This holiday season, New Smyrna Beach is transforming into a festive wonderland, complete with unique events, shopping experiences, and entertainment for all ages. Known for its mild winters, sparkling waterways, and vibrant arts scene, the New Smyrna Beach area is perfect for multi-generational holiday vacations. Whether you’re coming to explore its seasonal events, shop locally, or enjoy family activities, there’s something for everyone here.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events
- Spark the Spirit Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 29, 5-7:30 p.m
Start the season with live entertainment, a Winter Wonderland, and Santa’s entrance at Christmas Park on Canal Street.
- Coastal Christmas Market – November 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Browse unique gifts from local artisans and merchants along Canal Street for that perfect holiday find.
- Girls’ Night Out – December 5, 5-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a special shopping event complete with live music, refreshments, and exclusive deals.
- 37th Annual Light Up Flagler – December 6, 5-8 p.m.
Stroll through decorated merchant open houses, participate in a cookie challenge, and watch two festive parades.
- Santa Paws Pooch Parade – December 6, 6:15 p.m.
Don’t miss this adorable holiday dog parade featuring festive pets on Flagler Avenue.
- Christmas Crazy Cart Parade – December 6, 7 p.m.
Watch decked-out golf carts take a joyful ride down Flagler Avenue.
- Canal Street Christmas Parade – December 7, 4:30 p.m.
Admire festive floats and performances along Canal Street during this beloved holiday parade.
- Holiday Boat Parade – December 9, 6-8 p.m.
Experience the magic of holiday lights reflecting on the water as decorated boats cruise down the Indian River.
- Festive Fridays on Flagler Avenue – December 13 & 20, 4-8 p.m.
Enjoy special promotions, live entertainment, and giveaways as you explore Flagler Avenue.
Holiday Shopping and Dining
The seaside town of New Smyrna Beach offers a charming holiday shopping experience. From locally-owned boutiques and galleries along Canal Street to eclectic shops on Flagler Avenue, visitors can find everything from handmade gifts to holiday décor. During December weekends, the Merry Hitmas Music Festival also brings holiday music, food, and drink specials to Flagler Avenue venues. Enjoy local cuisine at popular spots like Third Wave Café, CorkScrew Bar & Grille, and Avanu, which feature seasonal menus with fresh ingredients.
Comfortable Accommodations for the Family
From oceanfront condos like MoonTide Condos and New Smyrna Stays to vacation homes managed by CasaGo Coastal Volusia and Oceans Properties, the area offers plenty of options for a cozy holiday retreat. Spacious rentals with kitchens and breathtaking views provide the perfect setting to enjoy a family meal or a sunset together.
Activities for Every Generation
When you’re ready for a break from holiday festivities, explore tours with the Marine Discovery Center, join a fishing charter, or catch a live performance at The Hub on Canal. Holiday-themed events at the Atlantic Center for the Arts add even more festive flair to your stay.
About the New Smyrna Beach Area
The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. It occupies a notable place in history as one of the oldest cities in Florida, the site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The city’s barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine touting it as one of the “Best Surf Towns in America” and National Geographic magazine including it in its “World’s Top 20 Surf Towns.”
Accommodations range from charming bed-and-breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North America’s most diverse estuary – the Indian River Lagoon.
Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries.
Located just 20 minutes from the New Smyrna Beach Area, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) offers a convenient gateway with affordable flights from major metropolitan areas. Visitors can easily access New Smyrna Beach from DAB with options to rideshare, taxi and car rental.
For more information on planning your holiday getaway, visit visitnsbfl.com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram, or VisitNewSmyrnaBeach on Facebook for updates and download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for more holiday ideas.