THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Join Santa for a festive 35-minute shuttle ride through St. Augustine’s dazzling Nights of Lights. Perfect for families and holiday lovers, this unique event delivers bright cityscapes, cheerful moments, and seasonal magic.
Join Santa for a festive 35-minute shuttle ride through St. Augustine’s dazzling Nights of Lights. Perfect for families and holiday lovers, this unique event delivers bright cityscapes, cheerful moments, and seasonal magic.
Book with The Tasting Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Tasting Tours · St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida—America’s oldest city—comes alive every holiday season with its signature Nights of Lights, a sprawling spectacle where millions of white lights adorn historic streets, buildings, and oak trees. Amid this luminous winter display, The Tasting Tours offers a distinctively festive experience: the Nights of Lights Magical Ride with Santa. Departing from 47 Cordova St, this 35- to 45-minute open-air electric shuttle ride invites families and visitors of all ages to join Santa Claus himself on a journey soaked in holiday spirit.
Unlike traditional carriage rides, this private, VIP boarding shuttle glides through St. Augustine’s historic core, spotlighting vibrant holiday décor and twinkling light installations that illuminate landmarks dating back centuries. Passengers wave to nearby pedestrians and capture joyful, candid photos as they savor the crisp winter air, creating an intimate and memorable setting that pairs festive cheer with old-town charm.
The Tasting Tours, already known for their curated tasting experiences, steps into a seasonal role that showcases the city’s outdoor holiday atmosphere without sacrificing comfort or accessibility. There’s no walking needed—this ride invites guests to relax aboard a sleek, eco-friendly vehicle while still feeling immersed in the lively streetscape and glowing surroundings.
This unique ride isn’t framed as a historical tour but as an enchanting holiday social experience perfect for groups wanting to share smiles and laughter during the season. Families with children, friend groups, or even solo travelers will find this memorable activity an inviting way to engage with St. Augustine’s festive outdoor scene while making lasting holiday memories. With reservations required and a warm, communal vibe, The Tasting Tours’ Nights of Lights ride underscores why St. Augustine is a standout holiday destination in the Southeast.
Whether it’s your first visit or part of a time-honored tradition, this magical ride with Santa turns a simple night out into a glowing chapter of your seasonal celebrations.
easy.
35–45 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels, no physical exertion required.
No onsite parking is provided. Visitors should arrange parking nearby or use public parking options in downtown St. Augustine.
Yes, all ages are welcome, but guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Infant car seats and carriers cannot be accommodated on the shuttle, so infants must be secured in body harnesses.
The electric shuttle has limited space and is not wheelchair accessible, though walkers and wheelchairs can be safely stored during the ride.
Pets are not allowed on the shuttle, except for service animals with prior approval.
No food or alcohol is provided or allowed aboard. Guests are welcome to bring water.
St. Augustine was established in 1565, making it the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental U.S., with numerous colonial-era sites enhanced by holiday decorations during the Nights of Lights.
The Nights of Lights festival incorporates LED technology to minimize energy use, reflecting a commitment to sustainable tourism amid the city’s historic environment.
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