators and attractions, including trains, trolleys, boats, golf carts, and more, offer unique ways to enjoy the three million white twinkle lights that decorate the town.
Article content
Article content
The City of St. Augustine offers a free park-and-ride shuttle throughout Nights of Lights, making it easy for visitors to reach the festival without dealing with downtown parking. Designated parking areas, shuttle routes, and schedules will be posted closer to the date. The best way to stay apprised of the event’s details is the free Nights of Lights app. Introduced in 2025 and downloaded nearly 80,000 times, the app serves as a one-stop resource for key information, including parking details, shuttle schedules, interactive maps, upcoming events, and tips for exploring downtown.
Article content
With travelers increasingly booking holiday vacations months in advance, the announcement gives visitors the opportunity to secure lodging and reserve popular Nights of Lights tours before peak dates sell out.
Article content
Book now to save!
Article content
To celebrate the announcement, Florida’s Historic Coast is offering two holiday-inspired promotions available this summer. The St. Augustine Beach House is offering guests 20% off stays from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, using the code XMAS. Guests will also enjoy a St. Augustine Beach House holiday ornament and a festive cupcake upon arrival. The Tasting Tours has opened two of its popular Nights of Lights tours for pre-booking. The UnMerry GrinchMas Ride and the Magical Ride with Santa provide a front-row view of the holiday lights from a luxurious electric vehicle, accompanied by the season’s most beloved or infamous characters.
English (US)