✨ Florida's historic coast
Visit St. Augustine, FL
Christmas in the nation's oldest city: about 3 million white lights, a 17th-century fort on the bay, carriage rides at dusk and 70-degree beach days.
Trip datesDec 22–265 days, Christmas week
Temperature55–70 °FLight layers
Nights of Lights~3 millionFree, Nov 21 – Jan 18
SplurgeAsado LifeBook weeks ahead
The big draw
Nights of Lights
~3 million white lights
The nation's oldest city glows from Nov 21, 2026 through Jan 18, 2027. Free to walk and see.
- Free parking & shuttles on Dec 22, 23, 24 and 26, 1–11 pm.
- Trolley and boat tours show the lights from the street and the bay; book ahead.
- 55–70 °F: a perfect contrast to Maine. Light layers, a jacket for evening and sunscreen.
Where to stay
Historic inns in the old city
Sleep inside the lights
Stay in the historic district and the Nights of Lights, the Colonial Quarter and the Christmas Market are all a short walk away. Inns usually serve a special holiday breakfast or dinner for guests.
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St. Francis Inn
A historic inn from 1791 in the heart of the old city. Typically serves a holiday dinner for guests.
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Casa de Suenos
A Mediterranean-style B&B with arched windows and balconies, a short walk from the historic district.
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Fly into Jacksonville
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is about 50 minutes drive from the historic district.
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Getting around
The historic district is very walkable; trolleys and carriages cover the main area. A car helps for the beach. Free Nights of Lights parking and shuttles run 1–11 pm on Dec 22, 23, 24 and 26.
5-day itinerary
Dec 22–26, 2026: Christmas in the nation's oldest city
Day 1 · Arrival & first lights
Tue, Dec 22Morning
- Arrive and check in (see Where to stay).
- Breakfast at The Blue Hen Cafe (Lincolnville), known for a giant breakfast burrito. Open until 2 pm.
Midday
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. (1672–1695). Walk the coquina ramparts and climb to the gun deck for views over Matanzas Bay. Open 9 am–5 pm; allow 1.5–2 hours.
- St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum across the street: 800+ pirate artifacts, including Thomas Tew's treasure chest.
Afternoon
- Walk the Historic District: cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture and street performers.
- Lunch at St. Augustine Fish Camp (142 Riberia St): the Low Boil for Two and shrimp and grits.
Evening
- Christmas Market at the Colonial Quarter (5–10 pm, through Dec 24): local gifts, live entertainment and Santa.
- Dinner at Prohibition Kitchen (St. George St): 1920s-inspired bar food and live music.
- First Nights of Lights walk around Cathedral Place and the Plaza de la Constitución. Free.
Day 2 · History & water
Wed, Dec 23Morning
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (100 Red Cox Dr): climb the 219 steps of the 1874 lighthouse.
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm (1539 A1A): the oldest alligator farm in the U.S. (est. 1893).
Midday
- Lunch at O'Steen's Restaurant (Anastasia Island): classic Southern fare and hush puppies.
Afternoon
- St. Augustine Beach, a short drive south on A1A: no crowds and calm water in winter.
- Photo stop at the Bridge of Lions.
Evening
- Nights of Lights boat tour: a 75-minute cruise past the illuminated Castillo, Bridge of Lions and lighthouse. Book ahead; it sells out.
- Or a Nights of Lights trolley tour from the Visitor Information Center.
- Dinner at Cap's on the Water (Vilano Beach): waterfront on the Intracoastal with sunset views.
Day 3 · Christmas Eve, culture & celebration
Thu, Dec 24Morning
- The Lightner Museum (75 King St): a gilded-age hotel turned museum with a grand ballroom.
- Flagler College on King St: admire the Spanish Renaissance architecture from outside for free.
Midday
- Lunch at The Floridian (Spanish St): farm-to-table, cheaper at lunch than dinner.
- Or Bull & Crown Publick House (St. George St) for pub fare.
Afternoon
- Christmas Eve shopping on St. George Street and the Colonial Quarter boutiques.
- Carriage ride through the historic district, especially magical at dusk.
Evening
- Dinner at Asado Life (173 Shipyard Way): Argentinian open-flame prix fixe. Book weeks ahead.
- Or River + Fort (12 Avenida Menendez) with views of the Castillo.
- Christmas Eve services: Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine or First Church of St. Augustine.
- A final Nights of Lights stroll.
Day 4 · Christmas Day, rest & beach
Fri, Dec 25The Castillo is closed on Christmas Day, and many restaurants have reduced hours. Call ahead.
Morning
- Sleep in.
- Breakfast at Beachside Diner (A1A), or your hotel's Christmas brunch.
Midday
- A long, lazy walk on St. Augustine Beach.
- Anastasia State Park: 1,600 acres of beach, dunes and trails (small park entry fee).
Afternoon
- Rest at your inn, or a slow stroll through the quiet historic streets.
Evening
- Christmas dinner: check with your hotel; St. Francis Inn and Casa de Suenos typically serve a holiday dinner for guests.
- Or Columbia Restaurant or Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen, both open on Christmas Day (see Christmas dining below).
- A quiet Nights of Lights walk: the lights are on every night.
Day 5 · Slow morning & departure
Sat, Dec 26Morning
- Breakfast at The Blue Hen Cafe (if you missed it) or Schmagel's Bagels.
- Last stroll through the Colonial Quarter, or the Pirate & Treasure Museum if you missed it.
Midday
- Lunch at Casa Reina overlooking Matanzas Bay, Llama Restaurant for Peruvian ceviche, or Collage for made-from-scratch seafood.
Afternoon
- Depart.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day dining
Where to eat on Dec 24 and Dec 25
Restaurants typically open over Christmas, based on the Visit St. Augustine / Florida Historic Coast listings.
Quick notes
- Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen and Odd Birds are the most consistent options on both days, with extended hours.
- Columbia Restaurant also offers pre-ordered takeout family holiday meals. Call ahead.
- Hours are the 2025 published schedule; 2026 menus and prices are usually confirmed in mid-December. Call a few days before to confirm and book: most holiday seats are reservations-only.
| Restaurant | Phone | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athena Greek Restaurant | (904) 823-9076 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Walk-ins welcome |
| Avilés Restaurant & Lounge (Hilton Bayfront) | (904) 829-2277 | 4–9 p.m. | Seatings 12, 2, 4, 6 p.m. | Christmas Day buffet; reservations |
| Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen | (904) 481-8215 | 7:30–10:30 a.m., 4–10 p.m. | 7:30–10:30 a.m., 4–10 p.m. | Reservations required |
| Columbia Restaurant | (904) 824-3341 | 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | 11 a.m.–10 p.m. | Traditional + Christmas menus; takeout family meals |
| Cortesse's Bistro | (904) 217-0705 | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Reservations suggested |
| Cordova Coastal Chophouse & Bar | (904) 819-6018 | 4–10 p.m. | 1–8 p.m. | Eve prix fixe $115; Day buffet $95 |
| Nonna's Trattoria | (904) 891-0318 | 5–10 p.m. | 5–10 p.m. | Walk-ins welcome |
| Odd Birds Cocktail Lounge and Kitchen | (904) 342-8378 | 4 p.m.–2 a.m. | 11 a.m.–2 a.m. | Day: limited menu, reservations only |
| Old City House Inn Restaurant | (904) 826-0113 | Seatings 4 & 6 p.m. | Seatings 4 & 6 p.m. | Holiday meal; reservations required |
| Green Papaya Thai & Sushi Cuisine | (904) 516-8888 | 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. | 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. | Walk-ins welcome |
| Amici Italian Restaurant | (904) 481-8851 | 4–8 p.m. | 4–8 p.m. | Limited hours/menu; reservations |
| Harvest & Reel (Embassy Suites) | (904) 461-9004 | 4:30–10 p.m. | 4:30–10 p.m. | Eve prix fixe; Day normal menu + holiday plate |
| Santiago's Florida Kitchen & Craft Bar (Guy Harvey Resort) | (904) 471-2555 | Open | Open |
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Open Christmas Eve only
Closed Christmas Day.
Harry's Seafood Bar & GrillePizzalley's Chianti RoomBarbara Jean's On The WaterBeachcomberBlackfly the RestaurantCasa Reina Taqueria & TequilaForgotten TonicJJ's Liberty BistroLa StradaLynda's Beach at Ocean ClubMichael's St. AugustineLa Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs (Eve four-course meal)
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Open Christmas Day only
Ocean Ballroom (Hammock Beach Golf Resort): Christmas Day brunch, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Practical tips
St. Augustine in winter
Weather: 55–70 °F. Light layers, a jacket for evening and sunscreen; the sun is strong even in winter.
Nights of Lights: Free to walk. Free parking and shuttles 1–11 pm on Dec 22, 23, 24 and 26. Boat and trolley tours need advance booking.
Christmas Market: Colonial Quarter, 5–10 pm daily through Dec 24. Free entry.
Reservations: Asado Life books out weeks ahead. Cap's, River + Fort and Collage fill on weekends; book 2–3 weeks ahead.
Castillo: Open 9–5, closed Christmas Day. Check the current entry fee on the National Park Service site.
Getting around: The historic district is very walkable; trolleys and carriages cover the main area. A car helps for the beach.
Budget: Generally pricier than Kennebunkport in winter (Florida's peak season), and Nights of Lights draws big crowds.
Side by side
St. Augustine or Kennebunkport?
Same week, two very different Christmases.
| Kennebunkport, ME | St. Augustine, FL | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 20–40 °F | 55–70 °F |
| Vibe | Quiet, cozy, New England charm | Festive, historic, Southern warmth |
| Key event | Post-Prelude winter dining | Nights of Lights (3M lights, free) |
| Signature experience | Fish shack dinner at Batson River / Coastal Lighthouse Village | Nights of Lights boat cruise / Castillo at night |
| Top splurge dinner | Earth at Hidden Pond | Asado Life |
| Top casual dinner | Alisson's / Little Barn | St. Augustine Fish Camp / O'Steen's |
| Outdoor activity | Cross-country skiing, beach walk | Beach, alligator farm, carriage ride |
| Christmas Day | Many restaurants closed; hotel dinners | Castillo closed; most restaurants open with reduced hours |
Gallery
St. Augustine, FL in pictures
Plan with Marina
Plan your St. Augustine Christmas
Tell us your dates and we will book the inn, the boat tour and the dinners before Nights of Lights sells out.
Marina ParrishFounder & CEOEntertaining Economist LLCPhone: (315) 901-8616Legal@SkiandBeachHaus.com✈️ Wishing you an unforgettable adventure ✈️
Prices, hours and event dates change. Confirm with hotels, restaurants and venues before you travel.