The St. Augustine: Nights of Lights Trolley Tour is a must-do experience for visitors looking to enjoy the festive spirit of the historic city. Guests can expect a 45-minute journey through the charming downtown district, where over 3 million twinkling lights adorn nearly 20 blocks. Awarded for its excellence, this beloved holiday tradition offers a range of enchanting activities, from holiday carol sing-alongs to a "Light Up the Night!" contest. With open-air trolleys designed for comfort and safety, the tour promises a magical and memorable experience. But what truly sets this tour apart is the unique way it captures the essence of St. Augustine’s rich history and holiday cheer.
Key Points
- A 45-minute trolley tour showcasing over 3 million lights across nearly 20 blocks in St. Augustine’s historic district.
- The lighting display is recognized as one of the "10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World."
- Onboard activities include a sing-along, "Light Up the Night!" contest, and complimentary treats like sugar cookies and apple cider.
- The tour provides a comfortable and social-distanced experience with open-air trolleys and safety protocols in place.
- Tickets start from CZK 1,823 per group (up to 4 people) and can be booked with a flexible cancellation policy.
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Tour Overview
What’s the St Augustine: Nights of Lights Trolley Tour all about?
It’s a 45-minute tour that takes visitors through St. Augustine’s historic district, showcasing over 3 million lights across nearly 20 blocks. The tour is recognized as one of the "10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World" and is celebrating its 28th year.
The tour includes a sing-along, a "Light Up the Night!" contest, and complimentary treats like sugar cookies and warm apple cider. Riders can use magical viewing glasses to enhance the experience.
The tour departs from the City of St. Augustine’s Visitor Information Center and uses open-air trolleys designed for sightseeing.
Lighting Display
The tour’s main draw is its impressive lighting display. Over 3 million lights are strewn across nearly 20 blocks in St. Augustine’s historic district, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
This lighting display has been recognized as one of the "10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World," and it’s celebrating its 28th year.
As you ride through the streets on the open-air trolley, you’ll be mesmerized by the intricate lighting arrangements that adorn the historic buildings, trees, and other landmarks.
The magical viewing glasses provided on the tour further enhance the experience, allowing you to fully learn about the twinkling holiday atmosphere.
Awards and Accolades
The tour’s prestigious accolades have garnered widespread recognition for its captivating lighting display.
This annual event has been named one of the "10 Best Holiday Lighting Displays in the World" by national publications, cementing its reputation as a must-see winter attraction.
Now celebrating its 28th year, the Nights of Lights Tour has become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the over 3 million twinkling lights that adorn the historic district.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the city’s dedication to creating a truly enchanting holiday experience for all who venture to St. Augustine.
Onboard Activities
During the Nights of Lights Trolley Tour, passengers can enjoy a variety of onboard activities that enhance the festive experience.
Riders can join in a sing-along of holiday carols, lending their voices to the cheerful atmosphere. Plus, they’re invited to vote for their favorite lighting displays in the "Light Up the Night!" contest, adding a fun, interactive element to the tour.
At the end of the journey, passengers are treated to complimentary sugar cookies and warm apple cider, providing a delightful conclusion to their enchanting experience.
The tour also offers magical viewing glasses, allowing guests to see the lights in a whole new, dazzling way.
Arrival and Transportation
Guests arrive at the City of St. Augustine’s Visitor Information Center, near West Castillo Drive and San Marco Avenue, to board the open-air trolleys designed for sightseeing and photography.
The trolleys ensure social distancing, with only full rows available for up to 4 people.
The tour logistics include:
- Meeting point at the Visitor Information Center
- Transportation via open-air trolleys
- Safety measures with only full rows available for up to 4 people
Guests can enjoy the experience without any restrictions on luggage, large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, alcohol, or drugs, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free tour.
Safety Protocols
Safety protocols on the St Augustine Nights of Lights Trolley Tour are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The tour uses open-air trolleys designed for sightseeing, with only full rows available for up to 4 people to maintain social distancing.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Luggage | No large bags allowed |
| Pets | Only assistance dogs permitted |
| Smoking | Not allowed |
| Alcohol/Drugs | Prohibited |
Children aged 3 and under may be considered lap children, while those 4 and older must have their own seat. These safety measures help create a festive and worry-free environment for guests to fully enjoy the stunning holiday light displays.
Booking and Policies
Reservations are required for a private row on the St Augustine Trolley Tour, allowing guests to book their spot without immediate payment.
The tour’s cancellation policy offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Additionally:
- The cost of the 45-minute tour starts from CZK 1,823 per group (up to 4 people).
- No luggage, large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, alcohol, or drugs are allowed.
- Children 3 years and younger may be considered lap children, while those aged 4 and older must have their own seat.
- The tour operates with safety measures in place, such as only allowing full rows for up to 4 people to ensure social distancing.
Customer Feedback
Based on the 858 reviews, the St Augustine Trolley Tour has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. Guests were particularly impressed with the tour guides, who received a 4.6/5 rating, and the transportation, which was rated 4.5/5. The value for money and overall service were also well-received, earning 4/5 and 4.2/5 ratings, respectively. While most visitors raved about the magical lights and complimentary treats, some noted issues with the driver’s performance and communication.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Guide | 4.6/5 |
| Transportation | 4.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4/5 |
| Service | 4.2/5 |
| Overall | 4.3/5 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour details, passengers are not allowed to bring their own snacks or drinks on the tour. The tour provides complimentary sugar cookies and warm apple cider at the end of the experience.
Are the Trolleys Heated or Air-Conditioned?
The trolleys are open-air vehicles designed for sightseeing. They’re not explicitly stated as heated or air-conditioned, so passengers should dress appropriately for the weather conditions during their tour.
Can I Get off the Trolley at Any Point During the Tour?
Guests cannot get off the trolley at any point during the tour. The tour operates as a continuous sightseeing experience, with guests remaining on the trolley for the full 45-minute duration. Disembarking is not permitted.
How Accessible Are the Trolleys for Those With Mobility Issues?
The trolleys are designed for sightseeing, with easy access for those with mobility issues. They have level boarding and can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. However, it’s best to inquire about specific accessibility needs when booking the tour.
Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?
Photography is permitted during the tour. The open-air trolleys are designed for sightseeing and photography, allowing guests to capture the stunning lighting displays throughout the historic district.
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Recap
The St. Augustine: Nights of Lights Trolley Tour offers a magical 45-minute journey through the historic district, showcasing over 3 million dazzling lights. With open-air trolleys, enchanting activities, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a beloved holiday tradition for all. Guests can enjoy the award-winning event and enjoy the comfort and safety of the tour.