Top 5 Things To Do for Christmas in Daytona Beach

Just a one hour drive in your sleigh from Orlando, a visit to Daytona Beach is holiday must-do! Check out the top-5 ways to celebrate Christmas in Daytona Beach!

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!

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 now through December 31 from 6 to 10 p.m.

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 “The House That Hats Built,” 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. Named "Top 10 Attractions in the USA" by Tripadvisor or "10Best Historic Holiday Home Tours in the USA" by USA Today, this year’s theme is “Christmas . . . The Season For Believing.”

Designer decorations from around the world will adorn the mansion and each of the 10 lavish themed rooms. Self-guided and guided tours are offered through January 20.

Reservations are required, 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.

Now 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

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 the 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. 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.

There's even a Christmas Boat Parade organized and hosted by the Halifax River Yacht Club on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Watch from along the riverfront in historic Downtown Daytona Beach.

No matter what one you choose, a winter getaway is sure to put your whole family in a sunny, spirited state of mind.

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