Winter Holiday Events 2010 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

This year offers several winter holiday events in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. From tree lighting ceremonies and Memorial walks to Norwood's annual food and wine festival and the ever-popular boat parade, this coastal town is certain to raise your holiday spirit.

On Friday, November 26^th the winter holiday events 2010 season begins with the traditional lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. "Spark the Spirit" ceremonies commence at 6 pm on Canal Street in downtown New Smyrna Beach.

Visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated storefronts and live entertainment as they cruise down Canal Street in a horse-drawn carriage. Merchants will be open late and Santa will be on hand to take gift requests at Santa's Place.

Saturday, November 27^th kicks off the 5^th Annual Run to the Sun Memorial Walk. This 4-mile run/walk event offers support to those dealing with cancer and remembering those who have lost their battle with cancer. Starting at 8:30 am, the event begins and ends at Riverside Park, with prizes awarded to winners and medals for everyone. Festivities include children's games and activities, Kids Fun Run, and a brunch in the park for participants.

Christmas on Canal Street Coastal Market also takes place on Saturday, November 27^th from 9 am to 4 pm. Shoppers can buy unique handcrafted gifts from local artisans, designer beach fashions, and gourmet gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, take a carriage ride, and indulge in culinary delights at local cafés and diners. The Party Train Express will be available to transport visitors along Canal Street from 11 am to 2 pm. This is a great way to kick off holiday shopping and you're certain to find gifts no one else will have.

Wednesday, December 1^st offers ladies the chance to indulge in "Girls Night Out" from 5 pm to 9 pm. This fun event includes a fashion show at 7 pm at the NSB Chamber of Commerce building. Guests are treated to a private viewing of New Smyrna Beach fashion trends, along with stunning handcrafted jewelry and gifts. A variety of prizes will be distributed throughout the show, so don't miss out on the chance to win some cool swag.

December 3^rd and 4^th are reserved for Norwood's Restaurant 15^th Annual Holiday Food and Wine Festival. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Atlantic Center for the Arts, NSB UCC Teens in Action, and Hospice Volunteers of New Smyrna Beach.

Norwood's presents "Awards Tasting and Feast" Friday evening from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. Patrons will be treated to the "best of the best" award-winning wines, along with cooking and wine pairing demonstrations. Norwood's will be serving their "most interesting and exciting" foods at this intimate dining event. Tickets are $49 per person in advance and $60 after November 30^th.

Saturday is the main event of Norwood's Food and Wine Festival. The Grand Tasting event offers over 500 wines which can be sipped from a commemorative glass. Participants can also enjoy libations from the Beer and Bubbles Bar and indulge in martini and bourbon tastings. A variety of foods will be presented at food stations located throughout Norwood's. The Food and Wine and Beer Festival will take place between 1 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are $49 per person in advance or $60 after November 30^th. Norwood's Restaurant is located at 400 Second Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

On Saturday, December 4^th visitors and residents can participate in the free Christmas Bed and Breakfast Tour and Taste. The self-guided tour welcomes guests to four of New Smyrna's best bed and breakfast facilities including: Night Swan, Longboard Inn, Riverview Hotel, and Nuns and Roses. Each B&B will be decorated for the holidays and offer culinary tastings from local eateries.

The winter holiday events in New Smyrna Beach wrap up on December 4^th with the annual NSB Christmas parade followed by the boat parade. The Christmas parade begins on Flagler Avenue at 4 pm and ends at Riverview Park. Parade participants include local merchants, realtors, politicians, marching bands, law enforcement and firefighters, and non-profit organizations. A bounty of candy, fresh garlic bulbs from The Garlic Restaurant and colorful bead necklaces are tossed out along the parade route.

The Anglers' Yacht Club presents the 23^rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade immediately following the NSB Christmas parade. A bounty of boats, in all sizes and shapes, participate in this fun-filled event in hopes of landing the title of Best Overall and a grand prize of $500. Holiday boat viewing locations include the Riverview Hotel and The Grille at Riverview along the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Avenue.

Sources:
Christmas on Canal Street
Run to the Sun Memorial Walk
Norwood's 15^th Annual Holiday Food and Wine Festival
Annual NSB Christmas Parade and Boat Parade