If your idea of a white Christmas is one surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches, you can still enjoy the holiday spirit in your flip flops.
Twenty-three miles of glimmering, snow-white sandy beaches and balmy weather await travellers to Daytona Beach, Florida. A popular destination on Florida’s east coast, famous for their beaches perfect for shelling, swimming and surfing, Daytona Beach and the surrounding region has plenty to do to make your yuletide bright.
Riverfront Festival of Seasons
On December 6, 2015, watch the Halifax Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade from the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway in the historic downtown area of Daytona Beach. You can also get your picture taken with Santa and experience an old-fashion celebration with ornament craft making for the kids. Eat, drink and be merry at some of the gourmet food trucks and food vendors offering delicious Florida’s specialties.
December to Remember
On Saturdays and Sundays December through January 2, 2016, the historic Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell and Ocean Walk Shoppes are at the epicentre of a fun, family holiday festival that extends along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. December to Remember festivities include a sand sculpture trail, Saturday night tribute bands, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, train rides on the Boardwalk Express to Joyland Train Station, Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, radio remote control cars, face painting, inflatables and more.
Credit: Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
New Year’s Eve on Main Street
Celebrate the coming of the New Year on world-famous Main Street, Daytona Beach! Enjoy multiple stages for live entertainment, street performers, festival food and family-friendly attractions. Stay for the fireworks over the ocean and watch the live ball drop at midnight.
Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular
From mid-November to mid-January, the restored Stetson Mansion, a preserved private home, decks the halls, walls and ceilings for the holidays. Architectural buffs need not worry – the Christmas decorations highlight, not hide, the stunning architectural features in the rooms. Note that reservations are required.
Christmas light displays
Florida residents have the advantage when it comes to setting up beautiful Christmas light displays – it’s a lot more fun to spend hours decking the halls and the outdoors when it’s a balmy 25 degree Celsius. Rent a car and go for a Christmas light tour, keeping your eyes peeled for lit up palm trees, glowing pink flamingos and maybe even a Santa in Bermuda shorts!
Where to Stay
A number of local hotels get into the spirit with Christmas buffets and dinners. Guests and non-guests alike can partake in the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort’s Tinsel Buffet, Christmas dinner at Daytona Beach Resort or the Christmas Champagne Brunch at Shore Resort & Spa.
