St Augustine Nights of Lights Trolley Tour: Enjoy Winter Wonderland in the Sunshine State

At the end of each year, the North Florida city of St Augustine goes under a magical transformation. Some 400 years ago, the city was the first successful year-round settlement in the United States, and it still thrives today. As the nights draw in, the city turns from a vibrant tourist destination to a winter wonderland, and the annual Nights of Lights celebration provides a perfect way to explore it.

What is St Augustine Nights of Lights?

The Festive season in St Augustine transforms the city into a twinkling winter wonderland, with more than three million white lights twinkling around every corner. The night-time illumination show is one of the most spectacular light events in the US, and it attract tourists from all over the world.

Nights of Lights is held over several weeks beginning with Thanksgiving, and it starts at 6pm every night (except December 25th). During this time, the city’s Spanish-colonial architecture is adorned with thousands of multicolored bulbs and fairy lights, transforming St Augustine into a festive show-stopper.

What to Expect on a Trolley Tour

St Augustine Nights of Lights Trolley Tour provides a perfect way to explore this stunning winter wonderland. The tour takes you on a leisurely ride around the city’s historical district, where you can explore its architectural beauty while sitting back and enjoying twinkling ambience of festive lights.
The tour typically lasts around 90 minutes and you will get to visit various historical sites such as Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, City Gates, Oglethorpe statue, and much more.

The tour is provided by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about St Augustine’s history, and guarantee to captivate you with their engaging stories about the city’s past. All trolleys are equipped with comfortable leather seats and air-conditioned cabins.

What is Included in the Tour?

The St Augustine Nights of Lights tour includes a 90-minute sightseeing tour along with audio narration from your guide who will provide amusing anecdotes about St Augustine’s rich history and culture. All trolley tours come with a complimentary hot chocolate or cold drinks to sweeten up your experience.

When is the Best Time to Go?

The Nights of Lights event starts at 6 pm each day (except December 25th) and continues till 9 pm during weekends. Depending on your preference, you can book one of the two tours that start at 5:30pm and 8pm. Both of them offer an enjoyable experience in a festive atmosphere, and you can choose any one to suit your schedule.

Where can I book a Trolley Tour?

You can book a tour online at Get Your Guide where we offer various packages to choose from including hop-on hop-off tickets, family packages and group deals. We also guarantee secure payments and our customer service team is available 24/7. Click here to book your tickets.

Why Should I go for St Augustine Nights of Lights Trolley Tour?

The tour offers a great opportunity to explore the magical winterland feel of St Augustine in comfort and style. You get to marvel at the spectacular view while being narrated interesting stories about the city’s history. Plus you get to savor hot beverages which just add to the overall experience and make it even more memorable.

All in all, St Augustine Nights of Lights Trolley Tour is an experience that every first-time and regular visitor to St Augustine must have in order to truly appreciate this beautiful city. As a bonus, you get to build memories with loved ones on board this magical ride which is something that none of us can ever forget for as long as we live.

Insider’s Guide to St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a charming city that is known for its history, beaches, and quaint old-world charm. Located in the Sunshine State of Florida, this little city has a lot of hidden treasures that only the locals know about. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the best things to see and do in St. Augustine.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots

St. Augustine is known for its beautiful beaches, historic fort, and charming old town. But if you want to see some unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions, then you must check out some of these places:

– Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: Built-in 1672, this historic fort is the oldest of its kind in America. Take a stroll through its old-world charm and learn about the role it played in the settlement of America.

– Lightner Museum: Housed in the old Alcazar Hotel, this museum showcases many beautiful artifacts collected by Henry Flagler. It’s an excellent place to appreciate the city’s Art Nouveau and Victorian-era architecture.

– St. Augustine Lighthouse: Climb up the 219 steps to the top of this 144-foot tall lighthouse for a stunning view of St. Augustine and the Atlantic Ocean.

Dining Spots: Indulge in Local Cuisine

St. Augustine is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich food culture that includes Spanish, Southern, and seafood dishes. Here are some dining suggestions for visitors:

– The Floridian: This is an excellent place to try out local staples, such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and jerk chicken.
– Café Alcazar: This spot is set in the beautiful Lightner Museum and offers a quaint atmosphere with delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups.
– Back 40 Urban Café: A hip and trendy spot, this cafe offers different platter options that are perfect for large groups with a wide variety of dietary restrictions.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Traditions, and Customs

St. Augustine is a vibrant city that celebrates its rich history and culture with various festivals and traditions throughout the year. Here are some noteworthy experiences to add to your itinerary:

– Nights of Lights: Beginning in November and ending in February, this festival lights up the whole town with more than 3 million tiny white lights, transforming St. Augustine into a winter wonderland.

– The St. Augustine Easter Parade: A colorful and lively event, this parade has been a tradition in St. Augustine for more than 55 years. Beautiful floats, lively music and dance performances, and lots of candy make this parade a must-see.

– St. Augustine Celtic Festival: Celebrated in March, this festival highlights the Celtic heritage of St. Augustine with traditional food, music, and dance.

Local History: Fascinating Stories Beyond Facts

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the USA, with a rich and fascinating history. Here are a few captivating stories that will capture your imagination:

– Love Tree: A large and beautiful oak tree located near the Plaza de la Constitución, which is said to have magical powers. Legend has it that if two people kiss under the tree, their love will last forever.

– Fountain of Youth: A historical landmark, this is the legendary spot where the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon came to search for the Fountain of Youth.

– Ghosts of St. Augustine: With a history that dates back to the 1600s, it’s no surprise that St. Augustine has its share of ghost stories. Take a ghost tour through the city, and you’ll hear tales of haunted hotels, ghost sightings, and souls that refuse to leave.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Want to do something unique and memorable? Here are some suggestions for off-the-beaten-path experiences in St. Augustine:

– St. Augustine Distillery: This is a must-visit for whisky lovers, with award-winning craft spirits distilled right here in St. Augustine.

– Eco Tours: Take an eco-tour to explore the wilder side of St. Augustine. You can go kayaking, fishing, or even horseback riding on the beach.

– Salt Spa of St. Augustine: This is the perfect way to rest and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing. The spa offers salt therapy sessions, which are known to provide various health benefits.

In conclusion, St. Augustine is a beautiful and charming city that offers a lot of unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.