Yuletide spirit abounds at these weekend things to do in the Daytona Beach area
If you’re still looking for the holiday spirit, it’ll be present at an assortment of yuletide-themed events this weekend in Volusia and Flagler.
Memorable December continues on Beach Street
On Saturday, an ongoing slate of “December to Remember” events will be in full swing at the lovely Riverfront Esplanade, 249 N. Beach Street in Daytona Beach.
First, to help burn up a few of those holiday calories, you can participate in a Holiday Walk/Run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday. It’s an event pushed back a week due to inclement weather this past weekend.
The roughly one-mile loop will start and finish along the Esplanade’s North Lawn, where spectators are welcome to cheer on registered participants in the untimed fun walk (or run).
Registration is limited to the first 500 entrants. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/trerun.
Registration includes access into The Running Elements Holiday Celebration on the North Lawn from 5-6:30 p.m. That party includes music, a commemorative race bib and a professional photo to mark the occasion. There also are door prize drawings.
From 6-8 p.m. Saturday, holiday carolers will offer seasonal songs for all visitors on the Esplanade.
Also, from 6-7 p.m. Saturday, performers from the Halifax Repertory Theatre will present favorite songs from the Walt Disney Pictures’ movie hit “Frozen.” The show will be followed by a meet-and-greet with characters Anna and Elsa.
Then, at 7 p.m., the Halifax Rep singers will offer an additional hour of classic Christmas songs as well as popular jazz and pop standards at a “Jazzy Jingle Jam.”
All events, including fun run sign-up, are free. Visit riverfrontesplanade.com for details.
Holiday splendor at Stetson Mansion
After nearly four months of decorating and a year’s worth of planning, it’s prime time to visit historic Stetson Mansion during the landmark’s popular Christmas Spectacular.
Although the home will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it’s otherwise open for tours daily through Jan. 20 on the 2.3-acre grounds, less than a block east of State Road 15A on Camphor Lane in DeLand.
In case you missed it: Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular offers glittering showcase of historic landmark
The Christmas season is now the only opportunity to tour the former home of John B. Stetson, legendary hatmaker and namesake of Stetson University. It’s adorned with a dazzling display of imaginative and painstakingly detailed decorations that blanket 10 rooms in the mansion with 10 different themes.
Cost is $29.50 adults, $15 for ages 1-22 (plus tax and fee) for self-guided tours; $38 adults, $25 ages 1-22 (plus tax and fee) for guided tours. Reservations are required. Visit stetsonmansion.com for details.
Seasonal spirits in spotlight in New Smyrna Beach
If the idea of a festive libation sounds good, you can find an array of them at the ongoing Holiday Cocktail Tour on Flagler Avenue.
The monthlong tour runs nightly through New Year’s Eve and offers multiple tasty takes on holiday-inspired drink concoctions at participating host venues: Clancy’s Cantina, Flagler Tavern, Traders, Crabby’s Bar & Grill, Avanu on Flagler, Ciao Bella and La Fiesta.
You can grab a tour map from any participating business or print one at home by visiting flaglerave.com.
How it works: You buy your full-sized cocktail during the tour dates and collect stamps with each purchase. Once 10 stamps are collected, drop your completed tour map in the mailbox at 401 Flagler Avenue.
The event will offer an assortment of 10 giveaways and swag items to tour finishers.
Visit flaglerave.com for details.
A Christmas flick in Port Orange
The 2003 Will Ferrell holiday comedy “Elf” will be the featured attraction at a free 4 p.m. showing on Saturday at the city’s recreation complex at 4655 City Center Circle in Port Orange.
There will be complimentary popcorn, and guests are encouraged to bring a cozy blanket or pillow for snuggling during the movie. Limited seating will be provided on the gym floor, so it’s also OK to bring along blow-up chairs or another seating option, as long as it won’t damage the gym floor.
Visit port-orange.org or call 386-506-5933 for details.
In Flagler, an audience with the Big Guy
If you haven’t made your pitch for presents with Santa Claus, you have one more opportunity at the final installment of “Santa in Park,” on Friday at Veteran’s Park, 101 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach.
Kris Kringle has been making weekly Friday appearances at the park through December, but this is his final visit before heading out for his worldwide deliveries on Christmas Eve. So come out and tell him how you’ve been nice all year. It’s free from 6-8 p.m.
Go to visitflagler.com for details.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Holiday events, things to do in Volusia, Flagler, Daytona, Florida
