The holidays have arrived in West Volusia. The streets are decorated and toy soldiers welcome visitors to Downtown DeLand, homes are decked out in their best holiday designs, and there are a number of events that bring people in year after year. Take a walk through Christmas Past as you step back in time with these Holiday events in West Volusia.
We’ve got all the details for you here, so gather your family and friends and be sure to bookmark this blog post so that you don’t miss a thing! Be sure to click the links to find out the details for each of the events. While you’re here, be sure to stop in Downtown DeLand for unique shopping and dining options.
Home Tours
The West Volusia region is home to three spectacular historic home tours including the Stetson Mansion, DeBary Hall Historic Site, and the DeLand House Museum.
The Stetson Mansion is the most well known and celebrated of the three, most notably being named one of USA Today’s 10Best Holiday Historic Home Tours and one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 5 Things To Do” in Florida. From November 15th -January 15th, the Stetson Mansion operates their Christmas Spectacular Tours.
Special Candlelight Christmas Tours of DeLand House decorated for the holidays on December 12. Interact with docents dressed in period costume and see the house illuminated by candlelight. RSVP required. Call 386-740-6813.
Explore DeBary Hall Historic Site during holiday evenings when candlelight will fill the 19th-century mansion with a warm glow, accentuating its historic treasures and Christmas decorations. The site will be open for tours at 6 and 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21. Guests will start out in the theater to hear about historic holiday traditions, sing a carol or two, and then be escorted to the mansion for an open style tour.
In addition to these stand-alone home tours, the City of Lake Helen is hosting its Christmas & Garden Tour on December 7th & 8th from 12:30-5:30 pm. The tour will showcase beautifully decorated homes, as well as lovely landscaped gardens, churches featuring wonderful Christmas displays and music, municipal buildings, spruced up for the holidays, and porch and studio stop along the way, where you will be entertained and informed of the rich history of Lake Helen.
A True Old Florida Christmas
Bring your family and step back in time with “A Florida Christmas Remembered” at the Barberville Pioneer Settlement on December 14. Children’s Make & Take Crafts— some are free and some require a small fee. Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus & see the Elves. Strolling carolers, a dulcimer concert & other folk artists will be performing traditional and original Christmas music. Desserts & Cookie Decorating. Mail a letter to Santa from the Historic Huntington Post Office. Make your own trinket basket in our Pine Needle Basket Weaving Class with Larry Paxton. Get moving with—Folk Music and Movement with Eric and Maria—an interactive introduction to folk music instruments from around the world. Great for all ages! Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Weaving, Spinning, Pottery, Letter Press Printing, many more Living History Demonstrations. Children 12 and under are FREE with paying adult. Adult Admission is $8.00 and Seniors are $7.00.
Enjoy a slower pace and a step back in time with these Holiday events in West Volusia.