Words & photos by Lorelei Belanger
For 31 years, Nights of Lights has transformed historic downtown St. Augustine with over 3 million lights, drawing thousands of visitors for the 70-day tradition. The festival stems from the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the windows of houses during the Christmas holidays.
Every year, millions of lights are hung in St. Augustine, mostly concentrated around the Plaza de la Constitución, right in the heart of downtown. The festival is such a big deal, that there is actually a law in the city that the lights have to be up from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until the last Sunday of January, allowing locals and tourists more than two months to enjoy the lights. This year the festival kicks off Nov. 23, 2024 and the lights stay up until Jan. 26, 2025.
Tourists from all over come every year to get a look at the lights, while locals make it a tradition to go to their favorite spots to see what’s new. One thing all visitors have in common is the search for the best way to immerse themselves in the St. Augustine holiday season. From trolley tours to ghost tours to wandering the city on foot, many locals and returning tourists feel they have worn out the options. Of the many ghost tours in the historic city, the one thing that seemed to be missing was a theatrical, comedic tour. The most haunted city in America has plenty of ghost stories to be heard, and the millions of lights add to the effect, but some sight-seers are looking for more than just another story about the spirits who haunt the city.
Jessica and Thomas Nightingale understand the need for a unique way to enjoy the season in the city and “HAHA Humbug” was born. Hosted by Ebenezer Scrooge and his spirited assistant, the immersive walking Christmas show is sure to bring laughs, along with plenty of opportunities to see the lights. Scrooge tells stories from his past, while his assistant tries to keep him in the present.
Starting at the perfect spot, “Scrooge’s house”, aka the Perky Pelican year-round Christmas store, Scrooge’s assistant introduces herself, and her great-great-great grand uncle, who sets the comedic tone right away with his grand entrance. The walking tour continues through downtown, stopping at the graveyards and other historically haunted sites, Scrooge shares a story to go along with each one that’s sure to make you laugh. Guests are encouraged to ask Scrooge anything, about himself, ghosts or whatever crosses their minds. The improvisation is incredible, guaranteeing guests a new experience every time.
The immersive experience, which guarantees a ghost sighting, ends at ReChic Treasure, where guests can enjoy a glass of eggnog with Scrooge, and hear about the ghost upstairs… who Scrooge has an interesting past with.
Christmas caroling, endless personalized interaction and continuous laughter, tourists and locals alike will love this new experience. The talented actors, and owners of Ebenezer Entertainment are bringing a great new experience to the city, where theater can at times, feel like a lost art.
Follow @hahahumbug on Instagram to see Scrooge in action and learn more about the tours!
Follow FOLIO!