ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (October 19, 2026) – St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights returns Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, and runs through Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, and Florida Water Tours has showcased the internationally acclaimed lights festival for the past decade. This year, it is introducing a new experience: the Nights of Lights Holiday Jazz Cruise, featuring live music from the HighTide Players. With three boats offering family-friendly and adults-only departures, Florida Water Tours invites guests to experience the holidays in St. Augustine like never before.
“We absolutely love this time of year,” says Jessica Jadick, Owner of Florida Water Tours. “There’s something so special about seeing St. Augustine completely lit up from the water. On those calm nights when the water is as clear as glass, and you can see the lights reflecting, it’s truly breathtaking. Even after all these years, it never gets old. We love being able to share that experience with our guests and see the magic of Nights of Lights through their eyes.”
The Nights of Lights Holiday Jazz Cruise is a 90-minute cruise designed for guests 21 and older. Local musicians set the mood with favorite jazz standards and festive holiday tunes. Hosted on Great Blue Heron, there is plenty of space to dance, relax with a drink, or take in the sights. Guests receive one complimentary glass of boutique wine or a cup of hot cocoa. The Nights of Lights Holiday Jazz Cruise departs on select Fridays, beginning Dec. 4 through Jan. 15, 2027, at 7:15 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. Florida Water Tours also offers Sunset Nights of Lights and Nights of Lights cruises every evening during the holiday season. The Sunset Nights of Lights Cruise leaves the dock in the early evening, giving passengers a stunning sunset followed by the nightly holiday illumination. Three 90-minute departure options are offered: the adults-only cruise departs at 5 p.m., while family-friendly departures begin at 5:15 p.m. The Nights of Lights Cruise is a 75-minute cruise that departs after dark for an unparalleled view of the lights. Family-friendly departures begin at 6:45 p.m., while adult-only departures begin at 8:15 p.m.
Cruises on Osprey and Great Blue Heron feature an onboard bar where guests can purchase beer, wine, canned cocktails, Irish cream to enhance their hot cocoa, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests on Island Breeze may bring their own drinks and snacks or purchase them at The Salty Boutique, Florida Water Tours’ gift shop. Passengers can add Graze Boxes for their cruise, featuring charcuterie, nuts, olives, chocolates, and an assortment of decadent treats. All Nights of Lights departures include complimentary 3D glasses that take viewing the lights to the next level, plus a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Florida Water Tours is located in Uptown St. Augustine, with plenty of stress-free parking. View all available departures at www.FloridaWaterTour.com
