Community parade, kick-off events added to holiday line-up
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is announcing an impressive line-up of events for this holiday season. Included this year are Grand Boulevard’s signature holiday celebrations, Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration and Hometown Parade, and numerous festive, family-friendly activities. These events are open to the public at no cost.
The schedule will include the return of the popular Festival of Trees – an enchanting charitable tree decorating contest, complimentary photos with Santa, free rides on elegant horse-drawn carriages and the exciting new “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” musical performances by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company.
Grand Boulevard Holiday Schedule of Events:
Friday, November 17, 5 p.m.
Christmas Holiday Lights Kick-off
The Grand Boulevard Town Center will be awash in tens of thousands of brilliant white lights, bringing a magical spirit to the Boulevard. Coastal White Christmas officially begins with the unveiling of the holiday lights and a celebratory parade down the Boulevard featuring the South Walton High School Marching Band, Walton County Tourism Department, Butler Elementary Orff Ensemble, Emerald Coast Theatre Company Dog-Harmony, Destin High School Drumline and Class of 2024, Boy Scout Troop # 562, Walton County Book Mobile and the arrival of Santa Claus! Enjoy faux snow while taking complementary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, refreshments and strolling throughout the Boulevard, taking in the breathtaking lights and beautifully decorated trees, while getting a start on holiday shopping.
Tuesday, November 21 – Sunday, December 25
Festival of Trees Benefitting 12 Local Charities
On Nov. 21 from 4 – 6 p.m., twelve non-profit organizations will decorate a tree 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. The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to enjoy!
December 1 – 30, Fri. and Sat., 5 – 8 p.m.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue & Photos with Santa
Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a complimentary professional photo with Santa while listening to the lively seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “A Christmas Carol” December 8 – 22
From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. For ticket information and performance times: https://www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/
These festive events are part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment Program and have quickly become a tradition among South Walton residents and visitors.
Author: Sowal Editor
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