St. Augustine, Florida, January 3, 2026
The 32nd Annual Nights of Lights festival in St. Augustine, Florida, has broken attendance records, drawing impressive crowds from November to January. The historic district is beautifully illuminated with over three million white lights, creating a festive atmosphere. The festival’s success has led to increased funding from local authorities and various visitor experiences, reaffirming its status as a must-see holiday event.
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights 2025-2026 Sees Record-Breaking Attendance
St. Augustine, Florida – The 32nd Annual Nights of Lights festival, which began on November 15, 2025, and runs through January 11, 2026, has attracted unprecedented crowds, surpassing previous attendance records. This year, the historic district is adorned with over three million white lights, transforming the city into a dazzling holiday spectacle.
Event Details
The festival commenced with the “Light-Up! Night” ceremony on November 15, 2025, at the Plaza de la Constitución. The lighting ceremony began at 6:30 p.m., featuring music, performances, and the illumination of the holiday tree and surrounding oak trees.
Extended Funding and Support
In response to the festival’s growing popularity, St. Johns County increased its funding for the event, contributing over $850,000 to ensure its success. The city has also implemented measures to manage the large crowds and ensure safety, including crowd control and traffic management at high-traffic intersections.
Visitor Experience
Visitors can enjoy the lights through various means, including walking tours, trolley rides, and boat cruises along the Matanzas River. The event has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world.
Background
Nights of Lights is an annual festival that began in 1993, honoring the Spanish tradition of displaying white candles in windows during Christmas. The event has grown significantly over the years, becoming a major tourist attraction and providing a boost to local businesses.
Conclusion
The success of the Nights of Lights festival not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of St. Augustine but also showcases the synergy between local government support and community engagement in fostering economic growth. As the festival continues to draw visitors from all around, it reinforces the importance of supporting local enterprises and celebrating this beautiful city’s unique charm. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the enchanting displays during this magical season and contribute to the local economy.
FAQ
- What is the Nights of Lights festival?
- The Nights of Lights festival is an annual event in St. Augustine, Florida, where the historic district is illuminated with millions of white lights, creating a festive holiday atmosphere. This year marks the 32nd annual festival, running from November 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
- When did the Nights of Lights festival begin?
- The festival began in 1993, honoring the Spanish tradition of displaying white candles in windows during Christmas.
- How many lights are used in the 2025-2026 festival?
- This year’s festival features over three million white lights adorning the historic district.
- What measures have been taken to manage large crowds during the festival?
- The city has implemented crowd control and traffic management at high-traffic intersections to ensure safety and alleviate congestion.
- How can visitors experience the Nights of Lights festival?
- Visitors can enjoy the lights through various means, including walking tours, trolley rides, and boat cruises along the Matanzas River.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Nights of Lights 2025-2026 |
| Location | St. Augustine, Florida |
| Duration | November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026 |
| Number of Lights | Over three million white lights |
| Funding | Over $850,000 from St. Johns County |
| Visitor Experiences | Walking tours, trolley rides, boat cruises along the Matanzas River |
| Awards | Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten holiday light displays in the world |
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