Holiday Magic Comes to the Coast: Visitors Celebrate the Season in Daytona Beach

Among the highlights include the dazzling Magic of Lights drive-through spectacle at Daytona International Speedway, the classic car show and swap meet Daytona Turkey Run, and a lineup of seasonal performances at the Peabody Auditorium. Together, these events, along with many more, offer visitors and residents alike a unique way to celebrate the holidays under Florida’s signature sunshine.

Magic of Lights:

The world-renowned Daytona International Speedway will dazzle as a winter wonderland with the annual Magic of Lights. Taking place Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, this spectacular drive-through experience delivers mesmerizing light displays, holiday favorites, and brand-new uplighting.

Guests will experience the wonder of the Magic of Lights' most treasured holiday scenes from the warmth and comfort of their vehicle, including the whimsical Prehistoric Christmas, enchanting Winter Wonderland, the classic 12 Days of Christmas, delightful Toyland, playful festive Elves, and the magnificent Reindeer Road. Journey through the awe-inspiring 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights alongside additional captivating illuminated tunnels that will transport you into a world of holiday splendor.

New to the Magic of Lights experience in 2025 is the magical Reindeer Rest Stop, where families can step out of their vehicles and explore a wonderland of walk-through attractions featuring festive foods & photo opportunities for the whole family, and an array of delightful holiday activities.

Turkey Run:

Another long-standing holiday tradition in Daytona Beach, attracting thousands of visitors to the destination for more than 50 years, is the Daytona Turkey Run on Thanksgiving weekend.  Considered to be the largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States, the 52nd annual Daytona Turkey Run is scheduled for Nov. 27-30 at Daytona International Speedway and will have 7,000 dazzling classic cars on display, swap meet vendors in the infield, a car corral, and food and entertainment.

Riverfront Esplanade:

Located in downtown Daytona Beach along Beach Street, the Riverfront Esplanade spans a mile of Intracoastal Waterway and is a premier gathering space and botanical garden in the heart of Daytona Beach. During the holidays, the Riverfront Esplanade is decorated with holiday lights and, between Nov. 28 and Jan. 4, hosts A December to Remember holiday celebration, which features community events, a pet parade, Santa sightings, a movie on the lawn, and live music.

Peabody Auditorium:

The historic Peabody Auditorium, located in the heart of the tourism district in Daytona Beach, has a busy schedule of holiday-themed shows:

Nov. 20: A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase following a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Dec. 2: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Dec. 6-7: Volusia Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 11: Christmas at the Opry: A Nashville Family Country Christmas
Dec. 13: Jingle Laser Rock

Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour:

The Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular takes place at the famed Victorian Gilded Age residence built in 1886 in nearby DeLand. Its original, rich architectural details make the perfect backdrop for elaborate holiday decorations, which are different each year. Designer decorations from around the world will adorn the mansion and each of the 10 lavish themed rooms. Reservations required; self-guided, group bookings and guided tours available through January 18.

Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar:

Comfortable, casual and drenched in Southern charm, Rose Villa Southern Table and Bar in Ormond Beach combines its polished, easygoing atmosphere with Southern cuisine, classic craft cocktails and an ample selection of wines. Visitors will step into history with this Victorian jewel and immerse themselves in the 1920's details as you enjoy our mouthwatering selection of home-cooked fares.

During the holidays, this Victorian jewel transforms into a winter wonderland with its Gingerbread Fantasy Holiday Light Display. The one-of-a-kind display, which runs Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, will transport visitors into a gingerbread fantasy worthy of its name with life-size gingerbread people, topiary snowmen, enticing candy décor, and nearly 5,000 twinkling lights and ornaments.

Source: Daytona Beach Area