The holidays are just around the corner, and there is no better way to enjoy the winter season than with a coastal getaway to New Smyrna Beach, FL! With more than 17 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, great rates on accommodations, and plenty of seasonal offerings for the whole family to enjoy, planning the perfect holiday getaway has never been easier!
Here are a few tips below for planning an unforgettable holiday getaway to New Smyrna Beach.
1. Find a New Meaning to the Winter Blues
Say goodbye to the winter blues and hello to the royal hues of the ocean. There’s no better way to beat the gloomy season than with your feet in the sand and the soothing sound of the ocean. The picturesque beaches also offer some of the best surfing on the East Coast!
2. Replace Snowmen for Sandmen
Trade in your gloves and heavy coats for swimsuits and sunglasses. Take advantage of the temperate weather and uncrowded beaches this holiday season at New Smyrna Beach. For a fun coastal twist on the holiday tradition of building a snowman, use white sand and decorative seashells to create your perfect sandman!
3. Shop for Gifts for the Entire Family
Still trying to find a special gift for your loved ones? No need to stress, New Smyrna Beach is home to incredible shopping! Head to the Pavilion at Port Orange, Canal Street and Flagler Avenue to find unique gifts for your loved ones. The Pavilion at Port Orange is an open-air shopping and entertainment center featuring well-known brands. Flagler Avenue is a seaside beach street lined with quaint boutiques and galleries. Canal Street is part of the historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, and offers a vibrant blend of specialty shops, boutiques and art galleries. Head to the Posh Pineapple on Canal Street for women’s clothing, custom stationary, and other adorable knickknacks. If you are on Flagler Avenue, be sure to stop by Angels by the Sea for elegant women’s clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories. Additionally, the art galleries on both streets are great for finding one-of-a kind pieces from local artists.
4. Send a Letter to Santa
Families with young children can head to the Little Drug Company on Canal Street to drop off a letter to Santa. The Little Drug Company is the oldest ongoing independent pharmacy in Volusia County. This old-fashioned pharmacy features a 1950s-style diner with a soda fountain, ice cream sundaes, daily specials, and an old-school jukebox!
5. Enjoy Seasonal Events
While events may look a little different this year, there are still plenty of fun ways to get into the holiday spirit in New Smyrna Beach! Canal Street and Flagler Avenue both offer displays of lights and lit Christmas trees. Visitors can take a stroll down the historic Canal Street to admire the award-winning Christmas window decorations.
On Saturday, November 28, the 12th Annual Coastal Christmas Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers a wide variety of beautiful gifts and holiday décor that is handcrafted by more than 75 artisans.
On Thursday, December 3, Girls Night Out returns, and will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This free event allows visitors to explore shop and restaurant merchants on Canal Street and take advantage of special events and discounts.
On Saturday, December 12, the City of Edgewater is hosting a Christmas Drive Through Parade with holiday-themed decorated vehicles and booths. Visitors will enter from 28th Street and Exit to 30th Street. There will be a live simulcast on channel 97.1 FM Radio.
6. Find Accommodations for Every Type of Traveler
New Smyrna Beach offers a host of romantic bed and breakfasts, amazing ocean-side hotels, pet-friendly options, and plenty of vacation rental properties suited to accommodate families of all sizes and budgets. Check out the accommodations page for a full list of lodging options in the area.
