Imagine celebrating the New Year while floating on Matanzas River, surrounded by a sky full of stars. Picture lying on the sand with your special someone, watching fireworks illuminate the ocean. In addition, all of this and more can happen in St. Augustine on New Year’s Eve. Let the famous Nights of Lights holiday display be the beautiful background as you welcome the New Year.

However, St. Augustine might not have the big clubs of Miami or the theme parks of Orlando, but that doesn’t mean the Nation’s Oldest City lacks excitement on New Year’s Eve. In fact, if you prefer to avoid long lines and crowded bars, St. Augustine is likely the perfect destination for you. Book a room at one of our historic Victorian House Inn Bed and Breakfasts in the Historic District, and check out the guide below to plan your ideal New Year’s Eve celebration.

Nights of Lights

Check out the dazzling lights – there are millions of them! Nights of Lights is an incredibly bright and beautiful holiday show, offering a special way to kick off the New Year. The best part? You can enjoy this fantastic light display for free. Start your stroll at the holiday tree in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Additionally, walk down King Street, and you’ll witness the Lightner Museum and Flagler College illuminated from the ground to the palm trees and rooftops. Explore along the bayfront from the Bridge of Lions to the Castillo de San Marcos, and you’ll see the lights reflecting in the water of the Matanzas Bay. Everywhere you look is a perfect spot for a New Year’s selfie!

Light up the Night! Beach Fireworks

Get set for an amazing spectacle! The tradition of fireworks over the water in St. Augustine is a crowd-pleaser. Grab a blanket and join the thousands of people gathering for “Light up the Night!” Moreover, it features an impressive fireworks display at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. Plus, you can hop on a shuttle from Anastasia Baptist Church to reach the three beach viewing spots.

Party at the Embassy Suites

The Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort is adding a special touch with a Winter Wonderland party this time! They’ve arranged for an open bar, tasty food, live music, dancing, and even fireworks at the pier. Tickets are priced at $200 each, and this event is exclusively for grown-ups aged 21 and older.

Over the Top at the Circus

The Venardos Circus has returned to St. Augustine, setting up at the AMP! It’s also a  spectacular show featuring incredible circus acts suitable for the entire family. Conceived by Kevin Venardos, a former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster, it’s akin to a Broadway musical infused with the excitement of circus performances.

St. George Street:

Be part of the fun on this well-known stone street. As midnight approaches, the street becomes lively with music, dancing, and local festivities. Experience the old-time atmosphere with live performances and lots of enjoyment!

If you’re walking on St. George Street, you’ll hear music in the air. Head to the Colonial Oak Music Park to see a live show by the Dewey Via Band from 7 to 10 p.m. on December 31. Best of all, there’s no entry fee, and you can also grab some food and drinks to savor.

Live Music in the Air

If you’re walking on St. George Street, you’ll probably hear some music. Go to the Colonial Oak Music Park and have a good time with a live performance by the Dewey Via Band. It’s free to get in, and you can also get some food and drinks.

A Classic Evening

If you like classic things, you might enjoy “La Bohème” by First Coast Opera. It’s a timeless and passionate presentation of Puccini’s masterpiece. Get ready for a mix of feelings, from laughter to tears, as Puccini’s beautiful music takes you on a deep journey through love and loss.

Set Sail with Black Raven

The Black Raven is a local pirate ship known for its special tours. This year, to celebrate the arrival of 2024, they’re throwing a New Year’s Eve party of “Piratical Proportions.” The party is only for adults, so those under 21 years old will have to find a different ship. The Black Raven will set sail from the downtown dock at 10:00 pm sharp, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084, cruising along the Matanzas River.

Furthermore, once on board, you can enjoy interactive and live entertainment, catch views of famous St. Augustine sites, participate in contests with prizes, savor delicious party food, and receive complimentary party gear that will add to the excitement. Additionally, it’s well known that other boats sailing on the Matanzas River often shoot off fireworks that can be seen from the Black Raven. And, of course, before midnight, bottles of champagne will be popped in anticipation of a New Year’s toast!

The Victorian House Inn Bed & Breakfast

The Victorian House Inn Bed & Breakfast is one of the coziest and most romantic places to stay in St. Augustine’s Historic District. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in North Florida on New Year, this is the perfect spot. Moreover, our bed and breakfast has twelve guest rooms, and each room has a private bathroom.

You can relax in one of our big guest rooms with a private porch that looks out onto the famous Aviles Street. Or, for a special experience, enjoy our beautifully decorated parlor area. Our rooms are also quiet and comfortable, making it easy to create lasting memories.

Stay with us and discover another reason to love Saint Augustine!

Contact Us For More Details

Victorian House Inn

11 Cadiz St., St. Augustine, FL 32084

Phone: (904) 824-5214

https://www.victorianhousebnb.com 

stay@victorianhousebnb.com

Latitude: 29.8909416 Longitude: -81.3112335