Winter Wonders and Festive Lights: Embracing the Holiday Season in West Volusia
Celebrate The Season in West Volusia!
2025 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, top-notch restaurants, and natural beauty are always an attraction. But come December, West Volusia 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 1 - Jan 18)
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 room themes present intricate vignettes and luxurious accents with elegance and a 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.
CoolCraft Christmas Beverage Trail. Just as no two snowflakes are the same, no two beverages, alcoholic or alcohol-free, will be the same.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn at the Historic Athens Theatre (Nov 21 - Dec 14)
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn—a heartwarming holiday experience filled with dazzling dance numbers and timeless songs. When Broadway performer Jim leaves the city for a quiet Connecticut farmhouse, he turns it into a seasonal inn open only during the holidays. With love, rivalries, and festive performances, the holidays become far more exciting than he ever imagined.
CoolCraft Christmas (Nov 28 - Dec 31)
Embark on a festive tour through various locations, from breweries and cozy coffee shops to wineries and lively cocktail lounges. Each spot features a unique, holiday-themed drink you can't find anywhere else.
Pick up a Christmas Card at participating locations, the West Volusia Visitor Center, or Athens Theatre. Visit 5 spots, collect 5 signatures, and redeem your card for a commemorative ornament!
Selfies with Santa (Nov 30)
Kick off the holidays with a little magic at Venue 142 in downtown DeLand! Enjoy crafts, a letters-to-Santa station, a hot cocoa bar, and fresh pastries. Plus, your own photo time with Santa himself! (ticketed event)
Mistletoe March (Dec 1 - Jan 2)
Find toy soldiers hiding in shops around Downtown DeLand and enter to win prizes.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree at D Ranch Preserve (Dec 6)
Get into the holiday spirit by heading to D Ranch Preserve to chop down your own Florida Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Get all the details here.
Winter Walk of Lights (Dec 7 - Dec 21)
Bring the family for a festive evening stroll through Gateway Park in DeBary, aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, motion displays, and enchanting holiday decorations. Mon-Thur 6-8 pm | Fri-Sun 6-9 pm
All aboard the Butler Express at the Equestrian Center in Lake Helen for a tour of the beautiful town to view all the Christmas lights and sing along to Christmas music. 6-9 pm on select dates.
This memorable night will include ice skating, Santa’s Workshop with Christmas crafts for children, pictures with Santa, and more! The best part of the night: watching Santa skydive in from above to light our tree!
An enchanting celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful Orange City City Hall!
Kick off the holiday season at DeBary Hall Historic Site by feasting on pancakes with Santa Claus. Tickets must be purchased by Saturday, Nov. 29.
Start the holiday season with a special brunch with Santa, including photo ops, entertainment, teddy bear cookies, and more!
Join the Garden Club of DeLand as they kick off the holiday season with magically decorated trees, wreaths, baked goods, a silent auction, and gifts!
City of DeBary’s Christmas Tree Lighting & Chili Cook-off (Dec 6)
Enjoy live entertainment, cheerful holiday music, and a spectacular Laser Light Show! The kids can meet Santa for a holiday photo, and everyone can explore the Gateway Center Winter Marketplace filled with exciting activities and local vendors.
Holiday Grinch Fest at The Center at Deltona (Dec 7)
Meet the Grinch while shopping with amazing local crafters and artisans.
Fairy Festival and Holiday Market (Dec 6 and 7)
Hotel Cassadaga's third annual Fairy Festival. There will be vendors and Celtic music on the porch, a costume contest, psychic readings, food, prizes & more!
Artisans, crafters, and makers gather in beautiful Downtown DeLand's Artisan Alley for the most wonderful time of the year! Find holiday gifts, including handmade jewelry, art, vintage items, live plants, and more!
Christmas Market on the Farm (Dec 7)
Enjoy festive shopping, delicious food, pictures with Santa, ornament-making for kids, and friendly farm animals to visit.
Holly Jolly Holidays at The Garden Shop (Nov 29, Dec 12 and 13)
Bring the whole family to The Garden Shop for festive games, crafts, and treats in a cozy holiday wonderland. Each day offers something special, with visits from Santa on two magical days and our Grinch-Mas celebration! Also, check out After-Hours Holiday Evening Strolls on select nights during December.
… And Parades-A-Plenty!
• DeLand Christmas Parade | December 6, 2025 | 6 pm | Woodland Blvd in Downtown DeLand
• Orange City Christmas Parade | December 13, 2025 | 5 pm | Volusia Avenue
• Deltona Holiday Parade | December 13, 2025 | 6:30 pm | Providence Blvd
• Lake Helen Christmas Parade | December 13, 2025 | 4 pm | Blake Park
• DeBary Christmas Parade | December 14, 2025 | 3 pm | Spring Vista Dr. to N U.S. Hwy 17/92, end at Poinsettia Dr.
Jingle and Mingle at Artisan Alley (Dec 11)
An evening of festivities and sales in the retail spaces in and around Artisan Alley in downtown DeLand.
DeLand House Christmas Candlelight Tours (Dec 12 and 13)
Experience the Christmas season of the 1920s. Take a holiday tour at the historic DeLand House Museum of period decorations and timeless customs. Call to reserve tour time. 386-740-6813
Holly Jolly Holidays at the Garden Shop, Select Growers, DeLeon Springs
A Florida Christmas Remembered (Dec 13)
Bring the whole family to this fun holiday event at Barberville Pioneer Settlement to enjoy anything from living history demonstrations and Christmas folk music to vendor shopping and meeting Santa Claus!
Experience the elegance of a traditional Victorian afternoon tea with samplings, etiquette lessons, and a tour of Debary Hall. Advance tickets must be purchased.
Join Santa at the Sanborn Center in DeLand to enjoy a delicious breakfast and revel in the magic of the season.
Breakfast with Santa at DeLeon Springs (Dec 13)
Enjoy a jolly morning at DeLeon Springs State Park for breakfast with Santa at 9:00 am for one special seating only!
Get professional photos with Santa and a baby Highland cow! Appointments only.
DeLand Christmas Boat Parade (Dec 13)
A West Volusia holiday tradition taking place along the St. Johns River and Lake Beresford.
Lake Helen Christmas Home Tour and Architectural Tour (Dec 13 and 14)
This biannual event invites guests to discover the unique charm and rich history of Lake Helen. It offers an opportunity to explore beautifully decorated homes, local churches, the historic City Hall, and the Lake Helen Museum.
Christmas Craft Fair (Dec 13 and 14)
Prepare to check off your Christmas list at this holiday craft fair featuring a variety of local and national artisans and crafters selling specialty goods and handmade creations!
Christmas Swing with the Great American Big Band (Dec 17)
Get ready for the show! The Great American Big Band is back at the historic Athens Theatre with timeless holiday favorites.
Stars of Broadway, Voices of Tomorrow: A Holiday Concert (Dec 19)
This unforgettable evening blends Broadway brilliance with the inspiring voices of tomorrow—an uplifting holiday experience at the Athens Theatre.
Holiday Candlelight Tours (Dec 19 and 20)
Explore DeBary Hall when candlelight fills the 19th-century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. Guests will be escorted to the mansion for an open-style tour. Advance tickets must be purchased.
Visit and chat with Santa in this workshop at The Center at Deltona. Includes breakfast and arts and crafts.
DeLand Holiday Grinch Fest (Dec 20)
Meet the Grinch while shopping with amazing local crafters and artisans at Artisan Alley in downtown DeLand.
Deltona Jingle Jog 5K (Dec 21)
Celebrate the holiday season and burn off all that Thanksgiving dinner with the Deltona Jingle Jog 5K! This festive, family-friendly run/walk blends fitness with holiday cheer. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best seasonal gear—think Santa hats, elf ears, and jingling bells.
Christmas Market in Deltona (Dec 21)
Celebrate the season at Deltona’s Christmas Market, featuring handmade gifts, festive treats, artisan vendors, and joyful holiday entertainment.
Phantasmagoria’s A Very Dickens Christmas! (Dec 21)
A wonderfully “Spirited” way to celebrate the year-end festivities with Phantasmagoria’s evocative storytellers, dancers, and performers as they bring the heartwarming haunts of Charles Dickens to glorious life on stage at the Athens Theatre.
Holiday Stress Buster 5k & Fun Run (Dec 24)
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.
Afternoon Tea at Sweet Tea Cafe (Dec 24)
Enjoy a Candlelight Afternoon Tea with apple cider, a variety of hot teas, soups, scones, turkey with cranberry sauce, a mayo croissant, and a sugar plum dessert.
Christmas at Sweet Tea Cafe (Dec 25)
Paint and design a wooden teacup ornament while enjoying a festive lunch.
New Year’s Eve at The Center (Dec 31)
Ring in 2026 at The Center at Deltona and the Best DJ in Florida. Dinner will be served from 7 pm to 9 pm, with dancing all night long, and the Times Square ball drop at Midnight.
Cafe DaVinci’s New Year’s Eve Party (Dec 31)
Cafe DaVinci’s in downtown DeLand has got you covered with the ultimate New Year’s Eve bash with live music with Madam—a ticketed event.
Be sure to check our Calendar of Events to stay updated on all the happenings in West Volusia.
