Things To Do In Florida

Celebrate the Joy of the Holidays in Daytona Beach!

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No matter who you’re traveling with—family, friends, a partner, or yourself—Daytona Beach has all the holiday magic you need! Picture festive lights along the beachfront, cheerful parades, and a winter wonderland vibe (without the snow!). Enjoy holiday shopping, seasonal events, or world-class golf courses with a festive twist. Whether it’s Christmas on the sand or fun for all ages, Daytona Beach is the ultimate holiday escape. Make this season unforgettable!

Celebrate the Joy of the Holidays in Daytona Beach

Bowling and Pictures with Santa

Join us at Back Alley Lanes VR-Cade this Saturday for a special event—Bowling with Santa! Kids 12 and under can enjoy festive bowling fun, meet Santa, and snap holiday selfies. Don’t miss this chance to create magical memories with your family!

Holiday Bazaar & Santa Sightings

Shop local at the ‘Holiday Bazaar’ during A December to Remember at the Riverfront Esplanade, and don’t miss a photo with Santa!

A Christmas Carol

Experience the magic of the holidays with A Christmas Carol, a musical featuring enchanting original melodies by Milton Granger and a live band. This heartwarming adaptation brings Dickens’ timeless tale to life, celebrating joy, redemption, and the true spirit of the season. Join Scrooge on his transformative journey in a festive production that will fill your heart with Christmas cheer!

A Christmas Story

Set in the 1940s, this heartwarming holiday tale follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker on his determined quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

Showtimes:

  • Thursday to Saturday: 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 2:00 PM

A December to Remember

Celebrate the holidays at the Riverfront Esplanade in Downtown Daytona Beach during “A December to Remember”! This multi-day event kicks off November 29 and features a holiday bazaar, Santa visits, live music, a movie on the lawn, and more. Don’t miss the Holiday Bazaar and Santa from 6-9 p.m. on December 6, 13, and 20.

A Hollywood Holiday Gala at The Casements 45th Annual

Join the Annual Casements Guild Christmas Gala for family fun, starting with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 PM in Rockefeller Gardens. Enjoy train rides, cookie decorating, live music, and visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Snow Queen. Explore beautifully decorated trees, a Gourmet Shop, and craft vendors. Free entry all weekend: Friday (5-9 PM), Saturday & Sunday (12-5 PM).

Beachside Holiday Market

The holiday market is back! Enjoy local shopping, craft beer, and festive music to celebrate the season.

City of Holly Hill 65th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Start the holidays with the 65th Annual Holly Hill Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy carolers, dance performances, and the lighting of City Hall and a 12-14-foot tree. Don’t forget to say hi to Santa!

Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display

This holiday season, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar in Ormond Beach will host Gingerbread Fantasy, a stunning light display featuring giant gingerbread men, lollipops, snowmen, candy canes, and colorful lights from November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025. Visitors can take outdoor photos, but indoor access is reserved for diners with reservations.

Holiday Craft Sale with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach is holding its annual Holiday Sale on Dec. 6 (9 AM – 2 PM) and Dec. 7 (1 PM – 3 PM), featuring ornaments, decorations, art, crafts, jewelry, and more. Proceeds will support the local homeless population.

Holiday Walk/Run

Join us for ‘A December to Remember’ at Downtown Daytona Beach’s Riverfront Esplanade! Enjoy a festive Holiday Walk/Run with holiday lights, waterfront views, and fun pajamas. Free entry!

Magic of Lights

Magic of Lights is returning to Daytona International Speedway, offering a dazzling drive-through holiday light display. Featuring millions of LED lights, guests can enjoy holiday favorites like Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and the 12 Days of Christmas, along with exciting new light tunnels for a festive family experience.

Experience the Magic of Lights this holiday season with over 2 million sparkling lights, festive selfie filters, and exciting displays like a 32-foot Waving Christmas Barbie®, a Prehistoric Christmas with life-sized dinosaurs, and the BIGFOOT® Monster Truck. Open nightly from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. (7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Nov. 28 – Dec. 1).

Town Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa

Kick off the holiday season in style with the lighting of the Town tree and a special visit from Santa himself! Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a kid’s craft table, delicious light refreshments, and plenty of holiday cheer for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the magic!

65th Annual Holly Hill Christmas Parade

Join the City of Holly Hill for its 65th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday from 10 AM to Noon. The parade starts at 15th Street, heads south on Ridgewood Ave, and ends near City Hall. Arrive early to grab a spot and bring a chair or blanket. Celebrate the holiday season with us!

Drive-In Movie Featuring Elf

Catch a Drive-In Movie featuring the holiday classic Elf at Daytona Stadium on December 7 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy free hot cocoa, popcorn, candy, face painting, snow machines, and photos with Santa. Food and drinks available for $1.

The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holidays with the Volusia Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at Peabody Auditorium this December. Enjoy the full-length production or a special one-hour narrated Family Series show on Dec. 7, perfect for young children and those with special needs. Don’t miss the magical Children’s Sugar Plum Tea before the Saturday and Sunday shows, featuring sweet treats, festive decor, and photo ops with characters.

Performances include:

  • Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. (Family Series without guest artists)
  • Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. (Full 2-act show with guest artists)
  • Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. (Full 2-act show with guest artists)

Children’s Sugar Plum Tea:

  • Saturday, Dec. 7, at 12:30 p.m. (Show ticket and Tea ticket required)
  • Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m. (Show ticket and Tea ticket required)
  • Sunday, Dec. 8, at 12:30 p.m. (Show ticket and Tea ticket required)

Over 70 performers from Central Florida dance studios, guided by eight choreographers, join forces with Cincinnati Ballet guest artists for this collaborative production.

Experience the magic of Clara’s journey in this enchanting performance of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Follow Clara as she helps the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse Queen and embarks on a magical adventure through the Snow Forest and the Kingdom of Sweets. Featuring captivating dances like the Waltz of the Flowers and special guest artists from Cincinnati Ballet, this is a holiday tradition not to be missed.

The Peabody lobby will turn into a German village during performances, featuring Nutcracker gifts at Drosselmeyer’s Toy Shop and treats from the Kingdom of Sweets Shoppe.

Story Time: “Tinsel The Christmas Spider”

OAG is hosting its first Holiday Story Time featuring “Tinsel The Christmas Spider” at the Education Forum. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Handcrafted Christmas Spiders by Palm Coast artist Patricia Conway and the book “Tinsel The Christmas Spider” will be available for purchase.

Thursday at the Tower – Flying Santa

Learn the story of William H. Wincapaw, the “Flying Santa Claus,” who began delivering joy to remote lighthouse families in 1929 dressed as Santa. This tradition continues today, spreading festive cheer. Join Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s Mike Bennett for this heartwarming tale. Admission includes event access; registration required.

Final Thoughts

Daytona Beach is filled with holiday magic, offering something for everyone this festive season. From sparkling lights and festive performances to holiday markets and Santa sightings, there are endless ways to create lasting memories. Whether planning family outings, romantic evenings, or solo adventures, Daytona Beach will make your holidays unforgettable. Pack your holiday spirit and enjoy a season to remember!