The Daytona Beach Christmas Parade steps off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, on Beach Street, from Bethune Boulevard south to Jackie Robinson Parkway.

Last checked Oct. 8, 2026. This page is updated each year. Parade details come from the City of Daytona Beach Christmas Parade page.

The City of Daytona Beach’s annual Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, on Beach Street downtown. This year’s theme, on the city’s home page, is “Dashing through the Decades.” Expect local bands, floats and performances by community groups, according to the city.

Who to call

  • Parade information and entries: Samantha Gottlieb, City of Daytona Beach Parks & Recreation, 386-671-5551, email
  • City Hall: 386-671-8400
  • Official page: Christmas Parade

Route and parking

The parade starts at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and travels south on Beach Street to Jackie Robinson Parkway, through the downtown riverfront district.

The city links maps from recent parades, which show how the route, staging and parking usually work. They have not yet been reissued for 2026:

The city closes roads along the route for the parade, as its closure map shows. We will post the 2026 closure times when the city publishes them, and on our road closures page.

Enter the parade

The city is taking parade entries now, and there is no application or entry fee. Fill in the entry application and send it to Samantha Gottlieb by email, or mail a printed copy to:

City of Daytona Beach, 2026 Christmas Parade, Attn: Samantha Gottlieb, Parks & Recreation, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Tree lighting and holiday lights

The city has not announced a 2026 tree lighting, and the downtown holiday light schedule for the Riverfront Esplanade has not been published. We will add dates, times and places here as soon as the city or the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach announce them. For other holiday events through December, see things to do this month.

What this means for you

  • Mark 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, for the parade on Beach Street.
  • Groups, schools and businesses can enter for free; call 386-671-5551.
  • Check back in November for the tree lighting, closure times and 2026 maps.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, things to do this month and getting around Daytona Beach.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Daytona Beach Christmas parade in 2026?

The city’s Christmas Parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, according to the City of Daytona Beach.

What is the Daytona Beach Christmas parade route?

The parade starts at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and travels south on Beach Street to Jackie Robinson Parkway.

How do I enter the Daytona Beach Christmas parade?

The city is taking entries now, with no application or entry fee. Send the entry form to Samantha Gottlieb in Parks & Recreation; call 386-671-5551 with questions.

Is there a Christmas tree lighting in Daytona Beach?

The city has not announced a 2026 tree lighting. We will add the date here as soon as it is published.