The oldest metropolis in the USA is attracting world consideration, however not for its wealthy historical past, stunning seashores, stylish lodging or award-winning delicacies. As a substitute, tens of hundreds of holiday makers yearly are touring to the historic coastal metropolis of St. Augustine, Florida for a dose of vacation magic.
November by way of January town’s historic downtown district transforms right into a whimsical winter pageant referred to as Nights of Lights, a city-wide occasion that includes tens of millions of twinkling lights so unbelievable that Clark Griswold would cease in marvel. From the sidewalks to the rooftops vacation shows enhance historic buildings, public areas, accommodations, eating places, and small companies. And most notably, these magnificent gentle shows are all free for the group to get pleasure from.
Now in its thirty first 12 months, the pageant showcases an eclectic mixture of shows, every hoping to be the most important and brightest show on the town. Residents and guests alike dressed for the season including to the ambiance of the pageant. Golf carts enjoying Christmas tunes, pushed by the Grinch himself roll down Aviles Avenue. Horse-drawn carriages move with {couples} bundled collectively on a cold Florida evening sipping cups of mulled wine. Virtually each inch of town, each enterprise, each lodge, showcasing their very own character with themed bushes and customized decorations inside and outside.
From strolling excursions to scenic sails, there are numerous methods for guests to benefit from the Nights of Lights festivities. Take into account including these tour experiences to your upcoming itinerary.
Golf cart tour with St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions
St. Augustine Land and Sea Excursions affords the most effective methods to expertise the pageant that covers greater than 20 blocks of town’s historic district. Company are welcomed by their private driver, dressed for the event, to board the open-cabin electrical golf cart. Small teams are handled to family-friendly vacation music and stress-free viewing alternatives as they leisurely make their method across the metropolis. These golf carts are a straightforward and comfy option to navigate in any other case tight streets and congested areas of the occasion. This specific tour is beneficial for households with younger kids in addition to these with mobility issues. Every electrical golf cart can accommodate as much as 9 friends for this roughly 45 minute tour.
Non-public carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions
Able to star in your personal Hallmark Christmas film? Non-public horse-drawn carriage rides from The Tasting Excursions are glorious for {couples} in search of a little bit of that film worthy romance. However not only for {couples}, these old school carriage excursions are additionally nice for grownup teams of 4 or much less in search of a extra personalised, intimate and opulent viewing expertise of the historic downtown district. Passengers are handled to pleasant employees, festive carriage decor and provided glasses of wine as they embark on an enthralling guided tour of town’s lightscape. These 35-45 minute excursions are booked by appointment and topic to availability.
To not be neglected, the guided strolling excursions from St. Augustine Experiences may simply be the expertise you’re in search of. Strolling excursions can elevate your standing from commonplace vacationer to educated native insider, exploring the nooks, crannies and distinctive places in any other case missed by vacationers. Company are greeted by a pleasant tour information able to cater to their tempo and pursuits as they discover the expansive winter pageant by foot. The tour information effortlessly blends town’s deep historical past and folklore with up to date occasions and notable gentle shows. Not wanting friends to overlook a festive second, the tour information shares extra about happenings to go to on foot just like the 7:00 pm “snow” and self-serve drafts at Auggie’s Draft Room along with providing a tailor-made checklist of stops so as to add to a Nights of Lights itinerary. A wonderful tour expertise for vacationers trying to see the lights, but additionally seize the magic of town’s unbelievable historical past. These 90 minute excursions are provided 7 days every week, rain or shine.
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Sundown sail with Schooner Freedom Charters
Crusing each day from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, the family-owned and operated Schooner Freedom Charters provide the right sundown sail for viewing the lights from the bay. The 76-foot ship welcomes its passengers with open arms. Earlier than setting sail they provide a useful security lesson, instantly adopted by a champagne (or soda) toast. The on deck ambiance is stress-free and gorgeous, entertaining {couples}, teams and even households with younger kids. Households are welcomed to assist increase the sails, and kids provided an opportunity to “steer” the boat. The crew serves limitless bar drinks and shares extra in regards to the websites and wildlife. As soon as the solar fades away the Schooner lights up in its personal vacation show whereas the crew passes round Christmas candies and performs festive music. The ship sails numerous components of the shoreline so friends can have one of the best seat in the home to view the lights. The roughly 2 hour excursions set sail at 4:15 pm November 23 by way of January twelfth.
Different not-to-miss vacation occasions and actions
After vacationers view the gorgeous lights, they need to additionally plan to attend one of many many vacation occasions occurring throughout the winter pageant. Different occasions to get pleasure from embrace the Luminary Evening on the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, the Christmas Expertise at Villa Zorayda, and the annual vacation boat parades in Palm Valley and Matanzas Bay to call just some. Many native accommodations, inns and eating places may also offer particular dinners, excursions and menus specifically curated for the season. Vacationers trying to plan a go to to Nights of Lights ought to discover the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Seashores Guests and Conference Bureau web site for extra assets.
No doubt St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is without doubt one of the finest winter gentle festivals free to the general public in the USA. With one thing for everybody, this occasion is definite to dazzle teams, {couples}, households and the “Grinchiest” of vacationers.
Anna Marie Imbordino
Anna Marie Imbordino is a journey author from Charleston, SC, USA. Her love of historical past and the humanities retains her touring, trying to expertise not simply the locations, however the individuals who create tales.
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