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Destination Guide
Deck the Halls
Holiday Tour
From late November through early January, the Daytona Beach area transforms into a festive wonderland filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're exploring the festive events in Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach or enjoying the historic beauty of DeLand, there's no shortage of seasonal joy to discover.
Throughout the destination are holiday-themed experiences perfect for all ages. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a winter getaway with friends, the Daytona Beach area offers something magical for everyone during the holiday season.
DAY ONE
STOP ONE:
THE CASEMENTS
Visit The Casements, the former winter home of millionaire and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. This facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and celebrates many of Rockefeller’s holiday traditions. Each year, The Casements is decorated with a special holiday theme. Enjoy a docent-led tour who will share stories of the past inhabitants and holiday’s past. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Advanced reservations are required.
The home will close after the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen for holiday tours on Monday, December 8, and continue through December 31. Guests can tour the home, see the decorations, and do some holiday shopping.
Recommended time: 1 ½ hours
STOP TWO:
Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar/Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display
Comfortable, casual, and drenched in Southern charm, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar combines its polished, easygoing atmosphere with Southern cuisine, classic craft cocktails, and an ample selection of wines. Step into history with this Victorian jewel and immerse yourself in the 1920's details as you enjoy our mouthwatering selection of home-cooked fares.
During the holidays, this Victorian jewel transforms into a winter wonderland with its Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display. The one-of-a-kind display will transport you into a gingerbread fantasy worthy of its name with life-size gingerbread people, topiary snowmen, enticing candy décor, and nearly 5,000 twinkling lights and ornaments that will fill you with wonder.
Recommended time: 1 ½ hours
STOP THREE:
A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER AT RIVERFRONT ESPLANADE
Located in downtown Daytona Beach along Beach Street, the Riverfront Esplanade spans a mile of Intracoastal Waterway and is a premier gathering space and botanical garden in the heart of Daytona Beach. During the holidays, the Riverfront Esplanade is decorated with holiday lights and features a variety of holiday programming between November 28 – January 4.
Click here for the December to Remember Schedule.
Recommended time: 1 hour
DAY TWO
STOP ONE:
BLUE SPRING STATE PARK
Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is home to one of the largest winter gatherings of manatees in Florida. From the boardwalk that stretches along the banks of the spring, visitors can view hundreds of manatees enjoying the constant 72-degree, crystal-clear spring water in the colder winter months.
Recommended time: 2 hours
STOP TWO:
STETSON MANSION
Operating between November and January, the Stetson Mansion "Christmas Spectacular" Holiday Home Tour is one of the best Christmas decorations in Florida, according to USA Today, and 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. Designer decorations from around the world adorn the mansion and each of the 10 lavish-themed rooms. Advanced ticket purchase is required.
Recommended time: 1 ½ hours
STOP THREE:
MAMA FOO FOO
Savor dinner at this stunning waterside restaurant overlooking the yachts in the marina and the scenic Halifax River. Mama Foo Foo offers an eclectic and elevated menu featuring a range of vibrant small plates—like our house-made Caesar salad, burrata with fig, coconut cauliflower, and fontina-stuffed rice balls. Larger plates showcase fresh seafood and premium cuts, including seared scallops, Atlantic salmon, hand-cut ribeye, and rigatoni Bolognese. For guests craving something classic, the signature MFF Burger—crafted with Wagyu beef—is a must-try. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail from our innovative bar menu, where flavor and flair go hand in hand.
DAY THREE
Go behind-the-scenes and discover what makes Daytona International Speedway the “World Center of Racing.” Take a ride through the speedway infield, learn about the 31-degree high banks, visit Victory Lane, and view this year’s winning DAYTONA 500 car. Also included is a ticket to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which honors all forms of racing and save time for shopping in the gift shop. Groups are encouraged to purchase their tickets and tour time in advance.
Recommended time: 1 ½ hours
STOP TWO:
TANGER-DAYTONA BEACH
Satisfy your holiday shopping fix with over 75 designers and brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Vera Bradley, Under Armour, J. Crew, and more. Experience incredible fashion at affordable prices in a relaxed, lush, and modern oasis.
Recommended time: 1 ½ hours
STOP THREE:
BUC-EE'S GAS STATION & TRAVEL CENTER
Buc-ee’s is more than a gas station – the food and shopping are also a big draw. Buc-ee’s is known for its selection of jerky, Texas BBQ, fudge, kolaches, pastries, and, of course, Beaver Nuggets - a sweet corn puff snack that’s similar to caramel corn. It's filled with as many eclectic products as one could ever imagine—from regional food that’s actually delicious to souvenirs, including their cartoon beaver mascot, Buc-ee.
