Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 10am
Where: North side of US Highway 98

The Destin Christmas Parade has become a cherished tradition in our coastal community. Locals line the street with chairs and blankets, kids collect more candy than Halloween, and every float shines with holiday spirit. The north side of Highway 98 closes as local businesses, organizations, council members and Santa make their way down the parade route. It starts at Destin Methodist Church on Beach Drive and travels west along Highway 98 until it culminates on Stahlman Avenue. The small town feel will make you fall in love with Destin all over again!

Each year has a different theme with 2025 being “Seashells and Sleigh Bells.” The floats often feature festive decorations, twinkling lights, and whimsical holiday scenes, with many participants opting for beach-inspired decor that nod to Destin’s coastal culture. Expect to see everything from Santa Claus arriving on a boat (instead of a sleigh) to local businesses transforming their floats, cars, golf carts and more into creative holiday displays. Local school bands and cheerleading squads also participate, filling the streets with lively music and energetic performances.

Kids love the excitement of seeing Santa and catching items as parade participants toss candy, beads, and small trinkets into the crowd. The parade itself usually lasts for about an hour and a half, making it the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning.

Local Community Involvement

One of the best aspects of the Destin Christmas Parade is its community involvement. The parade is a collaborative effort between local businesses, schools, and organizations, with many groups using the event to raise awareness for charitable causes or simply to spread holiday cheer. It’s not just a parade; it’s a celebration of the people and businesses that make Destin such a wonderful place to live and visit.

Tips for Attending the Destin Christmas Parade

1. Dress for the weather: While the weather in Destin is often mild in December, it’s still a good idea to check the forecast before heading out. Some years it has been 75 degrees and others it has been a chilly 40 degrees.
2. Arrive early: The Destin Christmas Parade is a popular event, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to find a good spot along the parade route.
3. Parking: Parking can fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to find a spot. There are several public parking lots near the parade route, as well as street parking north or Highway 98. Just park wherever you can and walk down to the north side of 98.
4. Bring a bag to collect candy: Your kids will be gathering treats and trinkets, so bring a bag or bucket to collect their goodies!
5. Bring Chairs or a Blanket. The parade lasts about an hour and a half, so bring foldable chairs or a beach blanket if you don’t want to stand that long.

The Destin Christmas Parade is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and holiday joy. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or marching in the parade, this holiday experience is not to be missed! So grab your loved ones, don your festive gear, and get ready for an unforgettable morning of coastal holiday cheer!

Photos taken by Jamie Kamber Photography during the 2024 Destin Christmas Parade