There’s never a bad time to visit St Augustine. But the holiday season may be among the best. Despite the fact that it’s not a holiday for some unless there’s snow on the ground, we’ve always felt that white sand is a far better thing to sink your toes into when the end of the year comes around. If you’re in agreement, you’ll be interested in these great holiday events in St. Augustine.

Nights of Lights (11/15 — 1/31)

As St. Augustine’s premier seasonal celebration, the joyous Nights of Lights had delighted locals and visitors alike for nearly 30 years. The entire city participates, decking out countless structures with millions of brilliant, twinkling holiday lights and bringing an undeniable environment of holiday cheer. No less an authority than National Geographic named the event one of the Top Ten Holiday Lights Displays in the World.

Holiday Regatta of Lights (12/12)

This unique event takes the Nights of Lights idea and extends it beyond the reaches of the shore — and into the waters of Matanzas Bay. Augustinians look forward to the St. Augustine Yacht Club-hosted regatta every year, wherein boats of all shapes and sizes get decked out in illuminated displays of festive brilliance and sail past appreciative onlookers in a cheery parade as merry and bright as the season. It’s just as much a celebration of the city’s rich maritime heritage as it is a holiday festivity.

Villa Zorayda Museum (12/5, 12/11, 12/19, 12/26, 12/27, 12/28, 12/30, 1/02)

The Villa Zorayda Museum is a spectacular architectural masterpiece. Built in 1883, this Gilded Age home is modeled after a magnificent Spanish castle and is home to a stunning collection of art, vintage furniture, and priceless artifacts. Each holiday the museum truly pulls out all the stops and puts on a yuletide display for the ages. Seasonal decorations, special displays, and a brilliant tree lighting all await visitors to this opulent assembly of exhibits.

“A Christmas Story” Live (12/18 — 12/20)

It’s an undeniable holiday classic — from the pink-bunny pajamas to the “fra-jee-lay” leg lamp to “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” This year “A Christmas Story” comes to life courtesy of Apex Theatre Studio. Performances of the stage adaptation of this Christmas classic will take place at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach. There will be three performances on December 18, 19, and 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Nutcracker (12/18 — 12/20)

The venerable St. Augustine Ballet will be presenting Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker” for its 12th year. The production takes place at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium and tells the timeless story of a fantasy Christmas story featuring toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and a magical land of sugar plums. This enduring holiday classic has delighted generations for more than 125 years.

Luminary Night (12/1, 12/3)

This family-friendly event takes place each year at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. This year’s reimagined event takes place over two nights and features a safe, socially distanced drive-through display featuring elves, holiday carols, and a whole host of cheerful displays. Families will be able to pick up assembled luminary kits with seasonal silhouettes and other festive features.

Plan Your Stay

Ready to enjoy these seasonal events for yourself? We’d love to welcome you this winter. Explore our exclusive rates and holiday packages!