HGTV names this Florida town as one of the top places to visit for holiday season. See why

Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Updated ·3 min read
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While it might feel more like beach day weather outside much of the time, you can definitely find places in Florida to get into the holiday spirit.

HGTV released their list of the best small "Christmas towns" in every state, standing out for their holiday traditions and vibes that are worth a trip with the family.

"Yes, there are the winter wonderlands offering light shows, sleigh rides, holiday performances, caroling, parades and Christmas markets. But there are also small towns that include local traditions, too, like a parade with horses and hounds, lobster boat rides and an elf scavenger hunt," HGTV wrote on their website.

What Florida city was considered the state's top 'Christmas town?'

HGTV highlighted St. Johns County's St. Augustine as one of their featured holiday hotspots in the country, adding that no American city has done Christmas longer than St. Augustine.

"Founded in 1565, St. Augustine remains the oldest active city in the continental United States. And its palm-lined holiday festivities are the stuff of legend," they wrote on their blog. "St. Augustine goes all-out for Christmas, decorating historic streets and gardens with millions of twinkling holiday lights."

What is St. Augustine's 'Nights of Lights' tradition?

Nights of Lights runs well into January in St. Augustine.
Nights of Lights runs well into January in St. Augustine.

They pointed out the millions of festive lights during its "Nights of Lights," where the city's historic, Spanish Colonial architecture is set aglow in one of the most breathtaking displays of holiday lighting in the world.

According to its website, the lights adorn the city's downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district.

The light display is world-renowned, listed among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic.

When is Nights of Lights? How long does it run?

The Nights of Lights takes place every evening from November 18, 2023 to January 28, 2024.

What time do the lights come on in St Augustine?

Each night the light display turns on at dusk and remains on throughout the night. As of Nov. 30, dusk is usually 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Do you have to pay to see the 'Nights of Lights"?

St. Augustine's "Nights of Lights" is free!

Where are the best places to take photos with the St. Augustine lights?

Want to capture the magic for all your loved ones? Their website says the top two spots to head to for the best views and Nights of Lights selfies are:

1. The Plaza de la Constitución

Get the perfect holiday selfie in front of the Christmas tree in the center of the plaza.

2. The Bridge of Lions

Walk the bridge to gaze back at the sparkling reflection of the lights along the water.

What other cities were highlighted in HGTV's "Best Christmas Towns" list?

Gatlinburg, Tenn.: This national park area and its surrounding cities of Gatlinburg and Knoxville make for an unexpectedly festive and affordable winter destination. Expect round-trip winter airfares from New York City to Knoxville to hover under $200. Hotels are affordable as well. For instance, rates start just under $100 at the Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg, which has an ideal location at the entrance of the national park.

For those not in Florida or just curious about other holiday hot spots across America, here are all HGTV's top Christmas towns:

  • Alabama - Fairhope

  • Alaska - North Pole

  • Arizona - Flagstaff

  • Arkansas - Hot Springs

  • California - Solvang

  • Colorado - Breckenridge

  • Connecticut - Mystic

  • Delaware - Lewes

  • Florida - St. Augustine

  • Georgia - Dahlonega

  • Hawaii - Lihue

  • Idaho - McCall

  • Illinois - Galena

  • Indiana - Santa Claus

  • Iowa - Pella

  • Kansas - Lindsborg

  • Kentucky - Bardstown

  • Louisiana - Natchitoches

  • Maine - Kennebunkport

  • Maryland - Frederick

  • Massachusetts - Stockbridge

  • Michigan - Frankenmuth

  • Minnesota - Stillwater

  • Mississippi - Natchez

  • Missouri - St. Charles

  • Montana - Whitefish

  • Nebraska - Nebraska City

  • Nevada - Virginia City

  • New Hampshire - Portsmouth

  • New Jersey - Cape May

  • New Mexico - Taos

  • New York - Skaneateles

  • North Carolina - Blowing Rock

  • North Dakota - Medora

  • Ohio - Medina

  • Oklahoma - Guthrie

  • Oregon - Silverton

  • Pennsylvania - Bethlehem

  • Rhode Island - Newport

  • South Carolina - Beaufort

  • South Dakota - Deadwood

  • Tennessee - Gatlinburg

  • Texas - Fredericksburg

  • Utah - Park City

  • Vermont - Woodstock

  • Virginia - Middleburg

  • Washington - Leavenworth

  • West Virginia - Shepherdstown

  • Wisconsin - Kohler

  • Wyoming - Jackson

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: St. Augustine FL is an HGTV top Christmas town for 'Nights of Lights'