Turkey Trots, Santa Claus, Tree Lightings, Parades, & Food!

30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach 

 

Did you know Santa Claus is a big fan of the Emerald Coast? It’s true! Each year the man in the red suit kicks off his busiest time with a visit to 30A, Destin, and Panama City Beach. We can’t say we blame him—there’s nothing better than the beach, no matter the time of year!

 

Scenic 30A transforms into a twinkling Winter wonderland with decorated Christmas trees and holiday lights, while Destin stays true its fishing village history with a beloved boat parade. Panama City Beach has a fabulous two-day event to usher in the Christmas season, and historic DeFuniak Springs displays more than 10 million lights!

There’s even a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge!

 

So what are you doing? Let’s make plans to visit this holiday season!

November
 

Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration
Nov 22
5-8 PM
Grand Boulevard

Join our annual old-fashioned holiday parade down the Boulevard! The parade culminates in Grand Park with holiday music, the lighting of the Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree, and a visit from Santa Claus.


Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
Nov. 23
4-6 PM
Baytowne Wharf

Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights will take place on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf and feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf's choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights.
 

The Nutcracker at Seaside Amphitheatre Act II
Nov. 24
5 PM
Seaside

Join Ballet Pensacola for a performance of a national holiday tradition, the Nutcracker, based on the critically acclaimed Russian ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. This timeless tradition is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets; seating in the grass is first-come, first-served. This event is complimentary and open to the public.
 

30A 10K
Nov. 28
Rosemary Beach

Now in its 12th year, this popular race has donated more than $550,000 to local charities! And don’t worry if you’re not quite ready for a 10K; there is also a 5K and a 1-mile fun run. 
Held Thanksgiving morning, the 30A 10K is a great way to give back to the community and do something a little different with family and friends. 
 

Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Cuvee 30A
Nov. 28
11 AM-2:30 PM
30Avenue

Enjoy Thanksgiving with Cuvee 30A’s mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day Buffet menu featuring Chef Tim Creehan’s scrumptious Louisiana Fried Turkey and an appetizing array of traditional trimmings, side dishes, and desserts.
 

Thanksgiving Buffet Cruise
Nov. 28
12-2:30 PM and 6-8:30 PM
Baytowne Marina

Cruise along the Choctawhatchee Bay this Thanksgiving as your family enjoys a buffet aboard the Solaris Yacht. The dinner will include carved meats, vegetables, sides, and Chef’s dessert. The 125′ Solaris is located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at the Baytowne Marina.
 

Rosemary Beach Tree Lighting
Nov. 29
Rosemary Beach

Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Rosemary Beach’s town square. Carolers stroll beneath twinkling lights as Santa Claus lights the Christmas tree! Afterwards, enjoy a carriage ride through town!


Alys in Winter Wonderland
Nov. 29
4 PM
Alys Beach

Join Santa for cookie decorating and Holiday cheer! Cookies to decorate will be available for purchase in Central Park, two cookies for $5. Unwrapped children’s toys will be accepted for donation to a local Angel Tree Program, and nonperishable, non-glass food items will be accepted for Food For Thought Outreach Inc.
 

Beach Home for the Holidays
Nov. 29-30
Aaron Bessant Park

Enjoy incredible live concerts, s’mores, pictures by Santa’s Village, a holiday movie, visits with Santa Claus, and fireworks each night! Friday night's events include a performance of The Nutcracker by the Panama City Ballet and a performance by the all-vocal country group, Home Free. On Saturday, watch a holiday movie and then relax to the sounds of the Panama City Symphony Orchestra. 
 

Christmas Reflections
Nov. 29-Dec. 31
Historic DeFuniak Springs

Enjoy more than 10 million lights reflecting off Lake DeFuniak, a perfectly round spring-fed lake surrounded by Victorian-era homes. On select nights, a holiday market and a Festival of Trees are held. On the weekends, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus visit and are available for photos!

Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market
Nov. 30
3-9 PM
WaterColor

Enjoy the annual Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market in WaterColor’s Town Center & Cerulean Park. This event is a holiday extravaganza complete with artificial snow, carriage rides around the park, bonfires and s'mores, pictures with Santa, a tree lighting, holiday music, and a Winter market full of gifts and tastes of the season. This event is open to the public and free of charge.


Seaside Turn on the Town! Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Nov. 30
3-5:30 PM

It all begins with the highly anticipated return of the holiday parade at 3 PM, where Santa and friends make their way down 30A from Seagrove to Seaside, spreading holiday cheer to all. Once Santa arrives, he will countdown to the tree and town lighting, followed by complimentary photos with him as festive carolers, face-painting, and more holiday activities entertain guests of all ages!


Grayt Jackalope 10 & 5-Miler
Nov. 30
7-11 AM
Beach Camp Brewpub & Grayton Beach State Park

Registration for the Grayt Jackalope 10 & 5-Miler is open! The race will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30, at Grayton Beach State Park, with packet pick-up and awards festivities at Beach Camp Brewpub. To register, click here.

 

December
 

Christmas Reflections
Dec.1-Dec. 31
Historic DeFuniak Springs

Enjoy more than 10 million lights reflecting off Lake DeFuniak, a perfectly round spring-fed lake surrounded by Victorian-era homes. On select nights, a holiday market and a Festival of Trees are held. On the weekends, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus visit and are available for photos!


Festival of Trees
Dec. 3-25
Grand Boulevard

The annual Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees from 12 local non-profits. The trees remain for the public to enjoy through Christmas. Come learn about these amazing organizations.
 

Coastal White Christmas
Dec. 6-28
Grand Boulevard

‘Tis the season! The Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree will light up the Boulevard and spread holiday cheer for all to savor. Enjoy a musical review by Emerald Coast Theatre Company, take your photo with Santa Claus, and ride in a horse-drawn carriage down the Boulevard.
 

Eden Gardens Christmas Luminaries
Dec. 7
5-8 PM
Eden Gardens State Park

The grounds of beautiful Eden Gardens State Park will be lined with more than 2,000 luminaries so the public can enjoy the magic of Eden Gardens at night. The Friends of Eden Gardens hosts the event and invites the public to enjoy live music, carolers, cookies, and hot beverages. Christmas decorations inside the Wesley House may be viewed during regular park hours, Thursdays through Mondays.
 

DwightFest
Dec. 7 & 8
10 AM-9 PM
Gulf Place

DwightFest is a two-day non-profit music festival created to give back to those who make our paradise possible. Named and founded in honor of local pottery artist Dwight Ward, proceeds from DwightFest will benefit local service workers and musicians who need emergency financial assistance. Performances by Paul Thorn & Joanna Cotten plus their bands, along with 13 other other acts, are scheduled! Food trucks, beverage stations & merchandise will be onsite.


Music and Visits with Santa
Dec. 4, 11, & 18
The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Visit The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a holiday music concert that ends with a visit with Santa Claus.

 

Tuba Christmas with Santa Claus
Dec. 14
5-7 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf

You won’t be able to stop smiling at this quirky Christmas concert! Enjoy Christmas music performed by, you guessed it, tubas! And then let Santa Claus know what’s on the list this year.

 

Destin Boat Parade
Dec. 15
6 PM
Destin Harbor

The 38th Annual Holiday Boat Parade lights up Destin Harbor features boats adorned with festive lights and decorations. The parade kicks off near Boshamps Restaurant, with beautifully decorated boats cruising past AJs, HarborWalk Village, and heading towards the Destin Bridge and Norriego Point. The evening culminates with a dazzling fireworks display over the harbor, followed by an energetic fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe on the Main Stage.
 

Countdown Seaside
Dec. 31
4-9 PM
Seaside

Celebrate the end of 2022 in Seaside with a family-friendly event that includes free kids' activities, a DJ, and a fireworks extravaganza over the Gulf. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and arrive early for the best spot!
 

Baytowne Countdown
Dec. 31
Fireworks at 6 PM-Midnight
The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Enjoy a family-friendly evening from 6-8 PM with face painting, kids' activities, and music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Then, at 8 PM, enjoy a fireworks display. Guests 21 and older (or 20 and younger and accompanied by a legal guardian) can dance until 1 AM and end the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show.
 

Baytowne Countdown's Drone Spectacular
Dec. 31
10 PM-Midnight
Events Plaza

Turn your eyes to the sky during the Baytowne Countdown celebration for an eye-catching drone light show! Watch as 150 drones light up the night sky over the lagoon with swimming dolphins, shooting stars, and much more! 
 

Beach Ball Drop
Dec. 31
8 PM and Midnight
Pier Park

Ring in 2025 with thousands at one of the most popular New Year’s Eve countdowns on the Emerald Coast. An enormous beach ball drops at a family-friendly 8 PM, with 10,000 inflated beach balls falling from above and a fireworks display. The giant beach ball drops for the official countdown at midnight, accompanied by live concerts and a second fireworks display.
NYE Beach Ball Drop

 

 

January
 

Polar Bear Plunge
Jan. 1

Get your adrenaline pumping with a cold dip in the Gulf for a great cause! It’s a refreshing way to kick off the new year. The South Walton Fire District hosts the popular Polar Bear Plunge at the Ed Walline Regional Beach Access to raise money for local causes.