DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – This winter, the Daytona Beach area will be home to a wide range of holiday events and spectaculars for guests to enjoy when taking a beach vacation getaway. From a holiday light display at Daytona International Speedway to one of the largest car shows in America and holiday shows, the opportunities to celebrate the holidays with some Florida sunshine are endless.
Magic of Lights:
The Magic of Lights holiday display returns to the iconic Daytona International Speedway. From Nov. 22 – Jan. 4, the famous race track that is known around the world for hosting the DAYTONA 500 stock car race will transform into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Magic of Lights features dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights to create a memorable holiday family experience.
Turkey Run:
If it’s Thanksgiving weekend in Daytona Beach, it’s time for the Daytona Turkey Run, a tradition that has been taking place for more than 50 years. The Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 28-Dec. 1 will have 7,000 dazzling classic cars on display, swap meet vendors in the infield, car corral, and food and entertainment. Special guests this year include Giuseppe’s Garage and Joe and Mandi Martin from Iron Resurrection. 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.
Riverfront Esplanade:
The brand-new Riverfront Esplanade, a gathering space and botanical garden overlooking the Halifax River in downtown Daytona Beach, will host its “A December to Remember” holiday celebration filled with community events, a movie on the lawn, holiday bazaar, Santa sightings, and live music.
Peabody Auditorium:
The historic Peabody Auditorium, located in the heart of the tourism district in Daytona Beach, will host two holiday shows – the classic Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” performed by the Volusia Civic Ballet on Dec. 7-8 and The Prophecy Show, a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour:
The Stetson Mansion "Christmas Spectacular!" Holiday Home Tour takes place at 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. 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 18. Reservations are required.
Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar:
Located in Ormond Beach, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar will transform into a Gingerbread Fantasy decorative light display that evokes classic storybook memories. From Nov. 22 - Jan. 4, visitors can stop to take a family photo or a selfie outside of this historic Victorian jewel. 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.
To view all the events happening in the Daytona Beach area during the holiday season, including holiday parades and other events, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com
About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach
Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill, and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.
