Although Destin may not have snow and freezing temperatures, our coastal community celebrates the holiday season with a variety of events and decor that both visitors and locals look forward to every year. From twinkling lights and traditional parades to visits with Santa and classic carolers, here are some festive things to do in Destin this holiday season:
Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting
Destin Commons
Friday, November 22
Enjoy a magical holiday celebration from 6pm – 8pm with family-friendly activities such as face painting, complimentary photo booth pics, balloon sculpting, Santa’s sleigh and a fireworks show. Plus Santa will be there to light the 50’ Christmas tree! For more festive fun, Jolly Jubilee takes place from November 29 – December 29 and features a variety of live performances including the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Emerald Coast Chorus and more.
Hometown Holiday Parade
Grand Boulevard
Friday, November 22
This festive event begins at 5pm and features an old-fashioned holiday parade down the Boulevard, live holiday music, the lighting of the Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree, and a visit from Santa! You can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, breathtaking lights and beautifully decorated trees as you get a head start on holiday shopping. Click here to learn about more holiday happenings at Grand Boulevard, such as the Festival of Trees and Coastal White Christmas celebrations on Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Saturday, November 23
From 4pm to 6pm, stroll streets lined in twinkling lights and greenery, as you sip a variety of champagnes and taste featured menu items from various Village restaurants. The event also features carolers, 30+ champagnes, delicious appetizers and Baytowne Wharf’s choreographed light show, Nights of Lights. Purchase tickets here.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Seaside
Sunday, November 24
Kick off the holiday season with Ballet Pensacola’s performance of The Nutcracker on the Amphitheater Stage in Seaside. The performance begins at 5pm and seating in the grass is first-come, first-served. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to this complimentary event!
Seaside Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town
Saturday, November 30
The parade will begin in Seagrove Plaza at 3pm and make its way down 30A, spreading cheer as it heads toward Central Square. Gather along the route to watch as festive floats, jolly performers, and Santa light up the afternoon. Stick around for the “Turn on the Town” ceremony at 5pm, when the square and town will be illuminated with dazzling holiday lights. Santa will also be available for photos throughout December, so click here for the full schedule.
Santa’s Arrival & Grand Tree Lighting at HarborWalk Village
Saturday, November 30
Santa will make his grand entrance with a parade beginning at 12:30pm. Stop by from 1pm to 4pm for photos with Santa and holiday performances. Stick around for the Grande Tree Lighting at 4:30pm. Fort Walton Beach Chorus will be singing holiday favorites as you enjoy a delicious drink for the hot chocolate bar. The evening ends with a spectacular firework display over the Destin Harbor at 8pm. Can’t make it to this event? Santa will also be there from 1pm to 4pm on December 1.
Here Comes Santa Claus
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Saturday, November 30
Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to light up the Village Christmas Tree! This free event in Sandestin takes place from 6pm to 9pm and features face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display! The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also be hosting a variety of holiday activities in December including an ice skating rink, light shows, movie nights, visits with Santa and more. Click here for the full calendar.
30A Holiday Market
Peddler’s Pavilion 30A
Thursday, December 5
Located at Peddler’s Pavilion (between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach on 30A), this holiday market takes place from 10am to 5pm and features local artists, makers, and bakers. Support small businesses as you find the perfect gifts. You’ll find ornaments and prints from Destin artist Marilu Morgan!
Scoops with Santa
Pink Coyote in Fort Walton Beach
December 7
Visit Pink Coyote Dessert Co. in Fort Walton Beach from 11am to 1pm to make your holiday season even sweeter! The event will feature photos with Santa, hot cocoa, face painting, build your own bouquets with Beachy Blooms, and dog tag and charm jewelry by The Salty Hut. Donations will benefit unpaid Okaloosa County School lunches.
Seaside Holiday Market
December 7 and 8
Stop by Central Square on Saturday from 9am – 4pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm as local artisans, unique vendors, and festive creators fill the square for your holiday shopping.
Santa Paws
HarborWalk Village
December 8
Calling all pet parents! Bring out your pets for a photo with Santa from 1pm to 4pm. Then stroll the harbor and browse the Bark Street Market featuring local pet goodies such as treats, swag, and more to find the perfect gift for your furry friend!
Destin Christmas Parade
U.S. 98
December 14
In honor of Destin’s 40th birthday this year, the theme for the 40th annual Christmas Parade will be “Flashback to 1984.” Bystanders should stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard (U.S. 98) to watch the parade, which begins at 10am. The parade route begins at the Destin Methodist Church parking lot, travels down Beach Drive, and then west down Harbor Boulevard (U.S. 98) to Stahlman Avenue.
Mistletoe Market
HarborWalk Village
December 14 & 15
With a variety of vendors, gift-wrapping, festive drink samples, and seasonal decor, this is the perfect way to finish up your holiday shopping. The Mistletoe Market will run both days from Noon to 8pm and offer visits with Santa from 1pm to 4pm. On Saturday, December 14 there will also be a Holiday Film Fest Series beginning at 6:30pm and fireworks at 8pm. Sunday, December 15 is the boat parade, which will also culminate in a fireworks show.
Destin Boat Parade
Destin Harbor
Sunday, December 15
One of my favorite holiday traditions is the Destin Boat Parade! Boats big and small are festively decorated with lights and holiday decor as they float down the Destin Harbor. Beginning at Harbor Docks, the parade will travel westward through the Harbor, floating past the various restaurants and docks that line the coast and ending at HarborWalk Village. The boats set sail at 6pm!
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