Fun Christmas Activities Around Daytona Beach

December doesn't bring snow to Daytona Beach, but it does bring plenty of holiday spirit! Here are just a few of the iconic events in the area during December:

DAYTONA BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

A not-to-be-missed FREE holiday tradition in Daytona Beach, enjoy the lights at night from the banks of the beautiful Halifax River at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7. Be among the thousands of locals who line the area’s bridges, causeways and river shorelines to see the decked out boats carrying loads of holiday cheer as they parade along Intracoastal Waterway. The event culminates at the Halifax Harbor Marina with a fun boat show offering prizes for best power, sail, sound, first entry and vessels under 25 feet.

Port Orange Holiday Parade

Starting at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, the 42nd Annual Port Orange Holiday Parade will bring the cities bands and floats together for a fun parade with the theme – “Santa’s Toy Shop.” The route starts at Jackson Street and will run east on Dunlawton Avenue to Spruce Creek Road.

Fantasy Lights Festival and Holiday Parade

Visit Central Park at Town Center in Palm Coast during an evening in December to take the half mile walking tour to see 49 animated, dazzling light displays surrounding the Central Park Lake. There will be musical performances on special nights,  SNOW on weekends, Santa’s Merry Train Ride, and Elf Houses for the kiddies to enjoy.  Santa visits are scheduled every Sunday until Christmas!  Bruster’s Real Ice Cream will have a food truck nightly serving hot chocolate, marshmallows for roasting and their usual drinks and food. And the City of Palm Coast’s Holiday Parade route will pass around Central Park on Saturday, December 14th. 

Daytona Beach’s Holly Jolly Christmas Parade

The city’s Holly Jolly Christmas Parade will start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Bethune Point Park (11 Bellevue Ave.). Find a spot along Beach Street in beautiful downtown Daytona Beach as the parade travels north to Bay Street. See festive floats, performances by local bands and there will be an opportunity to win prizes, as well.

13th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes

The Ormond Beach Historical Society will hold the 13th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to  4:00 p.m. See beautiful homes and businesses dressed for the holidays on this fundraising tour supporting the Ormond Beach Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Ormond Beach. The tour is self-guided tour with a map and property information provided upon purchase. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the tour. For information and tickets, visit www.OrmondHistory.org .  Or in person at MacDonald House Museum and Welcome Center -38 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32176.

Canaveral National Seashore Holiday Open House

Visit the Eldora House in Canaveral National Seashore on December 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for an open house event filled with holiday spirit, refreshments and the “swimming” of the turtles at 3 p.m. Head to their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofCanaveral/

Classic Christmas Radio Show

It’s all laughs and smiles at this month’s feature show at the Daytona Playhouse. Be the “studio audience” for beloved American classic radio shows from the 40s and 50s, like Father Knows Best, Our Miss Brooks, the Bickersons and My Friend Irma.  The show runs at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 and Dec. 21, and again at 2 p.m. on Dec. 22. Tickets cost $7-13 each. For more information, visit www.DaytonaPlayHouse.org

MAGIC OF LIGHTS

If you’re looking for a great light show in Daytona Beach, head to Daytona International Speedway in December to see the world famous center of racing transformed into a holiday wonderland of twinkling lights. The drive through experience will tak you through the Ticket and Tours building, through the state-of-the-art motorsports facility and conclude in the Midway display area outside the facility. The Magic of Lights entrance is located at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Bill France Boulevard. Hours are 6 p.m. 10 p.m. Gate admission price is $25 per vehicle Monday through Thursday, and $30 Friday through Saturday.

SUNDAY SNOWDAYS AT WONDERLAND

Head out to ONE DAYTONA one Sunday in December (or all of them!) for a free, family friendly event with a dual lane real snow slide, rides on the polar express train, an interactive DJ, and more! The event runs each Sunday in December from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.