DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Whether you’re a local or a winter traveler, the Daytona Beach area is gearing up for a festive holiday season with an array of exciting Daytona events. Let’s explore some of the happenings in this vibrant destination.
Daytona International Speedway – Magic of Lights and Daytona Turkey Run
At the iconic Daytona International Speedway, two cherished holiday traditions are set to unfold – the Magic of Lights and the Daytona Turkey Run.
Running from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, Magic of Lights will turn the renowned race track into a dazzling drive-through light spectacular. This family-friendly experience features numerous displays, beloved holiday scenes, and digital animations crafted with millions of LED lights. Guests, comfortably seated in their vehicles, can revel in classic favorites like Winter Wonderland, the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, and more. The enchanting 200-foot-long Tunnel of Lights, along with captivating displays such as Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie® and the BIGFOOT® Monster Truck, promises a nostalgic and festive outing for all.
Simultaneously, the 50th Annual Daytona Turkey Run, taking place from Nov. 23-26, will showcase thousands of unique automobiles and swap meet vendors at the “World Center of Racing.” As the largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States, this family-friendly event draws nearly 200,000 attendees each Thanksgiving holiday week.
Peabody Auditorium
The historic Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach is set to host a series of Christmas-themed shows this holiday season.
– On Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Mannheim Steamroller, the longest-running concert tour in the industry, will present classic Christmas songs in an intimate setting with multimedia effects in one of the most exclusive Daytona events.
– The Nutcracker, performed by the Volusia Civic Ballet on Dec. 2-3, offers a full-length production and a condensed narrated Family Series show.
– Celtic Woman, the most successful all-female group in Irish history, will enchant the audience with “A Christmas Symphony” on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., featuring their angelic harmonies accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour
The Stetson Mansion, known as “The House That Hats Built,” invites visitors to the “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour from Nov. 1 through January 20. This Victorian Gilded Age residence, adorned with elaborate holiday decorations under the theme “Christmas . . . The Season For Believing,” promises a captivating experience. Guided and self-guided tours are available, and reservations are required in this star among Daytona events.
Get In The Full Holiday Mood With Real Ice Skating
Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar
In Ormond Beach, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar will transform into a Gingerbread Fantasy from Nov. 17 to Jan. 5, 2024. The restaurant will be adorned with a decorative light display, featuring larger-than-life Gingerbread men, towering lollipops, topiary snowmen, and more. For a special holiday activity, guests can reserve a spot to build their own gingerbread house.
Riverfront Esplanade
The recently completed Riverfront Esplanade, a mile-long gathering space along the Halifax River, will host various holiday activities throughout December. Highlights include a nightly holiday lights display from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, photos with Santa Claus, a holiday pet parade, and festive markets with vendors.
As the holiday season unfolds in the vibrant Daytona Beach area, there’s a kaleidoscope of festivities awaiting both locals and winter travelers. From the mesmerizing Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway to the classic Nutcracker performance at Peabody Auditorium, and the enchanting Christmas Spectacular at the Stetson Mansion, there’s something for everyone to cherish.
Source:
Daytona Beach Area. “Busy Holiday Season Planned in the Daytona Beach Area.” www.daytonabeach.com, Nov. 07, 2023, https://www.daytonabeach.com/articles/post/busy-holiday-season-planned-in-the-daytona-beach-area/
