[4][5] Begun in 1993, the Nights of Lights festival is a public-private partnership, between the City of St. Augustine and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, and local businesses and residents.
[3] It has become a major tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to downtown St. Augustine each year to view the holiday lights, providing a boost to local businesses.
[3] Returning home, Mayor Weeks sought contributions from local businesses and residents, and with a grant from the City of St. Augustine, Nights of Lights began.
[6] Nights of Lights makes a significant economic impact on St. Augustine and provides a boost to local tourism.
[7] Conde Nast Traveler named St. Augustine and its Nights of Lights festival one of the best cities to visit at Christmas.