Submitted by John McNamara
They say the early bird gets the worm. I know mentioning Christmas now might seem a little early, but those who want to enjoy the Christmas holiday in Daytona Beach should start planning now, especially if you want the best hotel rates.
Remember, Christmas is one of the busiest travel times in Florida, with families escaping the cold weather up north and heading south for sunshine and warmer temperatures.
You may think there isn't much to do in Daytona Beach during Christmas, but you might be surprised. There are some wonderful holiday activities for families, couples, grandparents traveling with grandchildren, and just about anyone looking for a warm Florida Christmas.
Here are four Daytona Beach Christmas activities I would put on your list for 2026.
One of the biggest holiday traditions is the Daytona Beach Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.
The parade travels through the downtown Daytona Beach area along Beach Street and is a fun way to get your family into the Christmas spirit with floats, music, community groups and holiday decorations.
My advice is simple: get there early. Parking and traffic can become more difficult around special events, especially during the holiday season.
You can also make an evening out of it by having dinner downtown before or after the parade.
If you are traveling with younger children, keep Friday, December 4, 2026 open.
Daytona Beach's Annual Children's Christmas Party is currently scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.
More information about the specific activities should become available as Christmas gets closer, so I recommend checking the City of Daytona Beach event calendar again before your trip.
This could be a nice way to start your Christmas weekend before attending the parade the following evening.
The Riverfront Esplanade has become one of my favorite areas of downtown Daytona Beach, especially around the holidays.
In past Christmas seasons, the riverfront has been decorated with beautiful holiday lights and displays as part of its seasonal celebrations.
The full 2026 holiday schedule had not been announced when I wrote this, so make sure to check before making your final plans.
If the Christmas lights return, I would definitely go after dark. Walking along the riverfront with Christmas lights, palm trees and Florida's December weather is a completely different Christmas experience than what many visitors are used to back home.
Daytona International Speedway has hosted the Magic of Lights drive-through Christmas experience during previous holiday seasons.
The 2026 schedule was not yet confirmed when I put this article together, but it is definitely something families should watch for as we get closer to Christmas.
I especially like this activity for families with younger children or grandparents.
After spending all day sightseeing, walking the beach and enjoying Daytona Beach, sometimes it is nice to sit in the car, turn on some Christmas music and enjoy the lights without having to walk another mile.
If you are spending several days in Daytona Beach during Christmas vacation, you don't have to stay in Daytona every day.
One of my favorite day trips is heading north to St. Augustine for a dolphin experience.
People searching for Swim with the Dolphins St Augustine will find several choices, including an interactive Dolphin Swim and a shallow-water Dolphin Encounter.
If you are searching for Swim with the Dolphin Daytona Beach, it is important to know that the dolphin experience is not actually located in Daytona Beach. You will travel north to the St. Augustine area, making it an easy day trip from your Daytona Beach vacation.
I know one question people immediately ask me around Christmas is:
"John, isn't the water going to be cold?"
The dolphin pools are heated, and the water temperature will generally be in the 70-degree range. On colder days, neoprene jackets are also available to help keep participants more comfortable.
I have worked with the St. Augustine dolphin programs for many years, and Christmas week can be very busy. This is one activity I would not wait until the last minute to reserve.
It can also make a great Christmas present. Instead of buying another toy or gift that may be forgotten a few months later, grandparents and parents can give the family an experience they will probably remember for years.
Christmas may still seem far away, but hotel rooms, popular attractions and holiday activities start filling as families make their Florida vacation plans.
You can spend one evening watching a Christmas parade, another looking at Christmas lights, enjoy December weather along the Daytona Beach riverfront, and even take a day trip north to swim with dolphins.
That doesn't sound like a bad way to spend Christmas to me.
If you are planning a Daytona Beach Christmas vacation and want help choosing the right dolphin program, give me a call or send me an email.
I've been helping families plan dolphin experiences for more than 30 years, and I would be happy to help you decide which program works best for your family.
John the Dolphin Expert
Dolphin World
Call: 800-667-5524
Email: dolphinworldresponse@gmail.com
Mention this Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce post when you contact me and receive 10% off your dolphin program.
Have a wonderful Christmas in Daytona Beach!
