Home for the Holidays

There’s always something special about being home for the holidays, but what is it like when you live here in Florida? Well, we don’t get to bundle up in our warm, cozy parkas or sled down steep hills covered in white, fluffy snow. But, the weather outside is far from frightful this time of year and…well, I’ve never had to experience shoveling snow, which I hear is grueling.
That doesn’t mean we Floridians can’t enjoy everything this wonderful time of year has to offer. The great thing about living in Florida is that you’re never too far to drive to the coast and visit places along the beach that have a real sense of “small town” holiday spirit.
One of our favorite places to visit is The Canal Street Historic District in New Smyrna Beach. This area really lights up this time of year and is a great place to walk outdoors and find local mom-and-pop shops for unique gifts. The restaurants are also pretty awesome.
So, get out, Florida, and get your fill of holiday cheer — even if it’s in your flip flops!


New Smyrna Beach Annual Parade: A Riverfront Christmas
Saturday, December 2
Nothing says Christmas like a parade! This parade has been a local tradition for many years and starts at 4pm at the intersection of Flagler Avenue and South Atlantic Avenue.


IMAGES Holiday Tour of Homes
Saturday, December 2
Take a tour through five of the most charming coastal retreats — beautifully decorated to showcase New Smyrna Beach’s holiday charm!! All proceeds go to IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts. To see the list of homes, click here.


Light Up Flagler
Saturday, December 2
Flagler Avenue will be aglow as part of this free holiday kick-off event that takes place immediately following the NSB Annual Parade. Enjoy entertainers, carolers, and more as local businesses light their facades and offer tastings. Donate a new, unwrapped toy and receive a commemorative holiday photo at Santa’s Workshop located at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street. Toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.


Holiday Cocktail Sip and Shop
Thursday, December 7
Shop along Canal Street from 5pm – 9pm and sample food and cocktails at the following locations: Bikini Company, Canal Street Chic, Caribbean Memories, Coastal Interiors, Florida Galleria, Halos and Dreams, Julies Downtown, Kountry Klutter, Nature in Beauty, New Smyrna Antique Mall, Pink Flamingo at Petals, The Galley, The Hub on Canal, The Posh Pineapple, and The Toy Station.


Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 16
Stop by at dusk and check out the holiday boat parade on the Intercoastal Waterway in New Smyrna Beach.


Visit Santa in Christmas Park
Friday, November 24 – Saturday, December 16
Jolly old St. Nick will begin greeting children in Christmas Park on the corner of Canal and Live Oak streets in New Smyrna Beach. For a complete list of his schedule, click here.


Marine Discovery Center Ornament Decorating Party
Wednesday, December 20th
Stop by Marine Discovery Center from 11am – 4pm and decorate Florida holiday ornaments with oyster shells, recycled pop tops, make salt dough sea stars, and more!


So, get out, celebrate the holidays Florida-style, and DO florida!

Chad Crawford​

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About the Host/Creator

As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. ​He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today. ​

Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.”  His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
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