An Old City Christmas

St. Augustine is known for many things: the oldest city in the U.S., the oldest wooden school house and during Christmastime, arguably the most beautiful Holiday light display this side of the St. John's.

The "Nights of Lights" display has only taken place for 25 years, but they claim the tradition dates back to the first Spanish colonists who would put candle lights in their windows during the Christmas season. This gesture symbolized an invitation for the baby Jesus to enter their homes and hearts.

On my trip, I began St Augustine in the afternoon, taking in the decorations from the ancient buildings during the daytime. The streets were crowded with tourists from across the country, but not too crazy for a Saturday.

St. Augustine is such a spiritually rich city. So I thought it appropriate to stop in and pray at the National Shrine of Our Lady de la Leche (free admission), the first shrine in America dedicated to Mary, and the site of the First Thanksgiving.

Keeping with the theme, I made my way over to the Father O'Reilly House Museum (free admission) and the Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The sisters arrived in St. Augustine after the war in 1866 and have kept up the house ever since.

I then stopped in for a visit at the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica (free admission) in Old Town to admire the stain glass and frescoes.

The weather was pleasantly chilly, appropriate for a North Florida winter, and so I grabbed a Lavender Honey Latte from Swillerbee's Coffee next to the Lightner Museum.

Night had finally fallen, and it was time to see the lights! The moon was full and low to the horizon, only adding to the magic of the night. Be sure to check over at the docks to see the boats lit up as well.