St. Augustine Trolley TourSt Augustine: Nights of Lights Trolley Tour review
What the tour is like
You arrive as darkness falls in December, book a private row (which fits 1–4 people comfortably), and board an open-air trolley strung with lights. The trolley loops through downtown St. Augustine’s holiday decorations: historic buildings lit up in blue and white, strings of lights, holiday displays in storefronts and plazas. Cheree, David, Carissa, Terra, and Stacy all loved the lights and the festive vibe. Stacy rode with Santa Betty on board — an extra touch. Wendy experienced a guide leading "kiss kiss" call-outs under the mistletoe. It’s 40 minutes, not long, but concentrated holiday magic. The honest reality: Nights of Lights is busier than any other St. Augustine trolley experience. December weekends and the week before Christmas are packed — trolleys queue, waits happen at stops, crowds fill the streets. The 4.2 rating (lower than the other tours) reflects that peak-season friction, not a flaw with the tour itself. Early December and early January are calmer. Sell-outs happen days ahead near Christmas — if you want December 20–25, book weeks in advance.
What works
- Seasonal festive experience, only available mid-Nov through Jan
- 40-minute concentrated loop — efficient, focused on the lights
- Private-row seating (1–4 people) feels exclusive and comfortable
- Real holiday magic; most visitors love the lights and the vibe
- Lower price ($81 for a private row for up to 4 people) splits across a group
- Open-air trolley adds to the festive feel
Worth knowing
- Busy and crowded during peak season (especially Dec 15–25)
- 40 minutes is short — the tour is light on narration or stops
- Sell-outs happen days ahead near Christmas; must book in advance
- Peak-season waits and crowds drag down the 4.2 rating
- Not a full city tour; it’s lights-only, no historical stops
- Open-air trolley on a December evening in Florida can be cool
Book for early December or early January if you want to avoid the Christmas crowds. December 15–25 sells out days in advance. A private row ($81 for 1–4 people) is cheaper per person if you travel as a group of 2–4. Bring a light jacket; December evenings are cool on an open-air trolley.
Who it’s for
Holiday visitors. Couples and small families (up to 4 per private row). Anyone who wants the festive magic without the all-day commitment. December visitors who know in advance they’re coming; last-minute December bookings often sell out. Early December or January visitors who want the lights without peak-season chaos. Not for someone looking for history, stops, or a long tour. Want a full day with more stops? The hop-on hop-off trolley ($40) covers 22 stops year-round. Want the evening theatre vibe? The Ghosts and Gravestones tour ($36) runs year-round.
Other tours to consider
Best sellerSt. Augustine: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour with Museum Entry
Night trolleySt. Augustine: Ghosts and Gravestones Old Town Trolley Tour
Small groupSt. Augustine: Waterfront and Downtown Golf Cart Tour
Frequently asked questions
Why is the rating 4.2 instead of 4.6?
The 4.2 reflects peak-season crowds and wait times during Christmas, not the tour itself. December weekends and December 15–25 are busy; trolleys queue and waits happen. Early December and January have better conditions and happier visitors. The tour is magical; the rating is honest about the holiday-season crunch.
Does $81 mean I pay $81 per person?
No. $81 is per private row, which fits 1–4 people. So a couple pays $81 total ($40.50 per person), a family of four pays $81 total ($20.25 per person). Solo travellers pay the full $81. Group of 2–4 makes sense.
When exactly does Nights of Lights run?
Roughly mid-November through January. Check GetYourGuide for exact start and end dates; they vary slightly by year.
Should I book in advance?
Yes, especially for December. December weekends and December 15–25 sell out days ahead. Early December or January? You have more flexibility, but booking a few days ahead is still smart.