New Smyrna Beach, FL — November 28, 2025.
Canal Street came alive Friday evening as hundreds of families gathered for the annual Spark the Spirit Tree Lighting, the official kickoff to the holiday season in the Canal Street Historic District. From twinkling lights to Santa’s big entrance, the event delivered everything locals have come to expect — warm smiles, festive energy, and that unmistakable small-town Christmas charm.
show more
The celebration began at 5:00 PM, with Christmas Park filling quickly as the sun dipped behind the historic storefronts. Live entertainment set the tone for the night as local singers and young performers brought holiday classics to life. The energy built all the way to the highlight of the evening — the countdown to the tree lighting. When the switch flipped, the towering Christmas tree burst into color, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
But the moment kids were waiting for came shortly after: Santa’s grand entrance. This year, Santa made his way down Canal Street to a wave of excitement, stopping at Santa’s Work Hub, where young visitors lined up to share their Christmas wishes and snap a photo. Wide eyes and big smiles filled the little holiday workshop, decked out with sparkling decorations that lit up the faces of children and adults alike.
With Canal Street closed to traffic for the evening, families wandered freely through the district, enjoying extended hours from local shops, restaurants, and galleries. From cocoa and cookies to holiday displays in storefront windows, the entire street transformed into a walk-through winter celebration — Florida-style.
For longtime locals, Spark the Spirit remains a favorite tradition, welcoming in the season with community warmth and festive charm. For newcomers, it’s one of the first signs that the holidays in New Smyrna Beach aren’t just celebrated — they’re shared.
A perfect start to Christmas 2025 on Canal Street.
show less
