St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights: A Floating Holiday Tradition on the Matanzas River

If you’ve lived in Northeast Florida for any amount of time, you know we do the holidays a little differently around here. We don’t get snow… but we do get sailboats, shrimp boats, yachts, and even paddle craft covered in Christmas lights cruising down the Matanzas River. And honestly, that’s way more fun.

The Regatta of Lights returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., and it’s one of those “yep, we really get to live here” moments. Hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club (SAYC), this parade brings our world-famous Nights of Lights out onto the water in full holiday style.

The best viewing runs between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos, where the backdrop is just unbeatable. You can grab a chair along the seawall, or make an evening out of it at local favorites like Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille or Casa Reina Taqueria & Tequila. If you want a truly unique vantage point, the Castillo hosts a Holiday Open House the same evening, complete with a cannon blast that officially kicks off the parade.

One of the coolest parts of this event is the creativity. Boats compete in categories like Best Theme, Most Colorful, Best in Class, and Best Overall, so participants go all-in on their decorations. According to the St. Augustine Yacht Club, entries come from all over the First Coast—everyone from recreational boaters to working shrimp boats joins the fun each year.

Want to take part instead of watching from the seawall? If your vessel can maintain 5 knots, you can actually register and be part of the parade. Details and registration info are available at the St. Augustine Yacht Club: https://www.sayc.club/regatta-of-lights

A handful of local passenger ships also run special Regatta cruises, including:
– Black Raven Pirate Ship
– Florida Water Tours
– Victory II Scenic Cruise
– Schooner Freedom

These trips usually sell out quickly, so booking early is a pro tip.

Whether you’re watching from the bayfront or floating along with the parade, the Regatta of Lights is one of those holiday traditions that reminds us why this coastal community is so special. It brings together St. Augustine’s nautical heritage, our love for the water, and the cozy, festive vibe that makes this city feel like home.