Christmas in Daytona Beach, FL

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 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:

The renowned Daytona International Speedway, known as the “World Center of Racing,” will transform into a holiday heaven of Christmas lights with the Magic of Lights®, a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Take the family and enjoy this dazzling experience that features dozens of displays, festive favorites, and digital animation, all constructed with millions of individual LED lights.

The event takes place daily from November 21 through January 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. A variety of ticket packages and upgrades are available.

The Stetson Mansion “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour is taking 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 in this Stetson Mansion video!

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. Operating Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 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 and the “dogs of Rose Villa.” You can also see stained glass windows reflecting gingerbread men, gold bells, candy canes, and candied fruit. Of course hundreds of colorful lights reaching from the ground to the top of the two-and-a-half story rooftop.

Christmas Shows in Daytona Beach 

There will be a variety of holiday shows throughout the Daytona Beach area to check.

Peabody Auditorium 

– A live conversation with Chevy Chase following a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Nov. 20: Expect behind‑the‑scenes stories, memories, and laughs about this holiday classic movie with a comedy legend.

– Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 2: Part of the 2025/26 Broadway season, Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family.  Guests will be on the edge of their seats with a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts.

– Christmas at the Opry — A Nashville Family Country Christmas on Dec. 11: This show brings together country’s warm vocals, steel guitar, fiddle, and all the familiar Christmas classics in a homey, heartwarming style.

– Jingle Laser Rock on Dec. 13: This is a high‑energy laser light show featuring synchronized lights, full‑color lasers, and a playlist packed with both classic holiday carols and modern seasonal hits. A flashy, visual way to celebrate the season.

Daytona Playhouse

– Greetings! A Christmas Comedy, select dates between Dec. 5-14

– A Broadway Christmas on Dec. 19-21: This show features tunes sung by your favorite Playhouse performers with a few magical Christmas stories adding Christmas tears and cheer.

Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center 

– Halifax Repertory Theatre Presents Jingles & Jammies on Dec. 19-21: A fundraiser for the Halifax Repertory Theatre, listen to the performers sign beloved Christmas favorites in their holiday pajamas. 

The News-Journal Center

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra – Handel’s Messiah on Dec. 11: Part of the Daytona Beach Symphony’s Society’s season, the Jacksonville Symphony will deliver the uplifting and majestic gif of Handle’s Messiah.  

Riverfront Esplanade: A December to Remember

It’s a December to Remember at the new 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 such as a holiday light display, pictures with Santa, and holiday markets with vendors and hot cocoa, and more.

Holiday parades in Daytona Beach

Many of the cities in the Daytona Beach area will be staging holiday parades. Among them include the 66th annual Holly Hill Christmas Parade and the Town of Ponce Inlet Christmas Parade, both scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, and the 34th annual HOme for the HOlidays Groovy Parade and Tree Lighting in Ormond Beach on Saturday night, Dec. 13, 

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

Enjoy a look at everything Daytona Beach has to offer and start planning your next trip! Download our free official destination guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.