There are many holiday celebrations, tree lightings and Santa arrivals around 30A and South Walton starting in November. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Baytowne On Ice Now – Feb. 8
Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, our seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open October 31st – February 8th. Hours vary daily. Skaters must be at least 3 years of age and fit into appropriately sized skates. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent or adult family member. baytownewharf.com
Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade And Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration Nov. 22
Thousands upon thousands of brilliant white lights and an expansive celebratory parade featuring the South Walton High School Marching Band, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Destin High School, Dog-Harmony, Santa Claus and more. The fun starts at 5 p.m. grandboulevard.com
Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting at Destin Commons Nov. 22
A magical holiday celebration for all ages from 6-8 p.m., with face painting, complimentary photo booth, balloon sculpting, Santa’s sleigh, and a fireworks finale. destincommons.com
Northwest Florida Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Nov. 22-24
The 45th annual production of the classic seasonal fairytale, and the only full-length version presented on the Emerald Coast. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children ages 12 and under. Located at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Showtimes 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Purchase tickets online. nfballet.org
Rosemary Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 24
Don’t miss the excitement as we “turn on the town!” starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy musical performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers; see Santa’s big arrival and the lighting of the tree. Then enjoy a carriage ride throughout the festive town. rosemarybeachfl.org
Alys in Winter Wonderland Nov. 29
Embrace the magic of the season at Alys in Winter Wonderland! Bring the whole family to the Alys Beach Amphitheatre 4-8 p.m. to enjoy holiday-themed activities like cookie decorating, face painting, and airbrush tattoos (some activities may include costs). Children can write letters to Santa and pose for photos with him, making lasting holiday memories. Bring a blanket or low-back chair to settle in for a special holiday concert and the lighting of Alys Beach’s magnificent Christmas tree. alysbeach.com
Seaside Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town Nov. 30
Kick off the holiday season with Seaside’s joyful Holiday Parade! Starting at 3 p.m. in Seagrove Plaza, the parade will make its merry way down 30A, spreading cheer as it heads toward Central Square. Gather along the route to watch as festive floats, jolly performers, and a special guest from the North Pole light up the afternoon. Join us for this beloved tradition, and celebrate the spirit of the season in the heart of Seaside. Stay for the magic that follows — at 5 p.m. as the Turn on the Town ceremony takes place as Santa himself lights up SEASIDE®, illuminating the square and town with dazzling holiday lights. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition. seasidefl.com
Here Comes Santa Claus at The Village of Baytowne Wharf Nov. 30
Here comes Santa Claus right down Baytowne Lane! Cheer Santa on 6-9 p.m. as he makes his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to lights up the Village Christmas Tree! Enjoy face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display. baytownewharf.com
Santa’s Arrival at Harborwalk Village Nov. 30
Mr. Ho-ho-ho hits the Destin Harbor, with a parade at 12:30 p.m., followed by visits with the kiddos and a special holiday performance from 1 to 4 p.m. emeraldgrande.com
Kick-Off for Grand Boulevard Festival of Trees Benefiting Local Charities Dec. 3
Join in the fun from 4-6:30 p.m. for The Festival of Trees Kick-Off, where 18 non-profit organizations will decorate trees and compete to win cash prizes totaling $8,500, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners. Held on National Day of Giving, join the fun and vote for your favorite tree to win the People’s Choice Award. The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to enjoy! grandboulevard.com
Village of Baytowne Wharf Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa Dec. 4-18
Visit with St. Nick and share your holiday wishlist! Visit Baytowne December 4th, 11th, and 18th from 6-8 p.m. for a Holiday Concert and Visits with Santa. PLUS, Visit with Santa from 5-7 p.m. during Tuba Christmas Dec. 14th! baytownewharf.com
Grand Boulevard Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides! “Rock Around The Christmas Tree” Music Revue! Photos With Santa! Dec. 6-28
Enjoy complimentary carriage rides while soaking in the Coastal White Christmas Lights and Festival of Trees display. Seasonal sounds provided by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. grandboulevard.com
Grand Boulevard Holiday Open House and Walkabout Dec. 7
Enjoy holiday specials and promotions from Grand Boulevard merchants and restaurants while vying for “Taste of Grand Boulevard” prize baskets valued at more than $1,000 a pop. grandboulevard.com
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce Of 1914” Dec. 8-22
Christmas 1914. All quiet on the Western Front, then a song, kicking off an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. This is the true story of soldiers laying down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together, based on firsthand accounts from the soldiers who lived through it. Located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach. Showtimes 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays, and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, Field Trips Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online. emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Photos with Santa in Seaside Dec. 13-19
Capture the magic of the season with Photos with Santa 4-6 p.m. in Seaside’s enchanting Christmas Village (Pop-Up District) for a festive, picture-perfect experience where Santa himself will be waiting to hear your holiday wishes. The photos are complimentary, so bring the whole family and create lasting memories in our winter wonderland. Don’t miss this joyful holiday tradition in Seaside! seasidefl.com
