From sparkling speedway lights to festive boat parades, Florida’s Daytona Beach and neighboring Flagler Beach turn into a winter wonderland each December. Discover family-friendly events, attractions, and cozy coastal stays perfect for a holiday getaway.

Spectacular Holiday Light Displays

Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway:

Rev up your holiday spirit with this drive-through spectacle featuring over two million twinkling lights. The famous speedway transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland nightly from late November through early January. Highlights include a 400-foot Tunnel of Lights – the longest in Florida – and whimsical scenes like a “Prehistoric Christmas” with life-sized dinosaurs in Santa Mid-way, families can park at the new Reindeer Rest Stop for hot cocoa, snacks, and fun photo ops outside the car. This beloved annual tradition is priced per car, making it an affordable memory-maker for all ages.

Fantasy Lights in Palm Coast

Just north of Daytona, Palm Coast’s Central Park glows with Fantasy Lights, a free outdoor display of animated light exhibits running nightly from 6:30–9:00 p.m. through December. Stroll the park’s paths to admire dozens of illuminated scenes – a perfect low-key evening for little ones to burn off energy before bedtime.

Historic Stetson Mansion Tours: For a dose of Gilded Age grandeur, consider a short trip to DeLand to tour the Stetson Mansion decked out in elaborate themed decor. USA Today’s 10Best has crowned its “Christmas Spectacular!” holiday home tour one of the best in the nation. Tours run daily by reservation from Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 18, 2026 – a worthwhile detour for the wow factor of Victorian Christmas finery.

Festive Parades on Land and Sea

Nothing brings out community cheer like a holiday parade! Downtown Daytona Beach hosts the annual “Dashing Through Daytona” Christmas Parade on Beach Street, complete with marching bands, creatively decorated floats, and maybe even a surfing Santa. Stepping off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, the parade route runs south along Beach Street, ending near Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Families line the sidewalks early to snag spots for this free evening of small-town festivity – keep an eye out for candy thrown from floats and local kids dancing in holiday costumes.

For a coastal twist, catch a Holiday Boat Parade lighting up the Intracoastal waterways. On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Halifax River Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade sets sail at 6:00 p.m., starting from Ormond Beach’s Cassen Park and cruising south under the bridges to Halifax Harbor Marina. Dozens of boats decorated with thousands of lights – from humble fishing boats to tall-masted yachts – drift by, spreading holiday magic along the waterd. Favorite viewing spots include waterfront parks and restaurants along the Halifax River. Earlier in the month on Dec. 13, Palm Coast launches its own boat parade on the Intracoastal, with shimmering vessels parading between local parks and marinasvisitflagler.com. Bundle up with sweaters (Florida nights can be chilly), bring chairs, and let the kids pick their favorite “floating Christmas tree” boat.

Holiday Markets & Santa Sightings

Get your gift shopping done and soak up the spirit at local holiday markets. The new Riverfront Esplanade “December to Remember” in Daytona Beach offers a family-friendly festival every Friday night in December leading up to Christmas. From 6–9 p.m., the riverfront park comes alive with a Holiday Bazaar of local vendors and makers selling one-of-a-kind gifts. Kids’ eyes will light up at the twinkling lights strung through the palm trees. Be sure to swing by Santa’s booth – Santa himself stops in for free photo ops, so have your camera ready for those priceless meet-and-greet moments. This outdoor market is free to attend and welcomes all ages for an evening of music, shopping, and holiday cheer downtown.

For more shopping fun, the Tanger Outlets Holiday Market on December 20 (2–7 p.m.) invites families (pets included!) to browse vendor tents amid the outlet stores. Enjoy ornament crafts, treats, and exclusive store deals in a festive outdoor setting – the event is free and sure to delight both kids and adults. Many area communities also host craft fairs or downtown “First Friday” events; for example, New Smyrna Beach’s Light Up Flagler on Dec. 5 features shops open late with treats, street entertainment, and even a cookie challenge for charity.

Of course, no December would be complete without visiting Santa Claus. If your kids want the classic mall Santa experience, Volusia Mall offers pet & family photo nights on Mondays leading up to Christmas. On select dates (Nov. 17, 24; Dec. 1, 8, 15), Santa welcomes furry friends on leashes or in carriers for photos from 4–7 p.m.– a fun option if your family includes a four-legged member! Also check local event calendars for Breakfast with Santa opportunities; venues like community centers, the Daytona Speedway, and even the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse have hosted Santa breakfasts or twilight Santa visits in past years.

Seasonal Shows & Entertainment

December abounds with special performances to spark joy in all ages. Snag tickets for a Nutcracker ballet, a cherished holiday tradition. The Volusia Civic Ballet typically stages The Nutcracker at Daytona’s Peabody Auditorium the first weekend of December (including a magical full-length production and a special narrated matinee tailored for younger children). Later in the month, the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach presents Nutcracker Dances and Beyond, an affordable showcase blending favorite Nutcracker scenes with other ballet classics (shows on Dec. 20–21, tickets just $10–15).

For music lovers, catch a lively outdoor concert like Tunes at the Tower on Dec. 6 at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The Daytona Beach Concert Band will fill the lighthouse grounds with band arrangements of holiday classics, included with regular lighthouse admission. There’s nothing like singing along to “Jingle Bells” under the shadow of Florida’s tallest lighthouse! Local churches and schools also host free choir concerts, pageants, and plays throughout the month – wonderful low-cost ways to enjoy the reason for the season and support the community’s talented youth.

Beachy Outdoor Fun & Relaxation

One perk of a Florida holiday is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. Make time for simple pleasures like a seashell hunt or brisk beach walk – December brings cooler, crisp mornings perfect for family strolls along the Atlantic. The beaches are quiet this time of year, and you might spot dolphins off the shore or sandpipers skittering in the surf. (For safety, stick to designated areas if bringing a dog – Volusia County allows leashed pups only at specific beach zones like Smyrna Dunes Park and Lighthouse Point Park.

A visit to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is another must-do. Kids will love climbing the 203 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the coast, and the museum exhibits offer a glimpse into nautical history. During the holidays, the lighthouse often features seasonal touches like garlands on the historic keeper’s dwellings. Check the schedule for any special events; aside from the music concert, they sometimes host evening lighthouse climbs or holiday craft workshops for children. (Note: the lighthouse is closed on Christmas Day, but open most other days in December.) As the sun sets early, you could even catch a spectacular sunset from nearby parks in Ponce Inlet – a quiet moment of reflection amid the bustle.

Finally, carve out an evening to simply relax as a family. Take a sunset stroll on the beach (sunsets over the river can be gorgeous, or watch the sky glow pink from the Flagler Beach pier). Then grab some hot cocoa or ice cream – yes, ice cream in December! – at a local creamery. Many beachfront restaurants and piers are adorned with Christmas lights, making for a festive dining atmosphere. Whether it’s a casual seafood dinner at a pier restaurant or picking up pizza to enjoy on your rental’s patio, these low-key moments will likely become cherished holiday memories.

Family-Friendly Places to Stay

After each fun-filled day, you’ll want a comfy home base where the kids (and you) can unwind. Salty Dog Vacations offers a range of family-friendly rental homes and condos in the Daytona and Flagler Beach area – many of which come with amenities families appreciate. Need space for grandparents and cousins too? Check out the A1A Beach House Retreat, a beachfront home that sleeps up to 10 with direct beach access and a game room for the whole crew. For large families wanting a touch of luxury, Seaside Serenity in Ormond Beach is a five-bedroom oceanfront house with a private pool and direct beach access – perfect for a holiday gathering by the sea

Smaller families or those traveling with infants will find plenty of cozy options as well, from ocean-view condos to cottage-style homes. Many rentals include full kitchens (handy for baking cookies for Santa) and living rooms where you can curl up for a holiday movie night. Several Salty Dog properties even come decorated with coastal Christmas flair if you’re staying in December – imagine a Christmas tree by the ocean! By booking direct through Salty Dog Vacations, you also enjoy local tips and support from a team that specializes in Volusia and Flagler County getaways.