Private Nights Of Lights Tour

A Personal Touch to the Night of Lights in St. Augustine

Our review of the Private Nights Of Lights Tour offers a close look at a popular way to see the city’s holiday glow. While we haven’t experienced it personally, the tour’s reviews and details paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. This intimate, private tour promises a relaxed, flexible way to enjoy the dazzling lights that adorn St. Augustine during the festive season.

What immediately stands out are two key features: the personalized experience that avoids the crowds and the opportunity to venture down narrow, lesser-known streets with a small cart. Both make this tour uniquely suited for those seeking an authentic, cozy way to celebrate the holidays. A possible drawback? The tour’s price of $225 per group might seem steep for some, especially considering the 45-minute to 1-hour duration. But for travelers eager to combine holiday cheer with local insights, this tour offers genuine value. It’s perfect for small families, couples, or friends who love a more personal, off-the-beaten-path experience.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a mix of beautiful sights, friendly guides, and the chance to learn a little about the city, this tour fits well within your plans. It’s especially appealing for those who want to avoid crowded trolley routes and prefer a relaxed, informative ride through some of St. Augustine’s most decorated neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Private and intimate: Only your group will be on the cart, ensuring a tailored experience.
• Flexible routing: Venture down smaller streets the larger trolley can’t access, revealing hidden displays and cozy bed & breakfasts.
• Expert guides: Many reviews praise guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and holiday spirit.
• Comfortable ride: The golf cart is described as clean, comfy, and able to navigate tight spaces.
• Cultural and festive mix: The tour combines holiday music, Christmas cheer, and some historical tidbits.
• Good for small groups: Ideal for families, small parties, or couples seeking a personalized experience.
• Plan ahead: Parking can be challenging; arriving 30-45 minutes early is wise during busy holiday times.
• Duration: About 45 minutes to an hour, making it an easy addition to your evening plans.
• Cost: At $225 for up to 9 people, it offers good value for a private tour but check if it’s worth it for your group size and budget.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Private Nights Of Lights Tour provides a charming, relaxed way to enjoy St. Augustine’s famed holiday displays. Starting at the centrally located 143 Cordova Street parking lot, the tour lasts roughly 45 minutes to an hour. For the price of $225, up to nine people can enjoy a private ride, which means no sharing space with strangers—an appreciated perk during this busy season.

The tour is operated by Explore Tours And Pickups, a company that emphasizes supporting small local businesses. Their approach is to give a personable, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s holiday decorations, combined with a sprinkle of history. Many reviews highlight how guides—like Michael, Randy, and Aaron—are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their love of St. Augustine. They play holiday music throughout the ride, often including Christmas carols, which adds to the festive atmosphere.

Itinerary Details and Stops

The tour’s itinerary is designed to take you through the most decorated parts of town while also exploring some lesser-known streets. The main stops include:

• The downtown area, where all the main holiday lights are displayed. This gives a broad view of the city’s holiday spirit; some reviews mention how the guide’s commentary adds context to the displays, making the experience more meaningful.
• Passing by iconic landmarks such as the Lightner Museum and Flagler College. These are notable sights that are beautifully lit during the season, offering perfect photo opportunities while your guide shares interesting tidbits about their history.
• The Town Plaza, decorated with lights, which many find to be the heart of the city’s festive display.
• The smaller, side streets, which are often the highlight for those wanting a more intimate look at the decorations at cozy Bed & Breakfasts and private homes. These quieter streets are accessible thanks to the small cart, which can navigate tight corners and narrow roads that bigger vehicles can’t.

What Makes It Special?

Many who have reviewed the tour appreciate the ability to explore areas off the beaten path, which reveals a different side of St. Augustine’s holiday charm. As one reviewer put it, “We saw many private houses with beautiful lights,” and “On some fabulous decorations on side streets that we would otherwise not have seen.” The smaller streets display a variety of decorations that aren’t on typical trolley routes, giving a more authentic, neighborhood-level view of the holiday cheer.

The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Allison_T mentions, “Guide was fantastic,” and Joe_J notes how they enjoyed singing along to Christmas carols with the guide, adding a lively, joyful element to the ride. Aaron, in particular, gets a shout-out for being accommodating and spirited, tailoring the experience to the group’s preferences.

The Value of This Tour

While the price tag might raise eyebrows—$225 for a private hour-long ride—the value hinges on what you’re getting. Compared to larger trolley tours, which can be crowded, noisy, and limited to main routes, this private cart offers a quieter, more personal experience. You’re not just observing the lights—you’re engaging with a guide who shares stories, history, and holiday cheer.

The reviews echo this sentiment: many find it to be a worthwhile, memorable experience. For example, one guest said, “This was a PERFECT way to see the lights,” while another appreciated the ability to see hidden decorations that most visitors miss. The private setting also means you can relax, ask questions, and enjoy the lights at your own pace.

However, a few reviews mention that the tour might feel somewhat brief, especially if traffic is heavy or if expectations include a deep narrative about every building’s history. One reviewer felt it was “not really sure what we paid for,” pointing out the importance of understanding that the tour primarily focuses on viewing lights, with some holiday music and light descriptions.

What to Expect on the Day

Since parking can be tricky during the busy holiday season, arriving 30-45 minutes early is recommended. The meeting point at 143 Cordova Street is centrally located, making it relatively easy to access, especially if you’re staying within the historic district. The vehicle itself is described as clean and comfortable, and it’s small enough to reach areas that larger trolleys often cannot. This means you’ll get a more intimate look at private homes decorated for the season.

The guides often add a cheerful touch—playing holiday music, sharing tidbits about the city, and engaging warmly with guests. It’s clear that many guests leave with a sense of warmth and newfound appreciation for St. Augustine’s holiday spirit.

Weather Considerations

Since the tour is outdoors and relies on good weather, it’s worth noting that if rain or storms occur, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled. Customers are eligible for a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.

Overall Impressions: Who Is It Best For?

This private tour shines brightest for small groups or families who want an up-close, personalized experience during Nights of Lights. It’s ideal for those who value guided commentary combined with the flexibility to explore smaller streets and private properties. If you’re seeking an intimate, relaxed ambiance with holiday music and knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks all those boxes.

For travelers who prefer a more lively, crowd-filled trolley experience, or who are on a tight budget, it might seem less appealing. But for those who want an authentic, cozy, and informative way to enjoy St. Augustine’s holiday decorations, this tour offers a memorable way to celebrate.

The Sum Up

This Private Nights Of Lights Tour is a delightful option for travelers seeking a more intimate, flexible, and authentic way to enjoy the city’s festive displays. The private setting, combined with the ability to access smaller streets and private homes, offers a special glimpse into local holiday traditions that bigger tours can’t match.

The guides’ friendliness and knowledge consistently earn praise, making the experience feel warm and personal—like riding with a local friend who loves their city. The inclusion of holiday music, the chance to see decorated Bed & Breakfasts, and the relaxed pace all contribute to a memorable evening. While the price could be a consideration for some, many reviews suggest it’s a fair value for a private, customizable experience.

If you’re traveling with a small group, enjoy storytelling, and want to see the hidden holiday sights, this tour is a great pick. It’s especially ideal if your goal is a cozy, behind-the-scenes look at St. Augustine’s Christmas spirit, away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the lights without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 143 Cordova Street, a central location in St. Augustine’s historic district.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Parking can be limited during peak holiday times, so it’s recommended to arrive 30-45 minutes early to find a spot.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes holiday music, a private golf cart ride, and commentary from guides. Service animals are allowed.

Are the guides knowledgeable about local history?
Yes, many reviews mention the guides’ friendliness and their ability to share interesting facts about St. Augustine’s sights and decorations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say it’s appropriate for families and small groups, especially since it’s private and comfortable.

What makes this tour different from trolley tours?
Unlike trolley tours that follow a set route with larger groups, this private cart can access smaller streets and private homes, offering a more exclusive experience.

Do I need to prepare for the weather?
Yes, since the tour is outdoors, dress appropriately for the weather, and be aware that poor weather might lead to a reschedule or cancellation.

In summary, if you’re after a cozy, personalized way to see the lights and holiday decorations of St. Augustine, this Private Nights Of Lights Tour is a strong choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who value small-group intimacy, local insights, and the chance to explore hidden corners of this historic city during its most festive season.