Spending the Christmas holidays on 30A or South Walton? You’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate around the Emerald Coast!
Night of Lights at Baytowne Wharf Now-Dec. 31
Enjoy a festival light show in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. There will be three dazzling shows on the Village Christmas Tree and Event Plaza at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. baytownewharf.com
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
Village of Baytowne Wharf Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa Dec. 11 & 18
Visit with St. Nick and share your holiday wishlist! Visit Baytowne December 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! Now-Dec. 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
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
Grinchmas at The Village of Baytowne Wharf Dec. 13
During this holiday season, put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One on December 13th! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity from 5-7p.m., then enjoy a movie showing of The Grinch starting at 7pm. FREE! baytownewharf.com
The REP: Every Christmas Story Ever Told Dec. 13-15 and 18-23
Back for its 14th year, The REP Theatre’s holiday smash hit, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, returns with all of your favorite Beloved Holiday Classics packed into a show full of high-energy jolly and hilarity! Three REP actors, armed with a bazillion props and costumes, send up everything from Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss to Jimmy Stewart and Chewbacca in this ever-evolving REP favorite.
Grab your chairs and pick your perfect spot in front of the Seaside Post Office on Central Square for the magical holiday tradition of Every Christmas Story Ever Told in Downtown Seaside. This special outdoor showing will take place at 11 a.m. This is a complimentary, non-ticketed event thanks to The Seaside Merchants. lovetherep.com
Santa’s Camp Christmas at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Dec. 13-14
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to join them for Santa’s Camp Christmas in the park on Friday, December 13th from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, December 14th from 3-8 p.m. Celebrate the season with lots of activities for the kids, crafts, music, and food for all! Topsy’s Polar Express will take you past Santa’s Workshop to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole! Trams run until 7 p.m. each night.
Brunch with Santa at Old Florida Fish House Dec. 14 & 21
Bring the kids out for Brunch with Santa at Old Florida Fish House from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your magical Santa memories. Celebrate this festive time Old Florida style as you and your tiny crew enjoy an afternoon full of Christmas music and more. To make a reservation, please call (850) 534-3045. www.oldfloridafishhouse.com
Merry Main Street DeFuniak Springs: Mistletoe Market Dec. 14 & 21
Find your unique holiday gifts or a sweet treat as you stroll along Baldwin Avenue 3-8 p.m., featuring an outdoor market with a variety of artisans lining the street paired with Santa and character visits. www.MainStreetDFS.org
Destin Boat Parade at Destin Harbor Dec. 15
The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the Destin Boat Parade on Sunday, December 15. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. at Harbor Docks where boats festively decorated with holiday lights and décor line-up and begin floating past the various restaurants and docks that line the coast, ending at Harborwalk Village. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor. This year’s theme, in keeping with the celebration of Destin’s 40th anniversary, is “Christmas in the 1980s.” destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
Holiday Farmers Market at Grand Boulevard December 21, 24, 28 & 31
The most wonderful time of the year will soon be here, and Grand Boulevard invites you to enjoy their special Holiday Farmers’ Market. This festive event is set to take place on December 21, 24, 28 & 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Grand Park. grandboulevard.com
Baytowne Countdown | NYE Dec. 31
After a full season of holiday magic, ring in the New Year at Baytowne Countdown | NYE from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.—The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-the-year celebration! It’s an evening to remember with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy fun for kids and kids at heart from 6-8 p.m. with face painting, kids’ activities and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. But, the fun doesn’t stop there! Dance the night away with live music from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. featuring DJ QMoney on the Baytowne Live Stage and Party Feels on the Events Plaza Stage. End the night with a spectacular, midnight fireworks show. There is no better place to ring in 2025! Those age 20 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10 p.m. baytownewharf.com
Baytowne Countdown’s Drone Spectacular Celebration Dec. 31
On New Year’s Eve, turn your eyes to the sky at 10 p.m. and midnight during the Baytowne Countdown’s Drone Spectacular celebration. You’ll marvel at the eye-catching drone light show! Watch as 150 drones light up the night sky over the lagoon with swimming dolphins, shooting stars, and much more! baytownewharf.com
