ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Phone cameras were out in Downtown St. Augustine Saturday night, as residents captured the 'Nights of Lights' after St. Augustine leaders flipped the switch.
If they want pictures of them all, it’s going to take a while because there are three million lights for the 30th anniversary.
“We always start the Christmas season by the Nights of Lights and it’s a new tradition for my granddaughter Adaline," attendee Matt Barker said after the lights switched on.
While a crowd of people all looked up when the lights switched on, Barker was focused on his granddaughter’s first impression.
“It was really cool to see the look on her face with the countdown and when all the lights came on," Barker told First Coast News. "She was just amazed.”
Not only was it Adaline’s first Nights of Lights, but it was also the Barker family’s first time in Christmas-themed suits.
“It’s kind of embarrassing, but it’s fun at the same time," said Kaden Barker.
Nights of Lights honors the Spanish tradition of putting a candle in the window during Christmastime. The city of St. Augustine's Streets & Grounds Division and many downtown businesses, spend months stringing the lights all throughout downtown.
“Man, they’re rad bro," Daniel, another attendee said as he took in all the lights. "I can’t believe someone hopped up there and got the lights up there. It’s like Spiderman going up there and doing some crazy stuff.”
The Barkers plan on getting more use out of their Christmas suits before the lights come down in January.
“We usually come back," said Michele Barker. "We do the trolley and view the lights that way. So, we’ll have our outfits on again."
Those who missed city leaders flipping on the lights, still have plenty of time to check them out. The Nights of Lights will be on nightly until Jan. 28, 2024.