Suite 120 inside the 1888 Lightner Building — Trolley Stop 10 on the official Nights of Lights route. Step off the trolley, warm up, step back out.
Your Stop on the Route
The King Street light display runs directly past our entrance on the north side of the Lightner Building. Step inside, order, step back out — you haven't missed anything.
The Old Town Trolley's Nights of Lights route lists Trolley Stop 10 — the Lightner Museum — as a featured stop. You're already getting off here. We're just inside the arch.
The 1888 Hotel Alcazar courtyard offers stone arches, a fountain, and covered passages. When December evenings get cold, this is the best-heated outdoor seat in the historic district.
We have them. If you have kids or you've been walking for an hour, this alone makes stopping worth it. Order something warm while you're here.
The Bridge of Lions lights are the most-photographed moment of Nights of Lights. We're on King Street, directly between the bridge and the Plaza — your natural stopping point.
Lights go on at sundown (around 5:30 PM in December). We open early evening with kid-sized hot chocolates and a calm indoor option for stroller brigades.
Seasonal Menu
Available Nov 16 – Jan 31 during Nights of Lights season.
Hot Chocolate
Hot Cider & Signatures
Seasonal Specials
Full menu and seasonal additions live at /menu. Menu subject to change pre-opening.
Plan Your Evening
Total time: about 2 hours. Works on foot or hop-on/hop-off trolley. Best starting at 5:30 PM after lights come on.
The Plaza's palms and gazebo are wrapped in white lights and visible for several blocks. Walk north on St. George Street, the pedestrian mall, past the Cathedral Basilica.
Walk east on Cathedral Place to Avenida Menendez, then south along the bayfront. The Bridge of Lions is fully illuminated and reflects in the Matanzas River — best photo of the night. Walk out and back on the bridge if crowds allow.
Head back west on King Street. The street is lined with lights from the bayfront all the way past Flagler College. You'll pass City Hall and the Flagler College gates — both lit.
The Lightner Building arch is on your right, visible from a block away. Step into the courtyard and order a warm drink. If you're on the trolley, this is Stop 10 — disembark here and reboard the next car when you're ready.
Cross King Street and walk around the Flagler College perimeter. The 1888 Ponce de León Hotel (now Flagler's main building) has tower lighting visible from the street. Loop back through the historic district.
If energy allows, walk north on St. George Street to the Castillo. The fort's coquina walls and the bay views are worth the extension. Return south to your parking or trolley.
Nights of Lights Parking
Nights of Lights draws 750,000+ visitors over the season. Downtown fills fast after 5 PM on weekends. Plan before you go.
1 Cordova St (next to Francis Field)
Park here first and use the Circulator. Easiest entry/exit during festival peak hours.
40 Granada St
Best if arriving early. Check the city's parking app for real-time availability.
King St, Granada St, Riberia St
Viable on weeknights. Weekend evenings: arrive by 4:30 PM or use the garage.
Multiple boarding points including parking lots
Honestly the smartest option for Nights of Lights. You see everything, don't fight traffic, and get off at exactly our stop.
Free, runs 10 AM–10 PM
Free and runs late. Pair with the Historic Downtown Garage for the lowest-stress option.
Photo Spots
The 1888 Alcazar courtyard photographs better after dark than it does in daylight. These are the four best angles.
Stand on the King Street sidewalk and shoot back through the entrance arch. The lit courtyard behind creates a natural frame. Best at 6–7 PM when ambient light is still in the sky.
The courtyard's central fountain reflects the Alcazar towers. Night mode on a smartphone handles this well. No flash — the ambient festival lighting is the point.
The covered gallery on the north side of the courtyard frames a row of Spanish-Moorish arches. At night with festival lighting behind you, the geometry is extraordinary. Portrait orientation works best.
The obvious shot and still the best one: cup in hand, lit archway behind. Order your drink, find the arch, shoot. The stone color and warm mug light well together. We'll have a dedicated spot marked.
Families & Kids
Nights of Lights is a great excuse to let kids stay up past bedtime — but downtown St. Augustine fills fast and gets cold after 9 PM. We open as lights come on, around 5:30 PM, specifically to serve the early-evening family wave.
Pro tip: Go the first two weekends of December. Crowds build as the season peaks in mid-December. Weeknights are dramatically quieter than Saturdays.
Best Nights of Lights timing for families
Tour Operators & Groups
Running a walking tour, motorcoach, or trolley excursion during Nights of Lights season? Trolley Stop 10 at the Lightner Building is already on the official route. We can anchor your group at a private stop in the courtyard — warm drinks in hand, departure on your schedule.
We work with tour operators, travel companies, and group organizers throughout the Nov–Jan festival window. Advance inquiry required for groups of 10+. Full group funnel details at /tours.
Inquire About Group Stops →What we accommodate
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