The “Ancient City” comes to life in a massive way towards the end of the year. St. Augustine has become a top place in Florida to visit for the holiday season because of the wide range of thrilling events and things to do near The Ocean Gallery resort.
The city fully embraces the holiday season with enthusiasm, joy, and hope for great things to come in the New Year. There is no better place to be this year, so make plans to visit our St. Augustine resort and experience these locally famous events firsthand!
Holiday Regatta of Lights Boat Parade
Location: Along St. Augustine’s bayfront between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos.
You may have seen many parades, but you probably haven’t seen a boat parade, especially one with that extra pirate charm.
The Holiday Regatta of Lights Boat Parade is a top family friendly St. Augustine event that is sure to thrill everyone in your group.
Starting Dec 10th at 6 pm, visitors can view the parade directly north of the Bridge of Lions on the St. Augustine Bay as decorated and light-coated classic boats soar along the water.
The parade features shrimp boats, some trawlers, and sailboats along the Matanzas River. The parade begins at the Bridge of Lions and hugs the coast, past the Matanzas Fort and the open fields.
Nights of Lights
Location: 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084
The Nights of Lights celebration in St. Augustine has been ranked among the best light displays in the world for many reasons. The city is stunningly filled with lights, and nearly all of the local businesses contribute to the scale of the event.
It began as a single week but has since expanded to incorporate holiday St. Augustine events through January of the next year.
Starting Nov. 19th, the city becomes illuminated with white lights over the Matanzas River, creating a breathtaking view in the evening. Buildings and gardens are fitted with lights that scale their edges.
It is a splendid and jaw-dropping display that continues until January 31st of 2018. The center of the action is on the corner of Cathedral Street and St. George Street and includes the courtyard and fountain area – fitted with a massive 40-foot holiday tree.
The lights have become their own mesmerizing event of sorts, where visitors walk the historic streets, take photos and see how they contribute to the beauty of the holiday season.
Plan Your Next Stay
Let us help you plan a relaxing getaway and call our St. Augustine resort at (800)-398-5980 for local information or (877)-542-2488 for lodging reservations near all the best attractions this historic city has to offer.
Visit St. Augustine this Holiday Season
St. Augustine is truly a stunning place to visit during the holidays. It is home to spectacular shops, historic restaurants and buildings, intriguing stories and fascinating architecture that permeates the entire city.
There is a special charm and elegance to St. Augustine during the holidays. Horses clap their feet along the water, happiness fills the air, and the evening lights give off a magical sense that anything is possible.
These are just a few of the events to fill your calendar this holiday season; you’ll find many more in the area that we can fill you in on.
