If you’re thinking about catching St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights via a guided trolley tour, you’re likely curious about what it’s really like. From what we can tell, this tour offers a pretty cozy way to see some of the city’s most stunning displays of holiday cheer, especially if navigating crowds and traffic isn’t your idea of fun. The experience is popular enough to be booked several times a week, and it’s clear that many who enjoy the lights also appreciate the festive atmosphere and the guided element.
What we love about this tour is the inclusion of 3-D glasses, which add a fun, slightly quirky touch to the night, making the lights feel a little more magical. Plus, the tour takes you past notable landmarks like the Lightner Museum, Villa Zorayda, and Flagler College, which are beautifully illuminated during the holiday season. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the heavy traffic and crowding, which can turn a smooth ride into a bit of a hassle, especially during peak times.
This kind of tour is well-suited for those who want a brief, guided overview of St. Augustine’s holiday lights without the hassle of walking around in the cold or navigating the streets themselves. It’s especially useful if you’re with a group or family who prefers a more comfortable, relaxed way to enjoy the sights. Keep in mind though, if you’re expecting a deeply narrated or interactive experience, this tour might fall a little short.
Key Points
- Festive atmosphere with colorful holiday lights and music.
- Includes immersive 3-D glasses for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Short duration of about 30 to 45 minutes makes it manageable.
- Crowded traffic and limited narration can sometimes hinder the experience.
- Good for groups and families—book by row to accommodate 4 people comfortably.
- Tickets are affordable, but parking fees add to the overall cost.
What to Expect from the St. Augustine Nights of Lights Tour
This trolley tour of St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights promises a convenient way to see the city’s holiday display without much walking or stress. It lasts roughly 30 to 45 minutes, making it a manageable outing, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with kids who get tired quickly. The tour is run by Historic Tours Of America, a reputable provider, which is reassuring when considering the level of professionalism.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at the St. Augustine Visitor Information Center, which is conveniently located and provides a central starting point. From there, it moves through some of the city’s most iconic spots, all illuminated for the holiday season.
Stop 2: Lightner Museum – This historic building is strikingly lit up, and the tour gives you a glimpse of its festive decorations. Since admission is free, you can appreciate the exterior’s holiday charm without additional cost, although the focus of the tour isn’t on interior visits.
Stop 3: Villa Zorayda Museum – Another beautifully decorated site, Villa Zorayda’s holiday lighting adds to the overall magical vibe. The illuminated exteriors make for great photo opportunities, and the tour provides a quick visual of what makes these spots special.
Stop 4: Flagler College – The historic college campus is stunningly lit, and many reviews mention how impressive it looks at night. The tour passes by, letting you appreciate the architecture under the glow of holiday lights.
Stop 5: The Historic District – The highlight is simply cruising through the district with over 3 million lights decorating the streets and buildings. This is where the immersive glasses come into play, making the lights seem even more dazzling and three-dimensional.
The Experience
According to reviews, the overall atmosphere is festive and cheerful. People highlighted the enjoyment of singing along to Christmas carols and sharing hot apple cider and cookies at the end. The inclusion of 3-D glasses seems to be a hit, transforming simple light displays into something more playful and engaging.
However, a few reviews point out that traffic congestion can significantly slow down the tour. If you’re on a tight schedule or dislike being stuck in crowds, this might detract from the experience. Some reviewers also noted that the narration was sparse, with only occasional commentary about the buildings or lights, relying more on the visuals and music.
How About the Price?
At around $80.65 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but considering it includes a guided ride, the immersive glasses, and a small festive treat, it can be seen as a reasonable way to enjoy the holiday light display comfortably. Parking costs about $15 per vehicle, adding to the total expense, so plan accordingly.
Pros and Cons
The Good Stuff
- Easy and accessible way to see the lights without walking around in cold weather.
- Fun visual enhancement with 3-D glasses.
- Passes by key landmarks decorated for the season, providing a nice visual overview.
- Includes small treats like cider and cookies to enhance the holiday spirit.
- Good for groups and families—booking by row means you can fit four comfortably.
The Not-So-Good
- Heavy traffic and crowds can make the ride slow and sometimes frustrating.
- Limited narration or storytelling, which might leave history buffs wanting more.
- Route repetition: some reviews mention the tour goes through the same streets multiple times, which can feel a bit monotonous.
- Price-to-value ratio is subjective; some travelers feel it’s a bit pricey compared to walking or driving around on your own.
- Timing issues: delays or waiting times have been reported, so arriving early is advised.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you love the holiday season and want a stress-free, guided overview of the lights in historic St. Augustine, this tour offers a cozy, festive experience. It’s particularly suited for families with children, groups wanting a social activity, or anyone looking for a quick, well-lit tour without much walking. However, if you’re a history buff craving detailed storytelling, or if you prefer a more personalized or less crowded experience, you might find this tour a little lacking.
Final Thoughts
The St. Augustine Nights of Lights trolley tour offers a charming, if somewhat crowded, way to enjoy the city’s holiday decorations. The mix of beautiful light displays and fun extras like 3-D glasses makes it feel festive and lighthearted. It’s a good option for visitors who want to see the lights comfortably, especially if they’re short on time or prefer not to walk through the district on their own.
That said, the heavy traffic, limited narration, and route repetition mean this isn’t a perfect experience for everyone. It’s worth considering whether you’re okay with crowds and a bit of a rushed ride or if you’d prefer a quieter, more in-depth tour.
All in all, this tour can be a memorable part of your holiday visit—if you get the timing right and manage expectations about the crowds and route. Book ahead, arrive early for parking, and enjoy the holiday magic in the best possible way.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights Tour – Each Booking is a Row for 4
“Fantastic Tour! The guide was friendly & fun, played classic Christmas carols & made sure we got to see all the best lights! The warm cider & sugar…”
FAQ
Is parking included in the tour price?
No, parking costs about $15 per vehicle. It’s best to arrive early and use the nearby downtown parking facility.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 30 to 45 minutes, making it a quick but festive outing.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely, the tour is suitable for all ages. The cheerful music, lights, and treats make it especially fun for families.
What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a trolley ride, magical viewing glasses, festive music, and at the end, a holiday cookie and hot apple cider.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Reviews vary—some mention friendly guides, but others note limited narration. It’s more about the visual experience than detailed storytelling.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially since it’s an outdoor night tour. Bringing a blanket might also be a good idea on colder evenings.
Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, you can book multiple rows for larger groups—book one traveler for each row that seats up to four people.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a regular in town, the Nights of Lights tour promises a festive way to see the city glow. Just plan ahead for traffic, keep your expectations in check, and enjoy the holiday sparkle.