There’s something extra special about welcoming the holiday season at the beach! Whether you’re a seasoned local or spending your first ever Christmas along the Emerald Coast, there are events and activities all week long to delight both young and old.
Through December 20th | Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents: A Christmas Carol
This thrilling adaptation uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. From Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Barlow’s A Christmas Carol uses nothing more than some simple props, fresh physicality, and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story of redemption. Witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a stingy miser to a man who generously celebrates the spirit of the season all year long, in this highly theatrical adaptation.
Through December 31st | Christmas Reflections 2020
Defuniak Springs Daily from 5:00 to 9:00 PM | $3 per person
More than 10 million lights reflect on to the perfectly round spring-fed lake glowing in holiday splendor. Enjoy a holiday family tradition in DeFuniak Springs, FL as Chipley Park lights up with the annual Christmas Reflection displays. A variety of Victorian, animal and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop, the grandfather clock ticking away are among the thousands of decorations which adorn these historic grounds.
Friday, December 11th | Holiday Movie Night – Outdoor
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at 6:00 PM
Start the holidays out right with an outdoor showing of “It’s A Wonderfull Life”. Free with normal park admission. Bring your chairs or blankets. Social distancing required. Limited to 50 people. Please call the park to reserve your spot. 850.267.8330. Refreshments available. Silent auction for wonderful items!
Saturday, December 12th | The 7th Annual GRAYT SANTA PUB CRAWL
Grayton Beach starting at 2:00 PM
Grab your friends or meet new friends by spreading the holiday “SPIRITS” through Grayton Beach, FL. The GRAYT Santa Pub Crawl hits all the best local bars that beautiful Grayton Beach has to offer.
Saturday, December 12th | 36th Annual Destin Christmas Parade
Destin starting at 10:00 AM
The City of Destin’s 36th annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 10am. This year’s theme is “Joy to the World”. The floats will start at Downtown Destin Shopping Center (Old Time Pottery) and travel west down Harbor Blvd. (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue. Please stand on the north side of Harbor Blvd. to watch the floats.
Saturday, December 12th | Teddy Bear Brunch
The Palms Bistro | Destin
The Bistro dining room will be totally elfed into a Christmas wonderland. Santa and Mrs. Claus, and little elf helpers all around.
Hot chocolate, teddy bears, story time with Mrs. Claus, personally decorated cookies, handwritten letters to Santa, Christmas caroling, photos galore, and an amazing brunch all included in your ticket purchase! PLUS take home your cookies, a novelty mug, canvas tote, and most importantly, amazing memories
Sunday, December 13th | 34th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Lighted Boat Parade
Destin starting at 5:00 PM
The Destin History and Fishing Musem and Margaritaville will be hosting the 34th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the Harbor and the Lighted Boat Parade will start at 6 P.M. Judging will take place at Margari-taville. The fireworks show will begin after the boat parade. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 P.M..
The parade can be viewed from docks, businesses and restaurants from Grand Harbor Con-dominiums to HarborWalk Village. Boats of all sizes and types are invited to register to be in the parade. Thousands of locals and visitors include this event in their holiday celebration.
Saturday, December 19th | Tacky Christmas Sweater Cocktails Class
WaterColor’s Gathering Spot at 8:00 PM
Put on your tackiest Christmas sweater and join us at the hotel’s lobby bar for a holiday-themed cocktail class with your favorite FOOW bartenders! Guests will learn how to create two handcrafted holiday cocktails curated by FOOW’s bartenders, who’ll be providing insights into the spirits used, as well as teaching the basics for building your very own creative holiday libations at home. Open to guests 21+; $40++ per person (includes class, beverages and light fare). Open to the public; in order to seat guests more efficiently, reservations are not accepted. ++Service charge and sales tax not included.
Saturday, December 19th | Winter Wonderland
The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 9:00 – 1:00 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites you to experience some winter magic on Saturday, December 19 from 9:00 a.m. til 1:00 p.m. The Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Slide down an ice slide, make snow angels, and enjoy a day of frosty fun for the whole family.
Come out and stroll The Village of Baytowne Wharf after dark. Beautiful holiday decor and sparkling lights throughout the Village will fill your family with the spirit of Christmas. Baytowne on Ice is open. The Community Broadcasters Ice Skating Pavilion is a 40ft by 60ft ice rink enclosed in a tent at the event plaza of the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin.
Wednesday, December 23rd | Holiday Farmers Market
Rosemary Beach from 9:00 – 1:00 PM
The Rosemary Beach Farmers Market will be open for business on Wednesday, December 23rd & 30th for their Holiday Market beginning at 9AM in addition to their normal Sunday Market.
Thursday, December 24th | Christmas Eve Dinner
Cuvee 30A starting at 4:30 PM
You’re invited to the holiday festivities at Cuvee 30A! Join us for Christmas Eve Dinner from 4:30-7:30pm, Thursday, December 24, 2020. Early reservations are recommended. Book your family’s table now right from your mobile or desktop with the Christmas Eve Reservation Request Form.
Home for the holidays? Deck your dinner plates with Chef Tim Creehan’s cuisine featuring succulent Prime Rib au jus and Roasted Pork with Raspberry Reduction Sauce. Order deadline is December 18th, pickup time is 2-4pm Christmas Eve and 12pm-3pm Christmas Day at 30A Burger, right next door to Cuvee 30A. See the options, customize your meals, and order your family’s easy heat and serve dinner from just $69 at Cuvee30A.com/ChristmasToGo. We do the work, you enjoy the holiday!
Thursday, December 24th | Christmas Eve Dinner
FOOW – Fish Out Of Water starting at 5:00 PM
‘twas the night before Christmas, when all through FOOW, the restaurant was stirring while the chefs cooked for you… Join FOOW in celebrating the last night before Santa arrives with special menu features curated by the restaurant’s Executive Chef, and wind down with family and friends on a special evening – after all, Christmas is prettier on the Gulf! FOOW’s regular dinner menu will be served during this time. Open to the public; in order to seat guests more efficiently, reservations are not accepted.