Daytona Revs Up for 2025's Holiday Season

November brings a full calendar of Holiday Events to Daytona Beach: tree lightings, classic cars, championship basketball, and warm days that still feel like summer. From vintage engines roaring into the Speedway to drive-through light displays that turn the track into a winter wonderland, the season doesn't sneak in here. It makes an entrance.

And right in the center of it all: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, your front-row seat to every marquee moment.

Book your November getaway with FREE parking and breakfast for two. View our Park, Eat & Play offer →

November's Marquee Events in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach has always been known for speed and surf. But November transforms the city into something more: a hub for holiday traditions, college athletics, and Thanksgiving weekend celebrations. From the Ocean Center to Daytona International Speedway, the venues that define this city come alive with events that draw families, fans, and collectors from across the region.

Here's what's happening and how to make the most of it.

Tanger Outlets Tree Lighting Ceremony | November 14

The holiday season officially kicked off at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach with one of the region's most anticipated family-friendly events. This year's tree lighting drew crowds from across Central Florida for an evening of seasonal magic: Santa led the ceremonial lighting, stage performances from local entertainers filled the plaza, and snow machines brought a touch of winter to the Florida coast.

Hilton Daytona Beach was proud to participate as a Jingle Bell Rock sponsor, helping bring holiday joy to thousands of families. If you missed this year's celebration, mark your calendar for 2026. It's one of those traditions worth planning around.

Championship Basketball at the Ocean Center | November 20-29

College basketball takes center court this month with back-to-back NCAA tournaments at the Ocean Center. For fans, families, and traveling alumni, these early-season matchups offer high-level competition in a beachfront setting that few arenas can match.

Boardwalk Battle | November 20-22
The Boardwalk Battle brings competitive NCAA men's basketball programs to Daytona's oceanfront arena for three days of tournament action. Teams compete for early-season momentum while fans enjoy the rare combination of championship basketball and coastal accessibility.

Legends Classic: UCF Takes the Court | November 20
The Ocean Center also hosts a marquee matchup as part of the Legends Classic, featuring UCF Knights men's basketball against Pittsburgh and Quinnipiac. This early-season tournament brings high-profile programs and passionate fan bases to Daytona Beach, adding another layer to the city's championship basketball lineup. For UCF fans making the trip from Orlando, Hilton Daytona Beach offers an easy coastal extension to game day -- less than an hour from campus (Take I-4 for pre-game hype and then Tomoka Farms Road for a relaxing drive back), with the arena directly across the street.

Sunshine Slam | November 24-25
Thanksgiving week continues with the Sunshine Slam, another marquee men's basketball tournament that has become a staple of Daytona's college sports calendar. Programs and fans combine holiday travel with competitive matchups, making the Ocean Center a destination for basketball enthusiasts looking to extend their Thanksgiving weekend.

Daytona Beach Classic | November 28-29
The Daytona Beach Classic showcases elite women's college basketball with a field that includes University of Akron, Wichita State, University of Daytona, Stetson University, Northern Kentucky, University of Pittsburgh, Kent State, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, and University of Missouri. It's one of the premier early-season women's tournaments in the region.

Hilton Daytona Beach has long been the go-to hotel for NCAA tournaments at the Ocean Center. With group-friendly suites, flexible meeting spaces, and a location directly across the street from the arena, teams and traveling fans find everything they need without sacrificing beachfront comfort.

Traveling for the tournament? Florida and Southern residents save up to 20% with our Southern Hospitality rate. Book now →

Magic of Lights Daytona | Begins November 21

Once the sun sets, the Speedway transforms into a glowing holiday spectacle. Magic of Lights returns to Daytona International Speedway for another season of drive-through enchantment, bringing families, couples, and returning visitors back year after year.

From the comfort of your car, wind through oversized LED displays, animated holiday scenes, and synchronized seasonal music playing through your radio. New installations are added each year, keeping the experience fresh for first-timers and repeat guests alike. It's one of the area's most photographed holiday attractions, and for good reason.

After the lights, return to Hilton Daytona Beach for a nightcap at McCoy's Rum Room or a quiet evening walk along the shore. The resort's central location makes it easy to experience Daytona's seasonal events without sacrificing oceanfront relaxation.

Enter to win our Magic of Lights getaway package with our Park & Sleigh & Magic NYE Lights contest →

Daytona Turkey Run | November 27-30

For car enthusiasts, Thanksgiving weekend means one thing: the Daytona Turkey Run. Now in its 52nd year, this legendary event brings thousands of collector vehicles, parts vendors, and car-curious families to the infield of Daytona International Speedway.

Across four days, the Speedway transforms into an open-air automotive marketplace where vintage meets modern, and nostalgia fuels every conversation. Expect:

• 7,000+ show-quality vehicles on display
• The Car Corral with over 1,500 vehicles available for sale or trade
• Live demonstrations, food trucks, and vintage memorabilia
• A holiday-ready Arts & Fashion Bazaar with handmade gifts

It's part classic car rally, part Americana marketplace, and wholly unique to Daytona Beach. The Turkey Run runs Thursday through Saturday (8am-4pm) and Sunday (8am-2pm), leaving plenty of time to explore the infield during the day and unwind at the beach by evening.

Book your Thanksgiving weekend stay with our Park & Stay package →

USA Weightlifting North American Open Finals | December 4-7

As November transitions into December, the Ocean Center hosts another championship-caliber event: the USA Weightlifting North American Open Finals. This four-day competition brings elite athletes, coaches, and fans to Daytona Beach for one of the sport's premier annual events.

For those attending, the Ocean Center's oceanfront location offers a rare combination: world-class competition in an arena just steps from the Atlantic. Between sessions, explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, grab a meal at one of the resort's eight dining venues, or simply relax by the pool.

Hilton Daytona Beach's proximity to the Ocean Center makes it the ideal base for athletes, families, and fans attending multi-day competitions. Walk to the venue. Walk back to the beach. Repeat.

Black Friday Weekend at Tanger Outlets | November 28-30

Each year, Black Friday weekend at Tanger Outlets draws early risers, seasoned bargain-hunters, and families making a full day of it. It's less chaos, more tradition, with a festive atmosphere that blends serious shopping with casual holiday fun.

Across the weekend, expect deep discounts from national brands and designer labels, pop-up activations, seasonal food vendors, and a lively crowd throughout the plaza. Whether you're checking off your holiday list or simply enjoying the hunt, this is Daytona Beach Black Friday at its best, where shopping feels like part of the celebration.

After a long day of deals, return to Hilton Daytona Beach for a well-earned rest. With oceanfront rooms, multiple dining options, and a location that keeps you close to Tanger without the noise, the resort becomes your restful home base between shopping trips.

Where To Stay: Beachfront Ease, Central Access

Daytona's November calendar fills up fast: morning crowds at Tanger, midday laps around the Turkey Run, evening drives through the lights, and championship basketball at the Ocean Center. Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort keeps you close to it all, with a location that's both event-central and truly oceanfront.

This isn't ocean-view or across-the-street. It's step-outside-and-you're-on-the-sand beachfront.

What guests appreciate most:

• Guest rooms and suites with direct Atlantic views, many featuring private balconies
• Eight dining venues, from oceanfront patios to locally inspired menus
• Resort amenities including two outdoor pools, private cabanas, and on-property spa services
• Walkable access to Ocean Walk Village and minutes to Tanger and the Speedway
• Direct proximity to the Ocean Center: across the street from championship events

Here, you don't have to choose between holiday energy and coastal calm. Both are just outside your door.

Earn 10,000 bonus Hilton Honors points with our Coastal Rewards package. Book your stay →

November in Daytona Beach: Where the Holidays Begin

The holiday season doesn't wait until December in Daytona Beach. It starts with tree lightings, classic cars, championship basketball, and nights lit up at the Speedway. From the Ocean Center to Daytona International Speedway, the venues that define this city deliver events that feel bigger than the calendar suggests.

At the center of it all is Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Holiday magic, within view of the surf. Championship moments, across the street from your room. Thanksgiving traditions, minutes from the beach.

This is November in Daytona Beach. And this is where you stay.

Ready to book your November getaway? Enjoy FREE parking and breakfast for two with our Park, Eat & Play package. Book now →