The story behind my November 2026 St. Augustine calendar photograph
Sometimes the photographs that catch my eye are the ones I wasn't planning to take.
I had just finished a family portrait session and was walking back to my car along St. Augustine's Bayfront. There was a chill in the air, the sidewalks were overflowing with people, and I could hear a wonderful mixture of languages being spoken all around me.
Yet, despite the crowds and all the activity, there was something about the colors and lights that felt incredibly calm.
The soft blue of the evening sky, the warm glow of the lights, and the colorful buildings nestled among the palm trees caught my attention. It was one of those moments when I had to stop and capture what I was seeing.
The Magic of Nights of Lights
I chose this photograph for my November calendar because, to me, it captures the original spirit of St. Augustine's Nights of Lights.
The tradition was inspired by the Spanish custom of placing a white candle in the window during the Christmas season. Over the years, that simple idea has grown into millions of tiny white lights illuminating our historic city.
There's something timeless and elegant about those white lights, especially against the architecture and atmosphere of St. Augustine.
The celebration has become so well known that National Geographic recognized St. Augustine's Nights of Lights as one of the Top 10 holiday light displays in the world in 2011 and 2012!
A Local's Perspective
Of course, Nights of Lights has become one of St. Augustine's busiest seasons, and the crowds can be quite something!
But living here has its advantages.
Once the weekend visitors have headed home, things tend to quiet down a little during the week. That's when we locals can sneak downtown, wander the streets, and enjoy the lights at a more leisurely pace.
And here's a little tip: January is even better!
The lights are still sparkling, the holiday rush has eased, and there's something especially lovely about experiencing the city without quite so many people.
This year's Nights of Lights runs from November 21, 2026, through January 18, 2027, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it.
A Little Help Before You Go
And don't forget to download the FREE official Nights of Lights app before heading downtown!
It's a wonderful resource for finding parking and shuttle information, restaurants, special events, interactive maps, and other helpful tips to make your visit easier.
Download the Official St. Augustine Nights of Lights App
What I Hope You See
When I look at this photograph, I remember the bustle of that evening, the cool air, and the many voices around me.
But what I see in the finished image is the calm that caught my attention in the first place.
That's one of the things I love about photography. Even in the middle of a busy scene, there's often a quiet moment waiting to be noticed.
And sometimes all it takes is stopping long enough to see it.
I hope that by sharing the stories behind my photographs, you'll begin to see a little more of what catches my eye and perhaps look at familiar places in a different way, too.
— Jackie Hird
A Little St. Augustine All Year Long
Holiday Lights on the Bayfront is featured in my November 2026 St. Augustine calendar.
My annual wall calendars combine original local photography with community events, national holidays, and moon phases—a little piece of St. Augustine to enjoy throughout the year.
Explore My St. Augustine Calendars
Thank you for sharing in my love of St. Augustine and the photographs I create!