Coastal Holiday Happenings in Flagler Beach, Florida

The holiday season has a special kind of glow along Florida’s northeast coast, and Flagler Beach is no exception. Sunshine, ocean breezes, festive lights, and community traditions all blend into one cheerful stretch of celebrations. When you’re at The Beach Front Motel for a beachside vacation, you’ll find no shortage of holiday fun waiting just beyond your doorstep.

Tree Lighting Magic Kicks Off the Holidays

The season officially gets rolling on November 29 with the Palm Coast Tree Lighting at Central Park in Town Center. Gather in this popular event venue to await Santa’s arrival on a Palm Coast fire engine. From 6–9 p.m., the park fills with the scent of food trucks and the energy of kids darting between craft stations, Santa’s Village, and the Letters to Santa tent. Take in the Rotary Club’s 20th Anniversary Fantasy Lights display — a dazzling showcase of lights and holiday scenes — as you stroll around the half-mile brick walking path that circles the park’s majestic fountain. Enjoy live music, sip hot cocoa, toast marshmallows, and snap a picture with Santa to get yourself in the spirit of the season.

Skydiving Santa and Festive Parades

The Holiday at the Beach Parade in Flagler Beach is a local favorite, and for good reason. On Saturday, December 6, the excitement builds as skydiving Santa makes his dramatic entrance, landing softly on the sand just north of our famous pier. He’ll hop onto a Flagler Beach fire truck and kick off the parade around 1 p.m. as it moves from North 6th Street to South 6th Street along A1A. The backdrop of ocean waves adds something extra to the lineup of marching bands, holiday characters, decorated golf carts, military honor guards, classic Corvettes, and imaginative floats crafted by local businesses and community groups. One of the few oceanside Christmas parades in the country, the Holiday at the Beach Parade is a small-town tradition with a big heart.

Later that same afternoon, the celebration continues with the Starlight Parade in Palm Coast. Central Park lights up with glowing floats and music during the pre-parade festivities starting at 4 p.m. Food vendors and family-friendly entertainment keep everyone busy until the parade steps off at 6 p.m. This evening tradition draws a big crowd and brings an easygoing, cheerful vibe to the heart of town.

Lights in the Intracoastal Waterway

On December 13, the Intracoastal Waterway transforms into a ribbon of shimmering lights during the Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, the largest lighted boat parade in Florida, which is now in its 42^nd year. Beginning at 6 p.m., the sheriff’s boat leads more than 100 illuminated vessels — yachts, cruisers, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes — on a scenic route from Cochise Waterway to Grand Haven and back again. Families set up along the water with chairs, blankets, and snacks, settling in for a beautiful night of reflections and holiday sparkle.

If you’re still in the mood for more lights on the water, nearby events like the St. Augustine Regatta of Lights and the Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade offer even more festive nights along the coast.

Holiday Markets by the Sea

Holiday shopping takes on a whole new vibe along the coast. It’s the perfect place to check people off your holiday list with handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by local artisans. These three markets bring together talented makers, festive music, and plenty of cheerful energy — turning a simple shopping trip into part of your holiday fun.

• The Holiday Market at the Flagler County Fairgrounds takes place November 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring more than 100 local vendors, a DJ, food trucks, and a visit from Santa. It’s the fifth anniversary of this lively event, and it’s a great place to check off your shopping list early.
• At Veterans Park, the TNT Arts & Crafts Show returns November 29–30 with its “Homemade for the Holidays” theme. This long-running event showcases artists and crafters offering everything from stained glass and nautical woodwork to jewelry, photography, honey, soaps, and apparel. The park’s location right by the beach adds to the charm, making it a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon.
• On December 12, Serendipity Marketplace in Palm Coast hosts its Christmas Market from 5–9 p.m. More than 60 vendors will be set up both indoors and outdoors, and the evening atmosphere gives this market a warm, festive feel. It’s a great opportunity to find unique gifts and enjoy a little nighttime browsing.

Christmas Charm at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park creates an enchanting setting for Holiday in the Gardens on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ section, and a visit from Santa make it a fun outing for families. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food and toy donations to support local families. The gardens themselves are stunning, with formal pathways, reflection ponds, fountains, and an array of plant species that flourish in the mild winter climate. The ancient Washington Oak — a massive live oak estimated at up to 300 years old — stands as the park’s crown jewel. After exploring the gardens, you can cross over to the ocean side to visit the impressive coquina rock formations that line the shoreline. They create a rugged, photogenic stretch of beach ideal for exploring and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Plan Your Flagler Beach Holiday Getaway

Holiday happenings in and around Flagler Beach bring out the best of the season, with community gatherings, sparkling parades, and beautiful natural spaces to enjoy. If you’re planning a getaway this year, book your stay at The Beach Front Motel and enjoy festive events alongside soothing ocean views. It’s the perfect place to relax, celebrate, and make new holiday memories.