While the weather outside may be more like beach day weather most of the time, you can definitely find places to get into the holiday spirit in Florida.
HGTV Release A list of the best “Christmas towns” in each state for 2025, each standing out for its holiday traditions and atmosphere, making them worthy of a family trip.
“Yes, some winter wonderlands offer light shows, sleigh rides, holiday performances, carols, parades, and Christmas markets. But there are also small towns that have local traditions like horse and hound parades, lobster boats, and elf scavenger hunts,” HGTV writes.
“All promised a storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa Claus.”
Which Florida city is considered the top “Christmas town” in the state?
HGTV highlights St. Augustine in St. Johns County as one of the country’s distinctive holiday hotspots, adding that no American city celebrates Christmas longer than the northern Florida town.
“Founded in 1565, St. Augustine remains the oldest active city in the continental United States. Its palm-tree-lined holiday celebrations are legendary. St. Augustine goes all out during the Christmas season, decorating its historic streets and gardens with millions of twinkling holiday lights.
3A1BKDB Christmas Lights Festival in the historic Old Town of St. Augustine, Florida, USA
What is the “Night of Lights” tradition in St. Augustine?
They point out that millions of holiday lights are displayed during the holidays The city’s “Night of Lights”, the city’s rich history Spanish colonial architecture gleams in one of the most stunning holiday light displays in the world.
The lights adorn the city’s downtown sidewalks, rooftops, Lions Bridge, historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the historic district of America’s oldest city, according to its website.
The light show is world-renowned and was named a top ten holiday light show by National Geographic.
Renaissance St. Augustine celebrates a night of lights in America’s oldest city.
When are the lights lit in St. Augustine?
Each evening, the light display turns on at dusk and remains on throughout the night. As of December 4, dusk in St. Augustine usually falls around 6 p.m.
Do I need to pay to watch “Night of Light”?
No! “Night of Lights” in St. Augustine is FREE!
Where is the best place to take photos under the lights in St. Augustine?
Want to capture the magic for your loved one? Their website says the two best places to get nighttime selfies with the best views and lights are:
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Syntagma Square – Take the perfect holiday selfie in front of the Christmas tree in the center of the square.
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Lions Bridge – Walk on the bridge and look back at the reflection of the sparkling lights on the water.
How long does the “Nights of Lights” exhibit in St. Augustine last?
Visitors can only view the light display for free until January 11, 2026.
What other cities are highlighted on HGTV’s “Best Christmas Towns” list?
For those of you who aren’t in Florida or are just curious about other vacation hotspots in the U.S., here are all the top Christmas towns listed by HGTV:
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Massachusetts – Stockbridge
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New Hampshire – Portsmouth
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North Carolina – Blowing Rock
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South Carolina – Beaufort
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West Virginia – Shepherdstown
This article originally appeared in The Florida Times-Union: HGTV names Florida town one of the best tourist attractions for the holiday season