Baytowne on Ice | Now–Feb. 4 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
Dust off those skates and get ready for the holidays at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. Ice rink is open Sunday, Oct. 27 – Sunday, Feb. 4. Hours vary daily. Visit BaytowneWharf.com.
Coastal White Christmas | Nov. 17 | Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Join friends and neighbors on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. for an old-fashioned holiday parade down the Boulevard culminating in the park with holiday music and the lighting of the Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree. Parade concludes with a visit from Santa! Great opportunity to get your family holiday photo with Old Saint Nick. Bring an unwrapped gift to support our local toy drive.
Santa Arrival & 50 ft. Tree Lighting | Nov. 17 | Destin Commons
Kick off the Christmas season on Nov. 17 when Santa rides in the holiday parade down Main Street in Destin Commons to light the biggest Christmas tree on the Emerald Coast. Have fun with free face painting and photo opportunities with Rudolph and Frosty characters, all set to festive holiday tunes. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks will immediately follow.
The Nutcracker | Nov. 17 & 18, 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 19, 2:30 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center Niceville
Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) takes center stage at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Fri. and Sat., Nov. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. for the 44th annual production of The Nutcracker, featuring a cast of more than 140 performers, including international guest artists and over 100 local children. The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will provide musical accompaniment for all public performances. Tickets: www.nfballet.org/the-nutcracker.
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights | Nov. 18 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
Stroll the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf enjoying an evening full of holiday spirit, delicious appetizers and sparkling wine from 4-6 p.m. featuring more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. There’s also plenty of holiday cheer, with carolers and bubbles. End the night with the first tree lighting of the season and a choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights. Tickets: www.baytownesparklingwinefest.com.
Turkey Trot | Nov. 19 | Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Join the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for the 2nd Annual Sandestin Turkey Trot 5K run and 1-mile fun run/ walk on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. Participants are invited to stick around for a post-run tailgate party and a great time for the entire family at the Baytowne Marina at 11 a.m. beers, food, prizes, rewards and the NFL on the big screen. Visit www.sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/sandestinr-turkey-trot to register.
Festival of Trees | Nov. 21-Dec. 25 | Grand Boulevard
The Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin runs Nov. 21 through Christmas Day 2023. Participating non-profit organizations compete to win cash prizes totaling $7,000. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. Festival of Trees is an annual event in the park at Grand Boulevard shopping center showcasing uniquely decorated Christmas trees from 12 local non-profit organizations.
Christmas Reflection Displays | Nov. 24-Dec. 31 | Defuniak Springs
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24-Dec. 31, the City of Defuniak Springs lights up Chipley Park lights with its annual Christmas Reflection Displays, a light display like no other in our area with more than 10 million lights reflecting on the lake and throughout the park. You can view the lights by walking, driving or even taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. A variety of Victorian, animal and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop, and the grandfather clock ticking away are among the thousands of decorations that adorn these historic grounds. Admission is $5 per person and children 5 and under are free. (850) 978-2999.
Santa Arrival | Nov. 25 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
Here Comes Santa Claus, Saturday, Nov. 25, 6-9 p.m. right down Baytowne Lane! Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to light up the Village Christmas Tree. Santa will start his horse drawn carriage journey into Baytowne Wharf at 6 p.m. and parade around the Village. Then he’ll flip a switch to officially light up the Christmas tree for the holiday season. The fireworks light the sky immediately after around 6:15-6:30. There’s also face-painting, kids crafts and, after the fireworks, visits and photos with Santa. Visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Holiday on the Harbor | Nov. 25 | Harborwalk Village
Holiday on the Harbor kicks off every year with Santa’s grand arrival at Harborwalk Village. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at HarborWalk Village beginning Saturday, Nov. 25, at the main stage from 1-4 p.m. Kids will enjoy crafts, face painting and a Rudolph-themed treasure hunt on Santa’s arrival day. All of Santa’s guests will receive a special treat and a free 4-by-6 photo.
Merry Main Street | Nov. 25-Dec. 23 | Defuniak Springs
Main Street DeFuniak Springs brings back Merry Main Street Nov. 25-Dec. 23! Free to attend, Merry Main Street boasts live music and theatrical performances, an outdoor market, food trucks, rides on the Choctaw Express Train, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids character appearances, and more. Events occur 5 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays until Christmas. Visit MainStreetDFS.org.
Polar Express | Nov. 26 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
A holiday favorite, The Polar Express, will be shown Friday, Nov. 26 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Join other movie watchers for this special showing on an LED HD Video Wall on the Events Plaza Lawn at 6 p.m.
Beach Home for the Holidays at Aaron Bessant Park | Nov. 24-26 | Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater
Join in the fun at Aaron Bessant Park November 24 & 25 for carol-themed concerts, a Christmas tree-lighting, s’mores, an appearance by Santa and activities for the kids. Both nights end in magic and cheer with an encore of fireworks! Learn more at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/beach-holiday.
Seaside Turn on the Town! | Nov. 25 | Seaside Amphitheater
Turn On The Town welcomes Santa with the annual tree lighting on Saturday, November 25 from 4-5 p.m.! As the sun sets, it’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities and of course pictures with the jolly-bearded one. Soon, the master of ceremonies asks all the kids to the stage to sing to the crowd of smiling faces, and after jingle bells, the count down begins in unison to “Turn on the Town.” Learn more at
Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market at WaterColor | Nov. 25 | WaterColor Town Center & Cerulean Park
Kick off the season on Saturday, Nov. 25th from 3-9 p.m. with the perfect backdrop for a beautiful night. The holiday extravaganza is complete with with snow, carriage rides around the park, bonfires and s’mores, pictures with Santa, tree lighting, holiday music and a festive winter market. The Winter Market will feature a variety of vendors selling holiday gift ideas of all kinds. This event is open to WaterColor residents, guests and the public and is free of charge. Learn more: www.watercolorresort.com.
Grand Boulevard: Photos with Santa & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | Dec. 1-30
Celebrate the holiday season with Grand Boulevard! Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center every Friday & Saturday night from 5-8 p.m., December 1st – 30th. Take in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a professional photo with Santa while listening to the seasonal sounds of “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Musical Revue from Emerald Coast Theatre Co. Learn more at grandboulevard.com.
Blue Christmas: A Night with Ron Adams at Alaqua | Dec. 1 | Alaqua Animal Refuge
Alaqua Animal Refuge hosts Blue Christmas: A Night with Ron Adams on Friday, December 1st. Concert gates open at 6 p.m. Benefitting Alaqua, enjoy an entertaining evening featuring the famous Elvis impersonator Ron Adams. Purchase tickets at https://secure.givelively.org/event/alaqua-animal-refuge-inc/blue-christmas-a-night-with-ron-adams.
Café Thirty-A Charity Christmas Ball | Dec. 2
Café Thirty-A will host its annual Christmas Charity Ball benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton on Saturday, December 2nd. From 6- 10 p.m., The restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday décor. Attendees will be greeted with a glass of champagne and enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. There will be a DJ, a photo booth, and a professional photographer. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional. The event will boast a large silent auction and raffle with all proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton’s efforts to provide food and financial assistance to local area families and individuals in need. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cafethirtya.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
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