Saint Augustine Nights of Lights EV Ride

Planning a night out in Saint Augustine during the holiday season? The Nights of Lights EV Ride offers a charming way to see the city’s iconic landmarks illuminated by millions of holiday lights. Whether you’re visiting with friends, a partner, or even as a solo adventurer, this guided electric vehicle tour combines scenic views, festive spirit, and some fun tech touches that make it stand apart.

What caught our eye initially? First, the use of magical glasses that transform the view of the lights into holiday-themed shapes — that’s genuinely clever. Second, the small group setting ensures a more relaxed, personalized experience, with guides who really know their stuff. On the downside, it’s only about 40 minutes long, so if you’re craving a full-on tour or more time to explore, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for a quick, festive overview, it hits the mark. This tour is likely best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, cozy vibe and want to combine sightseeing with some holiday cheer without the fuss of larger, more chaotic tours.

Key Points

• Festive atmosphere: See Saint Augustine’s landmarks beautifully lit up during the Lights of Night celebration.
• Unique viewing experience: Magical glasses provide a fresh way to enjoy the holiday displays.
• Intimate group size: Small groups (limited to 7) make for a more personal and engaging tour.
• Audio and entertainment: Premium sound systems play classic Yuletide tunes, adding to the holiday mood.
• Guides matter: Several reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who make the experience enjoyable.
• Duration and value: At 40 minutes for $39, it’s a quick but charming snapshot of the city’s holiday spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Saint Augustine Nights of Lights EV Ride?

This tour is essentially a guided ride through downtown Saint Augustine in a comfortable electric vehicle, specially timed during the Night of Lights celebration — a months-long event where the city’s historic landmarks glow with colorful holiday displays. During the ride, you get to see the city’s architecture and landmarks all aglow with holiday lights, making for a very scenic, picture-worthy experience.

The focus here is on delivering a festive, relaxed outing. It’s not a comprehensive tour of the city’s history or culture but a lively, light-filled cruise that captures the holiday spirit perfectly.

The Experience in Detail

Once you arrive at the meeting point inside the Heritage Walk Mall, you’ll meet your guide, hop into a small, electric vehicle that seats up to 7 guests comfortably. The ride lasts around 40 minutes, generally scheduled in the evening or at night — ideal for when the lights are on display.

One of the standout features? The complimentary magical glasses. Putting them on transforms the ordinary twinkle of holiday lights into animated shapes like stars, snowflakes, or holiday ornaments. It’s a simple but fun gadget that adds an extra layer of delight, especially if you’re with a group or family.

Music plays through a premium sound system, with classic Yuletide songs setting the mood. Many reviews mention how they enjoyed singing along or simply relaxing while taking in the sights. The guides are generally very knowledgeable and friendly, sharing tidbits about the city’s landmarks and history, which adds context to the illuminated views.

The Landmarks and Visuals

The tour primarily showcases the city’s historic landmarks, all glowing with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights. While specific sites aren’t detailed, you can expect to see key downtown spots and the charming architecture that makes Saint Augustine special. The lights turn the city into a glittering wonderland, and the small vehicle lets you get close without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Reviews frequently highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with several mentioning guides like Tiffany, Steve, Veronica, and Vickey by name. They’re praised for their personalities, humor, and ability to convey interesting facts, making the tour more engaging.

One reviewer remarked, “Our driver Tiffany was great! She was very knowledgeable, played great music, and had great personality.” Another appreciated Steve’s humor and informative commentary, emphasizing how much they enjoyed the personal touch.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Considerations

The tour costs $39 per person, which many reviewers find reasonable given the intimate setting, festive extras, and the unique glasses. It’s a short experience but packed with visual appeal. It’s worth noting that food and drinks aren’t included, and there’s no hotel pickup — so plan accordingly if you’re staying nearby. Arriving 15 minutes early helps ensure a smooth start.

Dress warmly because it’s outdoors at night, and the ride might feel cooler than you expect. Comfortable clothes and a camera are recommended for capturing memories. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems or prone to seasickness, as it’s a seated ride.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

This EV ride offers a relaxing, light-hearted way to enjoy Saint Augustine’s holiday lights without much hassle. For $39, you get a 40-minute guided experience, lively music, and a fun technological twist with the magical glasses. It’s especially appealing if you’re short on time but want to see a lot in a short period or prefer a cozy, small-group setting.

If you’re traveling with family, older couples, or friends who enjoy holiday festivities, this tour fits well. It’s not a deep dive into history but a spirited celebration of the city’s holiday magic. The small group size and friendly guides make it a relaxed, personal experience, perfect for those who want a memorable but manageable night outing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a short, fun, and festive ride through Saint Augustine during the holidays, this EV tour delivers. It combines beautiful visuals, a cheerful atmosphere, and some clever tech touches that make it extra memorable. The guides receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge, ensuring you’re well looked after throughout.

However, keep in mind the brief duration and the outdoor night setting — it’s more a snapshot than an in-depth exploration. Still, for what it is, it’s a charming, reasonably priced way to soak in the holiday spirit, especially if you’re visiting during the Nights of Lights celebration.

For those who love holiday lights, enjoy small-group tours, and want a relaxed, visually stunning experience, this tour could become a highlight of your Saint Augustine visit.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most guests, but it’s best for those who can sit comfortably during the 40-minute ride. No specific child discounts are mentioned, but the small group setting makes it family-friendly.

Do I need to bring anything? Just dress warmly, bring a camera, and wear comfortable clothes. Since it’s outdoors and at night, layering is a good idea.

Are there any food or drink options included? No, food and drinks are not included, and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What’s the meeting point? The tour departs from inside the Heritage Walk Mall, so arriving 15 minutes early helps you find your spot without stress.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible, which is great for guests with mobility needs.

How long is the tour? It lasts around 40 minutes, mostly in the evening or at night, which suits those looking for a quick but scenic experience.

What’s the group size? Limited to 7 participants, making it more intimate and allowing for personalized interaction with the guide.

What makes this tour different from others? The magical glasses and holiday music add a fun, interactive element that sets this experience apart.

The Saint Augustine Nights of Lights EV Ride makes for a delightful, intimate way to celebrate the holiday season in one of Florida’s most charming cities. If you’re looking to enjoy the lights without a long commitment, it’s a cozy, cheerful option worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: