Such a wasted opportunity. Downtown DeLand could become an actual destination for Christmas shoppers from around a large area with a little creativity. It is actually a PRIME downtown area for the following..

All or most of the shops downtown have display windows, and the older amongst us can remember when the whole family would make a special trip downtown to see the shops unveil their Christmas windows. Small crowds in front of the windows ooohing and ahhhing at the animated displays of toy shops with Santa and the elves, or skaters on a mirror pond, or the toy train with tracks around the Christmas tree.

Business owners.. try to outdo each other with your displays and everyone wins. Don't beg us for our business, give us a reason to be there. Families would absolutely LOVE this and probably wouldn't mind spending a little more.

You have to be willing to be open when people want to shop.. which is not during the day.