Daytona Beach is alive with holiday spirit this season, offering a wonderful selection of events for the community. From bright light displays that will make your eyes sparkle to engaging shows and festive parades, there’s something to get every resident and visitor into the holiday mood. If you’re looking for a family outing, a night out with friends, or a way to connect with your neighbors, our lively city has it all. Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas right here on the coast!
This guide is designed to help you navigate the exciting holiday happenings in Daytona Beach, highlighting key events that showcase our community’s festive side. We’ve gathered information on spectacular light installations, engaging performances, and cherished local traditions. So grab your loved ones, bundle up (or maybe not!), and let’s explore the wonderful world of Daytona Beach holiday celebrations. It’s the perfect time to discover what makes our area such a special place to live and visit during this magical time of year.
Festive Light Displays
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer brilliance of our local holiday light displays. The iconic Daytona International Speedway is once again transforming into a winter wonderland with the Magic of Lights® event. This incredible drive-through experience lets you bask in the glow of millions of LED lights, with dazzling animated displays and festive scenes that are perfect for a family car ride. Running daily from November 21 through January 3, it’s a must-see spectacle.
Adding to the festive glow, the Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar in Ormond Beach presents its Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display. Step into a storybook world adorned with larger-than-life gingerbread figures, cheerful snowmen, and bright lights. This charming display, open from November 21 to January 3, offers a delightful backdrop for photos and a sweet escape. Additionally, the Riverfront Esplanade will be aglow with festive lights as part of its “A December to Remember” celebration, making downtown a prime spot for holiday merriment.
Holiday Shows and Tours
The arts and culture scene in Daytona Beach is putting on a spectacular holiday show this year, offering a diverse range of performances to suit every taste. The historic Stetson Mansion in DeLand, a true Victorian gem, is hosting its much-anticipated Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour until January 18. Each year, this lavishly decorated mansion, recognized by national publications, unveils new themes across its ten unique rooms, offering a glimpse into a Gilded Age Christmas.
For those seeking live entertainment, the Peabody Auditorium is a center of activity, featuring everything from a comedy night with Chevy Chase to the dazzling acrobatics of Cirque Dreams Holidaze and the heartwarming sounds of Christmas at the Opry.
Meanwhile, the Daytona Playhouse is staging festive productions like “Greetings! A Christmas Comedy” and “A Broadway Christmas,” while the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center presents “Jingles & Jammies.” Don’t miss the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah at The News-Journal Center for a truly impressive experience.
Community Parades and Events
Get ready to line the streets and wave hello to Santa and his friends at our cherished community parades! Several towns in the Daytona Beach area are hosting their annual Christmas parades, bringing neighbors together for a day of festive fun. Mark your calendars for the Holly Hill Christmas Parade and the Town of Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade & Breakfast with Santa, both happening on Saturday, December 6th. These events are wonderful opportunities to connect with the community and share in the holiday spirit.
Ormond Beach is also joining the celebration with its “Home for the Holidays Groovy Parade and Tree Lighting” on the evening of December 13th, promising a lively and fun-filled spectacle. Beyond the parades, the Riverfront Esplanade continues its “A December to Remember” festivities throughout the month, offering additional delights, including opportunities to snap photos with Santa and browse local vendors at holiday markets. These events truly capture the heart of our community during the holiday season.
