If you didn’t get in all of those holiday traditions because your "to-do" list got in the way, there is one community who understands. In fact, they promise to “keep the lights on” for you to enjoy through February.
In the nation's oldest city at dusk, the lights come to life.
"We've been named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 places in the world to see holiday lights,” claims Amanda Pinkerton, with Old Town Trolley Tours.
What started before Thanksgiving will wrap up well after Three Kings Day. The tradition of "Nights of Lights" in St. Augustine will paint the city in a white glow, just like centuries ago for a month longer.
"The reason we put up white lights is because St. Augustine was originally a Spanish city, and around the holiday season, the Spanish would put candles in their windows and candle flames are always white. So that is why we stick with the white lights,” shares Amanda.
While you could stroll for blocks around town beholding the lights this January, in order to take in all the sights after dark, folks here climb aboard Old Town Trolley Tours.
“You buy your ticket, you wait for the tram, you sing and yell at all the people walking by 'Happy New Year,' 'Merry Christmas',” said Sherry Bonnella.
Be ready -- it gets loud here.
"HAPPY NEW YEAR,” the tram driver belts out into his over modulated microphone. Some drivers enjoy encouraging riders to scream New Year's greetings at non-riders.
"Hold on!" also screams the tram driver as the 30-minute ride ventures out of the station and onto the streets of St. Augustine.
Here, it’s easier to leave the driving to someone else, as the streets in this city were never designed for vehicle traffic. Old Town Trolley Tours glides past historic landmarks like Casa Monica hotel, the famed St. George Street and The Lightner Museum.
"We've been wanting to do this for a long time and we decided, we're going to do it!” Sherry proclaimed of the experience after the holiday season.
"I would do it again!” agrees her friend Sherri Ladanyi.
At the end, you'll end up hungry since there are several tram stops. Yet, the most popular one is when folks jump off and grab a cookie and hot cider.
Tram tours run continuously on Friday and Saturday evenings. Since the Night of Lights continues to roll through Feb. 1, 2015, there's time to enjoy the lights even once the fury of the season passes by.
"I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season,” shouts the tram driver for the final time as the ride ends.
"I like it. I'll go again. Tonight maybe!" concludes Sherri's friend Claudia with a laugh.
And since the holiday season rolls on until February in St. Augustine, you can ride over and over.
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