Last Updated on November 4, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Escape the cold weather and head to Florida for the holiday season, specifically New Smyrna Beach. It’s one of my favorite family-friendly Central Florida coastal getaways. As the winter chill sets in, these New Smyrna Beach Christmas events are the perfect excuse to flock south. Flagler Avenue & Canal Street provide the perfect festive paradise backdrops to the city’s most popular seasonal events.
We love the city’s sparkling waterways, beach views, and small-city charm. It’s a great destination for families with young kids. These holiday events add even more reasons to visit the New Smyrna Beach area. Plus, beach destinations are typically less crowded during the holiday season, allowing for a more peaceful vacation compared to peak season times.
Family-Friendly New Smyrna Beach Christmas Festivities
With so many shopping and dining options on Flagler Avenue and Canal Street, there’s something for every age to enjoy during the holiday season. New Smyrna Beach is an option to consider for a multi-generational holiday vacation if you want grandparents to enjoy their time just as much as the grandchildren.
Lodging for multiple generations doesn’t have to be difficult either. Keep it easy, and consider booking the diverse options at Joy By The Sea. From studio 1-bedroom condos to beachside family houses to fit multiple generations, they’re a great lodging option that’s only a few miles from the action on Flagler Avenue.
- Spark the SpiritTree Lighting Ceremony: November 29, 5-7:30 p.m.
- Kick off the holiday season with live entertainment, a Winter Wonderland, and Santa’s grand entrance at Christmas Park on Canal Street.
- Coastal Christmas Market: November 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Shop local artisans and Canal Street merchants for unique gifts and holiday treasures.
- Girls’ Night Out: December 5, 5-8:30 p.m.
- The ultimate holiday shopping spree, complete with live music, refreshments, and special deals on Canal Street.
- 37th Annual Light Up Flagler: December 6, 5-8 p.m.
- Enjoy merchant open houses, a homemade cookie challenge, and two festive parades.
- Santa Paws Pooch Parade: December 6, 6:15 p.m.
- Pets are the star in this holiday dog parade along Flagler Avenue.
- Christmas Crazy Cart Parade: December 6, 7 p.m.
- Decked-out golf carts take a jolly ride down Flagler Avenue.
- Christmas Parade on Canal: December 7, 4:30 p.m.
- Watch the festive holiday parade as it travels down Canal Street, showcasing holiday floats and performances.
- Holiday Boat Parade: December 9, 6-8 p.m.
- Admire beautifully decorated boats as they float down the Indian River in a dazzling light show.
- Festive Fridays on Flagler Avenue: December 13 & 20, 4-8 p.m.
- Enjoy holiday shopping with special promotions, live entertainment, and swag bag giveaways at participating Flagler Avenue merchants.
Holiday Shopping and Dining In New Smyrna Beach
This charming seaside community boasts a variety of shopping experiences, from locally-owned boutiques and art galleries on Canal Street to the eclectic shops along Flagler Avenue. Visitors may explore the Coastal Christmas Market on Canal Street during the holiday season, where local vendors offer everything from handmade gifts to holiday décor.
On the first three weekends of December, the Merry Hitmas Music Festival brings live music performances of holiday favorites along with food and drink specials at venues on Flagler Avenue. Restaurants like Third Wave Café, CorkScrew Bar & Grille, and Avanu provide menus with locally sourced ingredients, offering everything from fresh seafood to holiday-themed menus to fuel shoppers between adventures.
Add Even More Family Fun To Your Itinerary
Of course, there’s even more to enjoy in New Smyrna Beach beyond these seasonal events. Explore beautiful gardens nearby, walk along the beach, and get out on the water for an up-close view of the marine life. These top 5 Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach If Your Kids Love Nature are great additions to your holiday trip itinerary.
New Smyrna Beach is a coast gem for families to enjoy, but there’s even more magic during the holiday season! Start planning your family’s holiday getaway by visiting www.visitnsbfl.com