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Glide through St. Augustine’s historic streets aboard a silent, eco-friendly electric carriage while surrounded by millions of sparkling holiday lights. The perfect festive outing for families, couples, and friends.
Glide through St. Augustine’s historic streets aboard a silent, eco-friendly electric carriage while surrounded by millions of sparkling holiday lights. The perfect festive outing for families, couples, and friends.
Book with The Tasting Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
919 ratings
Operated by The Tasting Tours · St. Augustine, Florida
Each winter, St. Augustine, Florida, transforms into a luminous holiday dreamscape during its renowned Nights of Lights festival. This award-winning display features millions of white lights gracefully draped over century-old oaks, historic Spanish colonial architecture, and the sparkling waterfront, creating an unforgettable ambiance. The Nights of Lights: Horseless Carriage Ride offers a fresh and eco-friendly way to experience this festive magic, departing from 47 Cordova Street in the Heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District.
This isn’t your typical holiday ride. Step aboard a state-of-the-art electric carriage—quiet, smooth, and stylish—that combines modern innovation with vintage charm. Unlike traditional horse-drawn carriages, these horseless carriages glide through the streets simultaneously preserving the intimate, open-air experience and eliminating noise and emissions. This makes it perfect for families, couples, and groups seeking a memorable, sustainable holiday outing.
As the carriage meanders through brick-lined streets illuminated by the glow of millions of twinkling lights, riders are treated to sweeping views of iconic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, ancient live oaks hung with lights, and waterfront vistas reflecting festive radiance. The ambience perfectly captures the city’s unique blend of Spanish history and seasonal celebration without overwhelming crowds or traffic noise.
Designed for comfort and conviviality, each 35–45-minute ride accommodates up to eight guests, offering a VIP boarding area and reserved seating. Whether you’re cultivating a new family holiday tradition, planning a romantic winter date night, or gathering friends for a spirited outing, this ride serves up warmth and wonder in equal parts. Because the carriage is electric, rides proceed rain or shine (with ponchos recommended for wet evenings).
Though the ride doesn’t include wine or stops, passengers can savor countless photo-worthy moments along the route, from glittering archways to charming Colonial Era streetscapes. Note that this is a holiday lights experience, not a history tour, though drivers may share occasional insights about the illuminated landmarks.
In a city revered for blending rich heritage with vibrant community events, the Nights of Lights: Horseless Carriage Ride stands out as a festive highlight. It celebrates local culture and environmental responsibility by providing a low-impact, highly photogenic avenue to enjoy one of America’s most beautiful holiday light festivals. St. Augustine’s blend of old-world charm and holiday innovation comes alive on this unique, electric carriage journey.
Plan your visit between November and January and secure your carriage seats early—this is a seasonal highlight not to be missed in the Sunshine State’s oldest city. Embrace the joyful glow of Nights of Lights with a modern twist and create lasting memories along the historic streets of St. Augustine.
easy.
35–45 minutes.
Accessible to all fitness levels; guests sit throughout the ride.
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all passengers require a full-price ticket.
No onsite parking is provided. Guests should plan for nearby public parking or use ride-shares.
No; space is limited, and the carriages do not accommodate wheelchairs or infant car seats.
No outside alcohol or wine is permitted during this ride.
Rides proceed rain or shine, so bring appropriate rain gear. In cases of severe weather, rides will be rescheduled or refunded.
No, the focus is on the holiday light displays rather than a historical narrative, though drivers may occasionally share local tidbits.
St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S., founded in 1565, with its Nights of Lights tradition dating back over 25 years.
The electric carriages reduce noise and emissions compared to traditional horse-drawn rides, aligning with St. Augustine's focus on sustainable tourism and preserving local charm.
The Tasting Tours crafts curated culinary experiences across northeast Florida, specializing in guided tasting tours through Avondale, Riverside, St. Augustine, and Amelia Island. Drawing on local relationships with independent restaurants, bars, and producers, The Tasting Tours pairs four handpicked stops per itinerary — each selected for flavor, history, and community connections. Tours include strolling experiences in historic neighborhoods, seasonal brunch crawls, and a signature open-air electric vehicle Wine and Dine ride that brings comfort and commentary to a rolling tasting. Options span public group departures, private bookings tailored to celebrations, and corporate team-building experiences. Each tour highlights regional ingredients, chef-driven dishes, and thoughtfully paired beverages, with local guides who provide context about neighborhood history and culinary culture. Guests can expect ample portions at brunch tours, progressive tastings on food-focused routes, and elevated pairings on specialty Wine and Dine itineraries. Safety, partner vetting, and guest satisfaction are central: The Tasting Tours coordinates with venues ahead of each departure, confirms dietary accommodations when possible, and designs routes to balance walking distance with relaxed sampling. Booking options vary by tour type and typically list start times, meeting points, and duration. For visitors seeking neighborhood discovery or locals hunting fresh culinary perspectives, The Tasting Tours offers dependable, story-driven food tours that connect taste with place. Reservations are available for public departures and tailor-made private or corporate events that spotlight local flavor.
Book with The Tasting Tours