Holiday Activities in and Around Daytona Beach

If you currently live in or around Daytona Beach, or if you plan on visiting the area for the holidays, you might be wondering about the variety of events that will be taking place around town this year. With just a little research and planning, you'll be sure to find more than enough exciting events in your own backyard to keep you occupied. Whether you are looking for family fun or just a romantic holiday outing for two, there's plenty going on to help put you in the holiday spirit.

First, remember that everybody loves a parade! Start the holiday season off right by attending one or more of the annual celebratory spectacles. On December 2nd, the 46th annual Christmas Parade (Volusia County's oldest parade), will take off in Holly Hill beginning at 10:00 am. The event is free and is slated to start out at 3rd Street and Ridgewood Avenue, and from there it will travel north to LPGA Blvd. Later that same evening, the annual Holidays Around the World Parade will start at 7pm on Beach Street in Downtown Daytona.

The Central Florida Cultural Endeavors will be hosting a couple of holiday concerts starting with the Cantus Christmas Concert on December 8th, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band show on the 15th. Both concerts will start at 7:30 pm on the respective dates, and will be held at the News-Journal Center, located at 221 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach.

On Saturday, December 9th, you'll do well to find a spot along the Halifax River to watch the Christmas Boat Parade. Sponsored by the Halifax River Yacht Club, the parade is scheduled to begin at the Seabreeze Bridge at 6:30 pm. Paraders will head south through Downtown to the north basin of the Halifax Harbor Marina. The route has several excellent viewing spots along the way, including many of the area's fine restaurants. Other free observation sites include the Library, Main Street Bridge, and the County Courthouse. Also on December 9th, the city of Ormond Beach will host the third annual HOme for the HOlidays Nighttime Parade. This is one of Volusia County's largest parades, and the theme for this year's event is, "A Storybook Holiday." The mainland route will be from US 1 to Granada Blvd. then on to Beach Street. Entrants will be judged for various prizes and awards. The event is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm. For more information, contact Community Events at 386-676-3241, or email parade@ormondbeach.org

Aside from the many parades taking place, there will be numerous other traditional favorites to enjoy. One of the area's most anticipated events will take place in Daytona Beach Shores on the evening of December 9th. The annual "Light Up the Shores" celebration will feature a fantastic lighting ceremony for the hundreds of trees along the town's main street. Additionally, there will be planned children's activities available, as well as holiday caroling and plenty of "snow" for kids and adults to play in. The event starts at 5:30pm at Driven Christian Church. Rumor has it that Santa will also be making a guest appearance to greet children and visitors.

If you're looking for something extra special to share with the little ones, there are a couple of great events taking place on Saturday, December 16th. In the morning, families should plan on heading to The Casements (the former winter home John D. Rockefeller,) located at 25 Riverside Drive, for Breakfast with Santa from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Pancakes and sausage will be served and children will have the opportunity to meet and hang with Santa himself! Tickets are $3.00 and are available at The Casements, Ormond Beach Senior Center, and the Leisure Services administration. After breakfast, parents can treat the kids to another yummy (and fun!) creation. Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens is offering a Children's Gingerbread House class. The class runs from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, and the cost is $20 for members or $22 for non-members. For more information, or to register, please contact the Museum directly at 386-676-3347.

This is just a sampling of the many holiday festivities taking place throughout the Daytona area. For more information, contact any of the Area Chambers of Commerce.