Craving an escape from winter weather? Head to Daytona Beach for a range of holiday events and holiday spectaculars. Whether you are in the mood for the dreamlike experience of Christmas lights, a celebration that takes a step back in time or a jolly holiday parade, plenty of fun Christmas activities await in Daytona Beach! And with other Florida holiday experiences, such as Nights of Lights in St. Augustine and the fun spectacle of Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach, so close (less than an hour drive) there’s even more reason to head to Daytona Beach for the holidays. Consider any one of these events to put you in the holiday spirit:
Magic of Lights® Holiday Display
The iconic Daytona International Speedway transforms into a holiday heaven during the Magic of Lights®, a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Take the family and enjoy a memorable holiday experience featuring dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights at the “World Center of Racing.” For more information on ticket pricing for this drive-thru experience, visit the website. The event takes place daily from November 17 through December 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. (on Thanksgiving weekend 11/23-26, 7-10 p.m. and 12/1, 7-10 p.m.). A variety of ticket packages and upgrades are available.
Venue: Daytona International Speedway (at the intersection of International Speedway and Bill France Boulevards)
Address: 1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour
The Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour takes place at “Florida’s first luxury estate,” the famed Victorian Gilded Age residence built in 1886. Its original, rich architectural details make the perfect backdrop for elaborate holiday decorations, which are different each year. Designer decorations from around the world will adorn the mansion and each of the ten rooms. Come and experience how Stetson Mansion has decked the halls on one of these enchanting self-guided or guided tours between Nov. 1 through January 20. Reservations are required. Group guided tours are available with advanced reservations (20-24 people), visit the website for more information.
Venue: Stetson Mansion
Address: 1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand, FL 32720
Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display
This holiday season, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar will transform into a Gingerbread Fantasy decorative light display that evokes classic storybook memories in exquisite style. From November 17, 2023, through January 5, 2024, visitors can stop to take a family photo or a fun selfie outside of in this historic setting in downtown Ormond Beach. During Gingerbread Fantasy, the restaurant will be decorated with larger-than-life Gingerbread men, towering lollipops, unique topiary snowmen, the “dogs of Rose Villa,” stained glass windows reflecting gingerbread men, gold bells, candy canes, and candied fruit, and of course hundreds of colorful lights reaching from the ground to the top of the two and a half story rooftop. For an extra special holiday activity, Rose Villa will offer a hands-on experience building your own gingerbread house. This confection-based activity is offered daily from 10 a.m. – noon. Cost starts at $99 and reservations are required.
Venue: Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar
Address: 43 West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Price: Free Holiday Light Display; Gingerbread House building experience starts at $99, reservations required
Christmas at Peabody Auditorium
The Peabody Auditorium schedule features several holiday-themed shows. Mannheim Streamroller Christmas tour is set to feature classic Christmas songs from their holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting during their concert on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Witness the Volusia Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 2-3, which in addition to the full-length production, will also offer a condensed narrated Family Series show. On Dec. 19, Celtic Woman A Christmas Symphony will provide the rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s angelic harmonies with the thrilling live sound of a full symphony orchestra.
Venue: Peabody Auditorium
Address: 600 Auditorium Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Turkey Run
The Daytona Turkey Run features thousands of unique automobiles and swap meet vendors in the infield of the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway. Considered to be largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States, this family-friendly four-day event takes place every fall during the Thanksgiving holiday week.
Venue: Daytona International Speedway
Address: 1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach FL 32114
Riverfront Esplanade: A December to Remember
It’s a December to Remember at the new Riverfront Esplanade, a gathering space and botanical garden located in the heart of Daytona Beach. Composed of more than a mile of waterfront running trails with comfortable benches and swings overlooking the Halifax River, the Riverfront Esplanade will be a hub for holiday activities such as a holiday light display, pictures with Santa, Hawliday Pet Parade and holiday markets with vendors and hot cocoa.
Venue: Riverfront Esplanade
Address: 249 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Admission: Free
Holiday Parades
Celebrate the holidays with family and friends by attending Christmas parades within the different municipalities in the Daytona Beach Area. Festive floats, local marching bands, walking performers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will deliver the holiday cheer.
Dec. 2, Holly Hill Christmas Parade
Dec. 2, Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade
Dec. 3, Port Orange Holiday Parade (Dunlawton Avenue)
Dec. 9, City of Daytona Beach’s Jingle All The Waves Christmas Parade (Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. and Beach Street)
Dec. 9, 31st Annual Home for the Holidays Parade, City of Ormond Beach
No matter what one you choose, a winter getaway is sure to put your whole family in a sunny, spirited state of mind.
Enjoy a look at everything Daytona Beach has to offer and start planning your next trip! Download our free official destination guide or sign up for the e-newsletter.