ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Nov. 17) – The magical moment when more than two million tiny white lights will blink on in the Nation's oldest city has been set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, November 22 - Light-Up Night! in St. Augustine. At that appointed time, Mayor Joe Boles will open the ceremonies from the balcony of Government House and moments later the city's most senior former mayor in attendance will flip the switch from the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitucion - the oldest public meeting ground in the nation. With that quick flick the city's Christmas tree will be lit followed seconds later by the magnificent Nights of Lights - an amazing holiday lights display that will inspire and entertain visitors and residents alike each evening through January 31.

Light-Up Night! Festivities began at 4 p.m. with a spirited holiday performance by Showtime USA. This high energy, fun-filled singing and dancing troupe will perform under the King’s Balcony at the west end of the plaza. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the All Star Orchestra will fill the plaza with great swing and big band music in grand holiday style. This popular 20-piece band returns for an encore after receiving rave reviews for their performance at last year’s lighting ceremony.

Bathed in the gentle glow of the Nights of Lights, the narrow Old World streets of the city become an irresistible setting for strolling, dining, shopping and making lasting holiday memories.

Although the City of St. Augustine installs and maintains holiday light displays at more than 100 locations in the city, the Nights of Lights could not succeed without the volunteer participation of residents and business owners. At their own expense, they add their own lighting creations that blend perfectly to create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.

Except for the immediate vicinity of the plaza, parking will be available throughout the downtown area. In addition, the Historic Downtown Parking Facility at the Visitor Information Center will charge an all-day rate of $7 payable upon entry. www.vicparking.com .

Night of Lights is funded by the City of St. Augustine and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For full details on the Nights of Lights, including a list of associated events, go to www.nightsoflights.com . Complete details on planning a Nights of Lights vacation, including accommodations, can be found at the St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website, www.Getaway4Florida.com or by calling 1.800.653.2489.

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