Saint Augustine, Florida.

Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, we stayed in Saint Augustine, Florida, for a month in January. Our January stay fulfilled our wish to be somewhere warm when our beloved North Dakota is, shall I say, less than hospitable. We spent several days exploring the old town center, which was especially busy during the Nights of Lights activities.

The Nights of Lights is a holiday tradition transforming the historic city center into a twinkling wonderland. Millions of tiny white lights adorn buildings, trees, and streets, creating an atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. The photos above and below feature Constitution Plaza, St. Augustine, Florida’s town square. It’s a public space that serves as the heart of the city’s historic district. Established in 1573, it’s the oldest public space in the United States.

The Plaza is within walking distance of many popular attractions, including the Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Oldest House. The Nights of Lights celebration typically runs from late November to late January, and the lights adorn most historic district buildings.

There are trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, and even boat tours of the Nights of Lights. Still, it’s also possible to simply stroll through the historic district and admire the backdrop of St. Augustine’s landmark architecture. We visited a few times, mostly wandering through the district, but we also decided one evening to take a trolley that provided a broader range of the neighborhood of lights than we cared to walk.

One unique new building, opened in 2022, is a relatively new addition to the city’s historic landscape. While it doesn’t boast centuries-old history like some neighboring buildings, it is a fascinating example of modern architecture that blends seamlessly with the city’s historic charm.

The Lightner Museum boasts a beautiful courtyard at the entrance to the former Alcazar Hotel. This historic building was constructed in 1888 by Henry Morrison Flagler, a railroad tycoon and one of the founders of St. Augustine.

The museum is named after Otto Lightner, a businessman who purchased the hotel in 1948. Lightner transformed the hotel into a museum, filling it with his extensive collection of antiques, art, and decorative objects. The museum is a worthwhile stop when exploring downtown Saint Augustine during business hours.

The Old Powder House Inn is a historic bed and breakfast in a building once a powder magazine, where gunpowder was stored. The building dates back to the late 18th century and is one of the oldest structures in the city. We didn’t stay here, but when I looked up the details, I found many 5-star reviews.

Charlotte Street is a picturesque cobblestone street featuring colorful buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and cafés. It is made all the more special during the Nights of Lights celebration.

Our stay in Saint Augustine was memorable because of the Nights of Lights. Whether strolling through the historic district, enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride, or taking a boat tour, the Nights of Lights offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season in a truly magical setting. For pixel-peepers, I’ve posted these images in 2K HD on my Flickr site here.

John Steiner