RECAP 2024 HOLIDAY EVENTS
This holiday season, Daytona Beach was filled with festive joy as residents celebrated with a series of exciting events.
On Friday, Dec. 6, the Winter Senior Prom attracted over 200 attendees from the city’s Senior Oasis program. Held at the Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, the annual event featured a festive evening with dinner catered by Aunt Catfish, a DJ. and dancing. Special thanks to City Commissioners Paula R. Reed, Ken Strickland, Dannette Henry and Quanita May for their support.
Stadium Movie Night on Saturday, Dec. 7, was a hit, inviting all “cotton-headed ninny muggins” to join Buddy the Elf in his search for his dad! The event featured a screening of the holiday classic Elf. A special thank you to City Commissioners Dannette Henry and Stacy Cantu for sponsoring this fun, community-driven event.
The month continued with the Children’s Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 13, where families gathered at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark for a fun-filled night of games, activities, hot cocoa, face painting, refreshments, music and photos with Santa. A big thank you to City Commissioner Paula R. Reed and the Daytona Tortugas for sponsoring the event.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Toys, Trains and Candy Canes Christmas Parade entertained the community with over 50 participants and a festive fireworks show to light up the sky.
The Young Adult Club (YAC) also got into the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas Party at the Schnebly Recreation Center. The night featured music, dancing, games, food and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Open to adults with special needs, YAC hosts several themed parties throughout the year.
The annual Santa Run took place on Dec. 19, with Santa traveling through residential streets. Led by local police officers, firefighters and city leaders, Santa journeyed from Derbyshire Sports Complex to the Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, spreading holiday cheer.
Throughout the month, the Toy Drives organized by Parks and Recreation, Daytona Beach Police Department and the Fire Department offered residents a chance to give back by donating toys for children in need. The generosity of the community helped make the holiday season brighter for many local families.