It’s hard to believe it, but Thanksgiving is right around the corner! If you’re coming into town for a fall beach getaway, Daytona Beach offers many fun and festive events surrounding the holiday. Here’s everything you need to know while planning your Thanksgiving in Daytona Beach.
What to do
Riverfest Seafood Festival
November 16-17, 2024
If you’re in town the week leading up to Thanksgiving, you'll want to check out the Annual Ormond Beach Riverfest Seafood Festival, a free two-day community celebration November 16-17. Whether you prefer active water play or just sitting back and enjoying the view with a plate of fresh seafood, Riverfest has something for everyone to love. Admission is free. There’s music all day long on the main stage, plenty to eat, draft beer, and lots of vendors.
DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts
November 23-24, 2024
Also happening the weekend before Thanksgiving, is the 2024 DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts on November 23-24. This free, two-day event will take over the majority of Woodland Boulevard in historic downtown DeLand, a short drive just west of Daytona Beach. Come soak in the bright colors of fall as you peruse displays of fine art presented by over 130 juried artists from all over the country - paintings, fine craftsmen, printmakers, sculptors, jewelers, potters and more! The event includes kid's activities, live music and performers, too.
Daytona Turkey Run
November 28-December 1, 2024
The 51st annual Daytona Turkey Run is back for another year of classic cars, hard-to-find accessories, handmade gifts, and family fun. This favorite Daytona Beach tradition will take place on November 28-December 1 this year. As the largest combined collector car show and swap meet in the United States, there will be thousands of classic cars on display, plus collector parts, unique gifts, and a crafts bazaar. The event takes place on the infield of the iconic Daytona International Speedway from Thursday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend each year, and there’s something for all ages to enjoy. From looking at all the classic cars to finding the perfect Christmas gift, you won’t want to miss out!
Magic of Lights
If you're ready to get in the holiday spirit, check out the Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway, which begins November 22 and runs through January 4, 2025. This vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display features dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights to create a memorable holiday experience for the whole family. Inside the comfort of their own vehicle, guests will enjoy Magic of Lights’ classic holiday favorites including Prehistoric Christmas, Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, festive Elves, and Reindeer Road. Along with the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, there will be new and captivating light tunnels to enhance the festive journey.
Audubon's Birds of Florida
The Audubon's Bird of Florida exhibit will be taking place at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Musuem of Art through March 2, 2025, located on the campus of the Museum of Arts and Sciences. John James Audubon’s Birds of America was a monumental achievement of both art and ornithology. His collection of 435 prints and accompanying field notes changed the way people saw and understood bird life. A major portion of this production was Audubon’s six-month expedition to Florida in 1831-32. Audubon collected and painted 36 bird species and observed and wrote about 50 more during his time in Florida. Hyatt and Cici Brown have collected over 75 original Havell prints from Birds of America, which have a Florida connection. This exhibit and accompanying catalog will display these historic prints and tell the story of his Florida expedition, where he traveled, what he observed, and what he painted.
Find Steals and Deals
If you’re looking to combine being outdoors and shopping there are lots of great options! Head over to Tanger Outlets at the I95/LPGA Boulevard interchange and explore ONE DAYTONA, the retail, dining and entertainment district directly across from Daytona International Speedway. Following that, you can find unique locally-owned businesses at the Shop Small Saturday Artisan Market in downtown Ormond Beach and explore the Riverfront Shops and eateries in downtown Daytona Beach.
Where to Stay
Whether you are getting away for a quiet beach weekend for two or holding a reunion with your extended family, Daytona Beach has accommodation options for Thanksgiving crews of all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for special packages then you'll want to check out these deals!
Where to Eat
If you don’t feel like doing dishes on Thanksgiving — and let’s be honest, who ever wants to do dishes? — there are a number of local restaurants that are happy to provide a warm meal and friendly atmosphere.
Watch video: Choose from a wide variety of delicious dining options right on the Daytona Beach waterfront.
Choose sunny skies and beach breezes this Thanksgiving — start planning your trip today!
Enjoy a look at everything Daytona Beach has to offer and download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.