Keystrokes By Kimberly
St. Augustine, Fla. (Nov 17, 2015) — Looking for a unique way to enjoy holiday cheer? The Nation’s oldest city will give you 3 million. St. Augustine’s 22nd annual Nights of Lights kicks off Saturday, November 21, when the lights turn on from the Plaza de la Constitucion illuminating the city and the Plaza’s brilliantly decorated Christmas tree among hundreds of revelers. Nights of Lights continues through January 31 with over 3 million white lights covering the city, creating a light display listed among National Geographic’s Top 10 Places to See Holiday Nights in the World. St. Augustine is one of only two US cities to make National Geographic’s list, ranking among cities such as Hong Kong, Madrid, and Vienna.
Travel smart this holiday and enjoy Nights of Lights lodging deals, low-cost airfare options and specially priced tours.
From romantic Bed & Breakfast Inns, to familiar hotels, to beachside resorts, special offers and lodging deals are available during Nights of Lights at www.floridashistoriccoast.com/lights and mid-week stays are another opportunity to save.
Low-fare non-stop flights to St. Augustine through the North Florida Regional Airport are available from Trenton, New Jersey on Frontier Airlines and from Charlotte, North Carolina, on Via Air. Book at www.FlyFrontier.com and www.FlyViaAir.com. By car, Florida’s Historic Coast is easily accessible from the north and south via I-95 and I-10 from the west.
Tours of the spectacular light display are best enjoyed by trolley, boat, walking or horse-drawn carriage. Take advantage of these free or low-cost tours and events during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights.
Old Town Trolley Tours provide complimentary parking to anyone who takes the Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley. The trolley takes guests throughout the city to view Nights of Lights then provides free cider and cookies for a low-fare of $12 for adults and $5 for children. www.trolleytours.com
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum celebrates its 65th birthday with a free winter carnival. Friday and Saturday nights through December 19 enjoy free movies along with a visit from Santa and snow before you board the Red Train Nights of Lights Tour that is just $10 for adults and $5 for children. www.ripleys.com/RedTrains
A December to Remember event produced by the St. Augustine Amphitheatre include a free concert by Country music star Clint Black on December 5, a free drive-in movie at the adjacent Anastasia State Park on December 11, and a chili cook-off and free double feature movies on December 12. www.staugamphitheatre.com.
Get free admission to the Castillo de San Marcos December 12 to explore the 17th Century fort by candlelight. www.nps.gov/casa
Take an evening historic walking tour through the sparkling city with a licensed guide on Fridays and Saturday nights. Learn unique colonial folklore and holiday traditions as you enjoy historic sites brilliantly lit with white lights. Tickets are $18 per person. www.TourStAug.com
Grab your friends and enjoy a Nights of Lights Wine & Carriage Tour. Enjoy a glass of wine on this group tour aboard a horse-drawn carriage as you meander the brick-lined streets. The Tasting Tours nightly excursions are $49 per person and come with a souvenir wine glass. www.tastingtours.com
Take in the view of Nights of Lights from the sea aboard the Schooner Freedom on the ship’s Moonlight Sail. On Fridays and Saturdays set sail on this hour plus tour with complimentary soda, water, beer, wine and hot chocolate for $40 per person www.schoonerfreedom.com
For more information about St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights and the spectacular events taking place on Florida’s Historic Coast this holiday season, visit www.NightsofLights.com.
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaway and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine) or call 1.800.653.2489.
