Holiday Magic Meets Coastal Charm in Daytona Beach This Season

Magic of Lights, Daytona Turkey Run, Holiday Performances and Festive Celebrations Highlight the Season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From holiday lights and festive performances to classic cars and waterfront celebrations, the Daytona Beach area is ready to welcome visitors for a holiday season. With a variety of signature events and seasonal traditions, Daytona Beach offers families, couples and friends plenty of reasons to celebrate the holidays along Florida's Atlantic coast.

Whether planning a Thanksgiving getaway, a Christmas vacation or a weekend escape, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds in Daytona Beach – festive holiday activities combined with 23 miles of beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, waterfront dining and world-class attractions. From the return of Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway to the expanded five-day Daytona Turkey Run, the destination offers a unique coastal twist on the holiday season.

Among the highlights of the 2026 holiday season are:

Magic of Lights | Nov. 20–Jan. 2
Daytona International Speedway will once again transform into a winter wonderland when Magic of Lights returns Nov. 20 through Jan. 2. Featuring more than two million sparkling lights, the popular drive-through holiday attraction invites families to experience festive scenes, illuminated displays and the spectacular 400-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights, all from the comfort of their vehicles.

Signature attractions include the 32-foot animated Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie®, the iconic BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display and themed scenes such as Prehistoric Christmas, Toyland and Reindeer Road. Visitors can also explore the Jolly Holiday Village, featuring walk-through attractions, festive activities and holiday photo opportunities.

Daytona Turkey Run | Nov. 25–29
A Thanksgiving tradition in Daytona Beach for more than 50 years, the Daytona Turkey Run returns to Daytona International Speedway with an expansion in 2026. For the first time, the event will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 25, giving automotive enthusiasts five days to enjoy one of the nation's largest combined car shows and swap meets.

The annual gathering features thousands of classic, custom and collector cars, an expansive automotive swap meet, a Car Corral featuring vehicles for sale, and plenty of activities for automotive enthusiasts of all ages.

The excitement continues after dark on Friday, Nov. 27, with Turkey Run Nites, an evening cruise-in at Turn One Plaza from 6–10 p.m. The family-friendly event features an impressive display of classic and custom vehicles under the lights, along with a live DJ, food trucks, refreshments, raffles and more.

A December to Remember at Riverfront Esplanade | Nov. 27–Jan. 4
Downtown Daytona Beach will shine throughout the holiday season as the scenic Riverfront Esplanade hosts its annual A December to Remember. Overlooking the Halifax River, the mile-long waterfront gathering space will feature sparkling holiday lights and a variety of seasonal activities.

Visitors can enjoy Santa sightings, holiday shopping, live entertainment, a pet parade and a holiday movie under the stars. The celebration offers a festive setting to explore downtown Daytona Beach, browse local shops and enjoy the area's restaurants.

Holiday Shows and Performances
The Daytona Beach area's performing arts venues will bring the season to life with concerts, theatrical productions and family favorites.

The historic Peabody Auditorium will welcome Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, The Nutcracker, Kenny G's The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour, and Boys In The Band: An Alabama Christmas. At The News-Journal Center, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will help launch the Daytona Beach Symphony Society's 75th season with a holiday concert on Dec. 5.

Additional holiday shows will take place at venues throughout the area, including the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center and Daytona Playhouse.

Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour | Through Jan. 17
One of Central Florida's most distinctive holiday experiences returns to nearby DeLand with the Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular Holiday Home Tour. Built in 1886, the historic Victorian Gilded Age residence provides a stunning backdrop for elaborate holiday decorations and themed displays that change each year.

Visitors can explore 10 lavishly decorated rooms featuring designer holiday displays from around the world. Self-guided and guided tours are available, with advance reservations required.

CLASH Endurance Daytona and Jingle Jog | Dec. 4–6
Holiday spirit meets athletic competition when CLASH Endurance Daytona returns to Daytona International Speedway Dec. 4–6. The multi-day triathlon festival brings athletes to the iconic racing venue for a series of endurance competitions, including triathlon, duathlon and aquabike events. The festivities begin Friday, Dec. 4, with the Jingle Jog 5K at ONE DAYTONA, where participants of all abilities can run, walk or stroll beneath more than one million holiday lights. The festive event encourages participants to dress in their favorite holiday attire while enjoying a memorable evening of fitness and seasonal fun.

To view all the events happening in the Daytona Beach area during the holiday season, including holiday parades and other events, visit www.DaytonaBeach.com

About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach

Often called home of the world's most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions. The Daytona Beach area includes several cities and towns including Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Holly Hill, and South Daytona. The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions, upscale lodging, a vibrant arts scene and an amazing collection of parks, preserves and outdoor activities are all part of Daytona Beach's year-round appeal.

Media Contact:

Andrew Booth, Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
abooth@daytonabeach.com | (386) 255-0415, ext. 125

SOURCE Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau