Craving an escape from winter weather? Head to Daytona Beach for a range of holiday events and holiday spectaculars. Whether you want to see Christmas lights, experience holiday shows or attend a Christmas 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 at Daytona International Speedway
The most magical time of year just got brighter, as Magic of Lights makes its highly anticipated return on Nov. 20 through Jan. 2. Daytona International Speedway will once again transform into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with a stunning drive-through holiday lights spectacular.
Guests can soak in Magic of Lights’ most beloved holiday scenes without ever leaving their vehicle, from the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas and enchanting Winter Wonderland to the timeless 12 Days of Christmas, cheerful Toyland, playful festive Elves and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Drive through the breathtaking 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, plus several more illuminated tunnels that carry guests into a world of holiday wonder.
Families can also step out of the car and stroll through the magical Jolly Holiday Village, a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring brand-new inflatables alongside a full lineup of festive activities.
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour
The Stetson Mansion "Christmas Spectacular!" Holiday Home Tour is taking place Nov. 1 - Jan. 18. “The House That Hats Built” is a famed Victorian Gilded Age residence built in 1886 in DeLand. Its original, rich architectural details make the perfect backdrop for elaborate holiday decorations that differ each year. Named "Top 10 Attractions in the USA" by TripAdvisor or "10Best Historic Holiday Home Tours in the USA" by USA Today, designer decorations from around the world will adorn the mansion and each of the 10 lavishly themed rooms.
Explore Florida's most historic home with self-guided and guided tours. Reservations are required; visit the website for more information.
Enjoy a Christmas Spectacular! Tour of the Stetson Mansion video!
Christmas Shows in Daytona Beach
There will be a variety of holiday shows throughout the Daytona Beach area to check out.
Peabody Auditorium
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Nov. 12: Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
- The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Music on Nov. 21: The musical comedy that celebrates your favorite holiday movies tells the story of Holly, an overworked Big City executive who returns to her quirky small hometown TO SAVE CHRISTMAS!
- Christmas with Chris Tomlin on Dec. 2: Spend an intimate evening of Christmas worship at Peabody Auditorium centered around celebrating the Savior and experiencing the sights and sounds of the season together with friends and family.
- Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour on Dec. 11: Enjoy the beautiful sounds of Kenny G, the greatest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists of all time.
- We Three Kings - The Irish Dance Christmas Sensation on Dec. 18: Experience the new magical Holiday spectacular, We Three Kings - The Irish Dance Christmas Sensation. The performance takes the audience on an epic adventure inspired by the age-old tradition of the Three Magi and their legendary voyage to the west.
- Boys In The Band: An Alabama Christmas on Dec. 19: Boys in the Band’s special holiday-themed show, An Alabama Christmas, delivers a festive repertoire of Alabama’s biggest hits sprinkled with some of their favorite Christmas classics.
Daytona Playhouse
- A Texas Carol, select dates between Dec. 11-20: This show features a hysterical and heart-warming take on all things Christmas and Texas.
Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
- A Nashville Family Holiday Show on Dec. 13: Slip on your boots, grab a cup of cocoa, and settle in for Nashville Family Christmas - a festive evening filled with timeless Christmas classics, stunning vocals, and the rich sounds of fiddle and steel guitar.
The News-Journal Center
Orlando Philharmonic on Dec. 5: Part of the Daytona Beach Symphony Society's season, Part of the Daytona Beach Symphony Society's 75th season, the Orlando Philharmonic will celebrate the season with a festive evening of holiday favorites.
Riverfront Esplanade: A December to Remember
It's a December to Remember at the Riverfront Esplanade. This gathering space and botanical garden is located in the heart of downtown Daytona Beach. Composed of more than a mile of waterfront running trails, you'll find comfortable benches and swings overlooking the Halifax River. The Riverfront Esplanade will be a hub for holiday activities, including a holiday light display and several themed holiday events:
- Dec. 4: Mini Jingle Jam, 7 p.m., featuring a festive music performance by the adult and youth performers from the Halifax Repertory Theatre
- Dec. 11: Holiday Cocktail Stroll, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Dec. 16: Howliday Pet Parade, 6 p.m.
- Dec. 18: Holiday Movie: How The Grinch Stole Christmas, 7 p.m.
Holiday parades in Daytona Beach
Many of the cities in the Daytona Beach area will be staging holiday parades. Among them are the 66th annual Holly Hill Christmas Parade and the Town of Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, and the annual HOme for the HOlidays Parade and Tree Lighting in Ormond Beach and the City of Daytona Beach Christmas Parade on Saturday night, Dec. 12.
