St. Augustine Welcomes Families Following Hurricane Ian

Highlighting the resilience of the people of St. Augustine following flooding by Hurricane Ian and Tropical Storm Nicole, the city’s famous Nights of Lights are as bright as ever. This fantasia of holiday lighting is a perfect reason for family travelers to head to St. Augustine in December and January.

During Nights of Lights, the pedestrian areas and historic buildings are illuminated and decorated with more than 3 million tiny, twinkling lights. Plaza de la Constitución, the main square, is surround by glowing buildings and even the palm trees are draped in lights. Be sure to stop for family photos in front of the giant Christmas tree.

Especially beautiful are Lightner Museum and Flagler College, both housed in opulent, grand hotels built by Henry Flagler. The main shopping area on St. George Street, as well as Cordova and Orange streets, are also beautifully lighted. Brightly lit Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations adorn buildings throughout the city, and columns on St Augustine’s elegant facades are wound in spirals of evergreen and lights.

A good way to see these, especially with children, is to ride the open-air Old Town Trolley, where you can reserve a row of seats just for your family. Despite the major damage caused by flooding in September and again in November, almost all tourism businesses in the area are fully operational and scheduled events will take place as planned.