Winter Wonders and Festive Lights: Embracing the Holiday Season in West Volusia
Celebrate The Season in West Volusia!
The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit West Volusia, Florida – a picturesque part of the Sunshine State nestled between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Charming areas like Downtown DeLand (voted America's Best Main Street), top-notch restaurants, and natural beauty are always an attraction. But come December, West Volusia really knows how to throw a good holiday bash. Brimming with lively events, craft fairs, parades, and a warm, welcoming community spirit, it’s a fantastic place to celebrate the season. So, corral the family, pack the car, and spend a few days experiencing what makes this part of Florida so special.
The Christmas Mansion Holiday Home Tour (Nov 1st - Jan 20th)
From November to January, the luxurious 1886 Stetson Mansion, Florida's most historic home, transforms into a dazzling display of over-the-top designer decorations from around the world for its annual "Christmas Spectacular!" Ten new room themes showcase intricate vignettes and luxurious accents with elegance and reverence for the season. This is a popular Florida tradition for families and friends and has been named "Top 10 Attractions in the USA" by TripAdvisor.
Twelve Days of Christmas in Bloom (Nov 14th - Dec 2nd)
Celebrate the holiday season with the West Volusia Historical Society's "Christmas in Bloom: The Twelve Days of Christmas" from November 14 to December 2 at the WVHS Conrad Research Center, DeLand. Shop handcrafted gifts, indulge in homemade treats, vote in decoration contests, and enjoy a host of festive events including themed shopping nights and gift-wrapping services.
CoolCraft Christmas (Nov 24th - Dec 17th)
Embark on a flavorful adventure through West Volusia's eclectic mix of breweries, coffee shops, wineries, and bars, each offering their unique take on a White Christmas-inspired beverage. Collect signatures on your special Christmas card, provided at each location, and with five or more, you'll earn a charming Christmas ornament to commemorate your journey. Get into the joy and community spirit that only this special time of year can bring, and make your holiday season one to remember.
Irving Berlin's ‘White Christmas’ at the Historic Athens Theater (Nov 25th - Dec 17th)
There's so much to love with every performance in this historic gem, but none compares to seeing the live performance of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas." It's time to get merry and bright and enjoy this delightful experience with the entire family.
Get ready to light up your holiday spirit with a reimagined twist on a beloved DeLand tradition! As part of the City of DeLand's enchanting Winter Wonder DeLand festivities, MainStreet DeLand invites you to join in a season-long celebration that's sure to dazzle and delight. Picture this: cozy carriage rides through the twinkling streets, a unique shopping experience, festive food and drinks warming your hands and heart, and an ice-skating rink that beckons with laughter and fun. But that's not all – live entertainment will fill the air with joyous melodies, Santa's Workshop will open its doors for magical memories, and Santa himself will be making a grand entrance by skydiving into the festivities! Mark your calendars to start this season in an unforgettable way in DeLand!"!
Christmas Chaos (Dec 1st - 3rd, 8th - 10th, 15th - 17th)
Gadzooks! The anticipated arrival of the Royal Shakespeare Company to perform "A Christmas Carol" has fallen through, leaving the spirited but inexperienced group at Shoestring Theatre to scramble and put together their own production in a mere seven hours. Despite their earnest efforts, they're comically ill-equipped for the task. The ensuing production is an uproarious encounter with backstage pandemonium, featuring squabbles over the role of Tiny Tim, an actor lost in the wrong play, an overbearing lead, and dual-role dilemmas. Add to that a director on the brink, hastily assembled props and costumes, laughable set designs, and a whirlwind of blunders — this play is a heartfelt nod to the dedication of these plucky performers amidst the inevitable chaos.
Take a Ride on the Butler Express (Dec 1st - Dec 23rd)
Embark on a magical journey through Lake Helen's festive charm aboard the Butler Express trolley. As "The Gem of Florida" lights up for the holiday season, the trolley ride offers a unique view of the town's sparkling Christmas decorations and historic homes. Join in on the festive cheer every Friday and Saturday from December 1st to December 23rd, between 6 pm and 9 pm. Additionally, enjoy two bonus nights of holiday splendor on Wednesday, December 20th, and Thursday, December 21st. Don’t miss this enchanting ride through Lake Helen’s holiday wonderland!
Frosty Fields (Dec 1st - 17th, Fri, Sat, & Sun)
Christmas on the Farm! Embark on a magical mile-long lighted hayride through a 100-acre farm, revealing festive scenes with twinkling lights. Enjoy Christmas joy with activities like Frosty Fields, Santa visits, snowflake box, model trains, and duck races. Conclude the evening with a campfire, sipping cocoa, making s'mores, and picking the perfect Christmas tree. Admission covers the enchanting hayride, lights, Santa, movies, snowflake box, hay fort, duck races, trains, and post-pounders—a delightful blend of farm delights and Christmas magic for all.
Holly Jolly Holidays at The Garden Shop (Dec 1st, 2nd, 9th)
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the season at The Garden Shop's inaugural Holly Jolly Holidays event! Share a magical moment with Santa in his sleigh, meet Mrs. Claus, and savor her delectable cookies. Warm up with hot chocolate adorned with delightful toppings and engage in fun and festive games suitable for all ages. Gather around the porch for holiday stories narrated by the jolly couple three times daily. Unleash your creativity with festive crafts and ornament-making. Don't miss the merriest event in town—book early to save! Tickets are just $10 plus tax in advance, with day-of-event tickets priced at $12 plus tax. Hurry, as a limited number of tickets are available each day.
Lake Helen Christmas Home Tour (Dec 2nd - 3rd)
Experience all the holiday warmth, rich history, and hospitality that Lake Helen offers as The Lake Helen League for Better Living celebrates its 50th anniversary hosting the Christmas Home Tour. The tradition continues by showcasing beautifully decorated homes, as well as, churches, historic City Hall, museums, the old bank building, and the Gem Station - many featuring wonderful Christmas displays and music.
Enterprise Farmers Market (Dec 3rd)
From 10 am to 3 pm, enjoy Christmas treats from local vendors and snap a photo with Santa.
DeBary Hall Holiday Candlelight Tours (Dec 8th and Dec 9th)
Explore the DeBary Hall Historic Site during holiday evenings when candlelight will fill the 19th-century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. Refreshments will be served. Advance tickets must be purchased; admission is $10. Tickets are non-refundable. Call 386-668-3840 or email lperez@volusia.org to reserve your tickets.
A Florida Christmas Remembered (Dec 9th)
Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus; make-and-take Christmas crafts; vintage decorations; Christmas music; living-history demonstrations; arts and crafts vendors; food and cookies; tour 19 historic buildings; and meet the resident animals.
Breakfast with Santa at DeLeon Springs State Park (Dec 9th)
Have breakfast with Santa in De Leon Springs State Park on Saturday, December 9th, 2023. With two seating options at 8:00 am or 10:00 am, the event offers a delightful experience for all ages. Tickets are priced at $12.50 for children aged 3-12 (ages 2 and under are free) and $19.85 for adults (tax not included), with park admission not included in the ticket price. Get in the holiday spirit with crafts, letter-writing to Santa, and a delicious pancake breakfast.
Breakfast with Santa Presented by Backpack Buddies (Dec 9th)
Join Backpack Buddies at DeLand Motorsports and Outdoors for breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Play in the snow and join in reindeer games. Tickets are $5 for adults. Kids 12 and under free! Go online to backpackbuddieoc.org to purchase tickets.
The 58th Annual DeLand Christmas Boat Parade (Dec 9th)
Celebrate a Florida holiday tradition on the St. Johns River, where imaginative and brilliantly lit boats embody the heart of holiday celebrations. Enjoy the parade from prime viewing locations like Ed Stone Park and Lake Beresford Yacht Club. This leisurely, weather-dependent procession of dazzling lights has been a cherished event every second Saturday of December for over half a century!
… And Parades-A-Plenty!
Kicking off parade season is the DeLand Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023, along Woodland Blvd. in Downtown DeLand, where the community gathers to enjoy a night of vibrant floats and festive music. Not far behind, on December 9, are the Orange City Christmas Parade on Volusia Ave and the whimsical Deltona Whoville Parade at 1200 Deltona Blvd, both offering a delightful display of holiday spirit. The Town of Pierson will celebrate on December 9 at their Winter Wonderland in the Town Center filled with festive treats and activities from 5-9 pm. The festive spirit continues on December 10 with the City of DeBary Christmas Parade, starting from Spring Vista Dr. to N U.S. Hwy 17/92, ending at Poinsettia Dr., and promises an afternoon filled with joy and community spirit, starting at 3 pm. Finally, the Lake Helen Christmas Parade & Holiday Bazaar on December 16 brings the season’s festivities to a close at Blake Park, Lake Helen, from 4 pm to 9 pm, where the community can enjoy not just the parade but also a holiday bazaar, perfect for some seasonal shopping and fun.
Big Brunch with Santa (Dec 10th)
Enjoy brunch with Santa at the DeBary Country Club from 10 am - 1 pm. $26.95 Adults; $10.95 Kids 12 and under. Make your reservations here.
Join us for a delightful two-session event on December 16 at The Center at Deltona, located at 1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. The first session kicks off at 10 am, followed by the second at 11 am. For just $5, enjoy both sessions, complete with crafts and a continental breakfast. Don't miss the chance to capture festive memories with Santa, who will be available for selfies. With limited seating, reservations are a must for this festive occasion. Secure your spot for a morning of joy and holiday fun!
Holiday Tea (Dec 16th)
Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea at DeBary Hall at 11 am. Includes samplings, etiquette lessons, and a house tour amidst festive holiday decor. Hostesses, adorned in Victorian attire, guide guests through the history of tea and provide instruction on tea etiquette. Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased by Saturday, December 8, at $20 per person. Secure your spot by calling 386-668-3840 or emailing lperez@volusia.org; note that tickets are non-refundable once purchased.
3rd Annual Holly Jolly Market (Dec 16th)
Celebrate the holiday spirit at the 3rd Annual Holly Jolly Market at Artisan Alley in DeLand. This family-friendly event is free to attend and offers a festive atmosphere with fantastic vendors, artisans, face painting, Fairy Hair, and more. Explore the diverse offerings to find the perfect last-minute gifts, creating a joyful experience for everyone.
Central 28 Holiday Market (Dec 17th)
Local makers, designers, and creators present a shopping experience for all of your gifting needs this holiday season with a wide array of premium options, unique gifts, craft beer and great food including Loco Burgers, El Taco Grande, Taste BBQ and Mack Daddy Ice Cream. 12 - 5 pm.
Selfies with Santa (Dec 22nd, 23rd)
Celebrate Christmas with brunch, crafts, and selfies with Santa at Venue 142. $15/person (3 and under free). Purchase tickets in advance.
Phantasmagoria’s A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas (Dec 22nd, 23rd)
Embrace the holiday spirit with the critically acclaimed Victorian Performance Troupe, PHANTASMAGORIA, as they present "Hold high a mug of cider and gather around the Hearth." This festive journey takes you through whimsical and haunted tales of the holidays, celebrating the centuries-old tradition of telling Ghost Stories on Christmas Eve. Join evocative storytellers, dancers, and performers in Phantasmagoria's unique style, weaving tales of holiday haunts, ghostly mysteries, whimsical spirits, and terrifying mythic creatures who always seem to know if you've been "Bad or Good." It's a spirited and enchanting way to celebrate the year-end festivities.
Holiday Stress Buster 5k & Fun Run (Dec 24th)
Close out the holidays by working off the stress that comes with the hustle and bustle with a 5k in ‘The Gem of Florida!’ Consisting of a Kids Run/Fun Run and 5K, the route takes you around a beautiful, historic 3.10-mile route in Lake Helen. Races start at 8 am on Sunday, December 24. Funds raised support the City of Lake Helen's parks and playgrounds.
Information on West Volusia County can be picked up in our Visitor Center located at 116 W. New York Avenue in Downtown DeLand, FL. Call 386-734-0162 for more information.
