The holidays are just around the corner, and we’ve put together a selection of the best on offer, sure to get you humming Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy on repeat.
Friday, November 14
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Holiday Makers Market – Shop the Holiday Makers Market at Alys Beach Amphitheatre. There will be live music, treats and refreshments available for purchase, and photos with Santa will be available at select times.
Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Holiday Makers Market – Shop the Holiday Makers Market at Alys Beach Amphitheatre. There will be live music, treats and refreshments available for purchase, and photos with Santa will be available at select times.
Friday, November 21
5 p.m. Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration – In addition to the Hometown Holiday Parade, there will be several family-friendly activities to celebrate the holiday season such as horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, live entertainment and holiday lights and decorations.
7:30 p.m. The Nutcracker at Mattie Kelly Arts Center – The Northwest Florida Ballet will perform the only full-length version of this holiday classic, featuring more than 140 performers, with international guests and artists and over 100 local children. Music will be provided by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Tickets can be purchased online at nfballet.org or calling the box office at (850) 729-6000.
Saturday, November 22
4 – 6 p.m. Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights at Baytowne – Kick off the holiday season at Baytowne Wharf with more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. Enjoy carolers and a choreographed light show.
7:30 p.m. The Nutcracker at Mattie Kelly Arts Center – The Northwest Florida Ballet will perform the only full-length version of this holiday classic featuring more than 140 performers, with international guests and artists and over 100 local children. Music will be provided by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Tickets can be purchased online at nfballet.org or calling the box office at (850) 729-6000.
Sunday, November 23
7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Sandestin Turkey Trot – The Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. at the Baytowne Marina. There will be a post-run tailgate at 11 a.m. with beer, food, prizes and NFL football on the big screen. You can register for the race at SanDestin
2:30 p.m. The Nutcracker at Mattie Kelly Arts Center – The Northwest Florida Ballet will perform the only full-length version of this holiday classic featuring more than 140 performers, with international guests and artists and over 100 local children. Music will be provided by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Tickets can be purchased online at nfballet.org or calling the box office at (850) 729-6000.
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Nutcracker Ballet at Seaside – Ballet Pensacola will perform Act III of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Seaside Amphitheater. Low-back chairs and blankets are allowed. The performance is free.
Thursday, November 27
7 a.m. 30A Thanksgiving Day Race & Fun Run – This annual charity race will take place at Rosemary Beach and will feature a 10K, 5K and 1 mile run/walk. Registration is available at www.30a10k.com3
Friday, November 28, 2025
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Beach Home for the Holidays – Join in the holiday festivities at Aaron Bessant Park with S’mores, live music, Santa’s Village, a holiday movie, The Nutcracker performed by The Panama City Ballet, the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and fireworks.
Saturday, November 29, 2025
3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Beach Home for the Holidays – Enjoy holiday festivities at Aaron Bessant in Panama City Beach with s’mores, Santa’s Village, a holiday movie, and performances by the Panama City Symphony Orchestra and the Panama City Ballet.
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Seaside Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town – The parade will start at 3 pm. and will travel along 30A from Seagrove to Seaside. Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree will follow. There will be photos with Santa in the Christmas Village from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. DeFuniak Springs Mistletoe Market – At the outdoor Mistletoe Market, you can enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow machines, delicious treats, and more along Baldwin Avenue between S. 7th and S. 8th Streets.
3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market – Visit WaterColor’s Town Center and Cerulean Park for snow, carriage rides, bonfires, s’mores, pictures with Santa, a tree lighting, holiday music and a winter market.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Baytowne Wharf Here Comes Santa Claus – Santa will make his way to the Event Plaza Lawn at The Village of Baytowne Wharf to Light up the Village Christmas Tree. There will also be face-painting, kids crafts, and fireworks.
Sunday, November 30, 2025
6 p.m. Baytowne Wharf Movie Night: The Polar Express – The Village of Baytowne Wharf will be showing The Polar Express at the Events Plaza Lawn. Low-back chairs and blankets are allowed.
11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Ambrosia 30A at Watersound Town Center – Enjoy offerings from their Thanksgiving menu including salad, a traditional turkey dinner, prime ribeye, Red Snapper, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cornbread stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Book a reservation with Resy or call (850) 909-0100.
