Where to Stay in St. Augustine for Christmas: Best Areas & Festive Hotels

Wondering where to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas? I love this historic town and since I live relatively close, I’ve been many times! St. Augustine at Christmas is an especially great time to visit. The cooler weather, the beautiful lights, and events like the holiday boat parade make it a perfect December destination.

Let’s review where to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas and go over the pros and cons to each area.

Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in St. Augustine for Christmas

Are you wondering where to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas? The oldest city in America goes all out at Christmas and makes a great destination for the holidays!

The best area to stay for Christmas in St. Augustine is the historic district! Of course, trading the downtown area for ocean views is not a bad trade off, but let’s review the options so you can decide what will be best for your trip.

Neighborhood	Highlights	Best For	Top Hotel Picks
Historic Downtown	Plaza de la Constitución, Christmas lights, walkable restaurants & attractions	First-timers • No-car trips • Couples	Casa Monica Resort & Spa • Bayfront Marin House • The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
Anastasia Island & St. Augustine Beach	Lighthouse, wide beaches, relaxed vibe	Beach lovers • Families • Longer stays	Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach • Guy Harvey Resort • Oceanfront Home
Vilano Beach	Quiet oceanfront area, sunrise views, quick drive to downtown	Peaceful getaways • Romantic stays	The Saint Augustine Beach House • Hyatt Place St. Augustine Vilano Beach
Across the Bridge / West of Downtown	More affordable hotels, easy drive or longer scenic walk to lights	Budget-friendly trips • Travelers with cars	Marker 8 Hotel & Marina • voco St. Augustine Historic Area • Hotel Amalga

Historic Downtown (Best for First-Timers & Nights of Lights)

Historic Downtown is the absolute best place to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas — especially if it’s your first visit. You’ll be surrounded by the magic of Nights of Lights, with millions of twinkling bulbs shining across the Plaza de la Constitución, the Bridge of Lions, and charming brick-lined streets.

This is the most walkable area in the city, so you can easily explore restaurants, museums, shops, and festive attractions without worrying about parking. Just keep in mind, this area books up fast during the holidays and typically comes with the highest price tags — but the convenience and Christmas atmosphere are worth it.

So if you’re wondering where to stay in St. Augustine for your first visit, the historic downtown should top the list!

Pros: Walkable area full of restaurants and shops! You’ll be in the thick of the action in a charming historic downtown area.
Cons: It can be crowded and noisy, especially on weekends or holidays.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa
This iconic landmark hotel goes all-out for the holidays with elegant decorations, luxurious rooms, and a prime location near the Plaza de la Constitución. It’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a high-end Christmas experience just steps from the best Nights of Lights displays.

St. George Inn
Located near pedestrian-friendly St. George Street, this boutique inn offers charming rooms and some of the best views of the historic district lit up for Christmas. You’ll be in the heart of the festivities with easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
With stunning waterfront views of the Bridge of Lions and decorated marina, this hotel gives you front-row access to holiday lights. Guests love the Spanish-inspired architecture, walkable location, and reliable amenities.

Bayfront Marin House
A romantic, waterfront bed & breakfast known for exceptional hospitality and beautiful Nights of Lights scenery right outside your door. Many rooms come with cozy fireplaces or private outdoor spaces — perfect for a festive getaway.

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
This adults-only upscale inn is tucked away on gorgeous historic grounds, making it a peaceful retreat while still being close to the action. Enjoy beautifully designed rooms, fire pits in the courtyard, and a sophisticated holiday ambiance.

Anastasia Island & St. Augustine Beach (Best for Beach Views)

If you want a relaxing beach escape while still enjoying the Nights of Lights, St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island are the perfect match. You’ll trade the busy downtown streets for ocean breezes, wide beaches, and family-friendly hotels — all just a quick 10–15 minute drive from the historic district. Some hotels offer shuttle or trolley access to the holiday lights, so you can soak in the festive magic without dealing with parking or crowds.

When it comes to where to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas, the beach may not be the first thing to come to mind, but it’s a great option! If you stay on the north end of Anastasia Island, you won’t be far from the historic downtown, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds!

Pros: Ocean views and/or close enough to walk to the beach. Beautiful sunrises and plenty of restaurants close by. Quieter area than the downtown and generally more budget friendly.
Cons: You will need to get downtown by car.

Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach
This beachfront resort is a favorite for families thanks to its large pool, free made-to-order breakfast, and spacious suites. It’s steps from the sand and just a short drive to downtown for Nights of Lights festivities.

Guy Harvey Resort on Saint Augustine Beach
A relaxed oceanfront stay inspired by the marine artwork of Guy Harvey, this resort offers easy beach access and a fun coastal vibe. It’s a great mid-range option with on-site dining and quick access to Anastasia State Park and holiday activities.

The Chautauqua Gorgeous Direct OCEANFRONT Home
For larger groups wanting space to spread out, this stunning vacation home offers unbeatable ocean views and private beach access. It’s ideal for families or friends planning a cozy Christmas gathering with the flexibility and comfort of a full home near the festivities.

There are plenty of home rentals in St. Augustine Beach. My family had a reunion and stayed on the beach. I will note that even the houses “on the beach” are a bit of a walk. However, nothing beats a sunrise view of the beach and even in the winter, the ocean is beautiful!

Vilano Beach (Best for Relaxing Ocean Views)

Vilano Beach is the best place to stay in St. Augustine if you want peaceful ocean views while still being just minutes from the Christmas action downtown. This quiet, residential beach community offers a more modern hotel selection, wide sandy beaches, and beautiful sunrises over the Atlantic. It’s perfect for travelers who want a calm coastal retreat during the day and easy access to Nights of Lights in the evening — just a short drive (about 10 to 15 minutes) or rideshare away.

Pros: Ocean views or a close walk. Quieter beach escape than St. Augustine Beach, but about the same distance to downtown St. Augustine.
Cons: Not as much to do close by and you will need a car (or rideshare) to get downtown.

The Saint Augustine Beach House
This cozy oceanfront boutique hotel offers beautiful sunrise views from nearly every room and a warm, homey atmosphere. Guests love the friendly hospitality and complimentary breakfast — perfect for a peaceful holiday retreat by the beach.

Hyatt Place St Augustine Vilano Beach
A modern, comfortable stay with spacious rooms and great amenities, located just a short walk from Vilano’s restaurants and shoreline. It’s an excellent choice if you want a clean, stylish base close to both the beach and downtown holiday lights.

Oceanview Lodge – Saint Augustine
A simple but charming beachfront hotel offering private balconies with incredible ocean views at a more affordable price point. It’s ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the beach while staying just a quick drive from the festive atmosphere downtown.

Across the Bridge (Best Budget-Friendly, Long Walk or Quick Drive to Lights)

If you’re traveling on a budget or don’t mind a short drive, staying just across either of St. Augustine’s bridges can be a smart way to enjoy the holidays without the downtown price tag. These areas offer solid, wallet-friendly hotel options both within a quick drive or a longer but scenic walk to the Nights of Lights action. You’ll enjoy or be close to river views, while saving money for festive activities, trolley tours, or delicious holiday treats.

Pros: River views (or close to river). Quieter stays overall, but still close enough to downtown. It’s also more budget friendly!
Cons: You will have to walk at least 15 minutes to get to the historic downtown.

voco St. Augustine Historic Area by IHG
This modern, upscale hotel blends comfort with historic charm and is just a fifteen minute walk over the Bridge of Lions to the downtown shops, restaurants, and Nights of Lights displays. Guests enjoy stylish rooms, a pool, and easy access to local attractions without paying downtown prices.

Marker 8 Hotel & Marina
A waterfront hotel with its own marina, Marker 8 offers stunning views of the Matanzas River and a relaxed, nautical vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who want both scenic water views and quick access to historic downtown attractions. My sister and her husband stayed here and they enjoyed it. The hotel is just over the Bridge of Lions, so you can walk to the downtown area, but is a bit quieter removed from the busier downtown area.

The Local – St. Augustine
This budget friendly, retro-style motel offers a modern, contactless experience with its digital check-in and check-out system through the Virdee app. Guests can enjoy amenities like in-room microwaves, mini-fridges, and an outdoor pool. Recognized as the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for Best Roadside Motel in 2022 (and 3rd in 2025), it provides a unique blend of nostalgic charm and modern convenience. It would be about 24 minutes to walk to the historic downtown or a short drive.

Hotel Amalga, St. Augustine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
A sleek, contemporary hotel west of historic downtown, Hotel Amalga offers spacious rooms, rooftop views, and a quiet retreat from the busy streets. It’s still just a fifteen minute walk to Nights of Lights, making it a convenient option for budget-conscious travelers who want modern amenities.

Interactive Accommodations Map

Use the map below to explore all the top hotel options for your St. Augustine Christmas trip.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodations in St. Augustine

If you’ve never stayed in a Bed & Breakfast, St. Augustine is a great destination to give it a try! Some of the highest rated stays in St. Augustine are B&B’s and what better way to spend the holidays than a cozy accommodation!

Here are some of the top rated B&B’s in or near the historic downtown.

The Kenwood Inn Oldest Bed and Breakfast, St Augustine Historic District
The Kenwood Inn blends historic charm with elevated comfort in one of St. Augustine’s most picturesque residential streets near the bayfront. Guests love the inviting courtyards, gourmet breakfasts, and ease for exploring nearby lights and attractions. It’s a great pick for travelers who want a quieter setting while staying within walking distance of Historic Downtown.

Carriage Way Inn Bed & Breakfast Adults Only – 21 years old and up
This adults-only Victorian B&B is perfect for couples visiting for a romantic Christmas getaway. The property offers luxury touches like made-to-order breakfasts and complimentary wine and dessert each evening. Its central location means the Nights of Lights and top restaurants are just steps away.

Cedar House Inn
Known for warm hospitality and standout breakfasts, Cedar House Inn feels like a cozy home in the heart of the Historic District. Each room is uniquely decorated and you’ll be able to walk to holiday events, shops, and the twinkling lights with ease.

St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast
Dating back to 1791, St. Francis Inn is one of the oldest lodging options in the country, full of historic character and charm. Guests enjoy thoughtful amenities such as fitness room, electric vehicle charging station, an outdoor fireplace and a pool. Its quiet location in the Old City keeps you close to the Christmas festivities without the crowds.St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast

Old Powder House Inn
This Victorian-style B&B offers colorful, charming rooms and a welcoming ambiance just steps from St. George Street. Fresh homemade breakfast and personable hosts make the stay feel truly special. It’s a great option if you want character-filled lodging near the holiday excitement.

St. Augustine Christmas Travel Tips

Visiting St. Augustine for Christmas can be magical, but a few tips can make your trip even smoother. Book your accommodations early — especially in downtown and historic districts — as hotels fill up quickly for Nights of Lights.

Be prepared for crowds and limited parking, especially on the weekends. If you do visit during the week of Christmas or on a weekend, consider the free shuttle offered by the city, utilizing a rideshare app, or walking.

Consider downloading the Nights of Lights app to stay informed.

Don’t forget to layer clothing for chilly evenings along the waterfront, and plan your photo stops during the early evening for the best light.

Finally, if you plan to grab dinner, consider making a reservation, especially on the weekends or closer to Christmas. Check holiday schedules for attractions and restaurants, since some may have reduced hours during the season.

• Book accommodations early.
• Utilize the free shuttle, rideshare, or walk to avoid the hassle of parking.
• Download the Nights of Lights app.
• Check the weather and be prepared with layers for the cooler evenings.
• Make dinner reservations and check for holiday schedules to avoid disappointment.

FAQ

Where to Stay in St. Augustine for Christmas

I hope this article was helpful and you were able to decide where to stay in St. Augustine for Christmas! It’s so charming year round, but it offers that extra holiday magic at Christmas and is one of my favorite day trips from Daytona Beach!

St. Augustine at Christmas is truly magical, combining that small-town holiday charm with centuries-old history you just can’t find anywhere else in Florida. Whether you’re watching the Bridge of Lions sparkle, sipping hot cocoa on the Plaza, or unwinding by the ocean after a festive evening downtown, you’re in for such a memorable holiday trip.

Pick the vibe that fits your visit best, bundle up for those chilly nights, and enjoy a truly unforgettable Christmas getaway in St. Augustine!