December is almost here and as winter whispers its arrival, the Emerald Coast embraces the season with open arms, infusing the air with a sense of holiday cheer. Beyond the sun-kissed sands and salty breezes, December brings forth a tapestry of events that reflect the warmth of community spirit against the backdrop of the expansive Gulf waters. From lively holiday markets to dazzling light displays that reflect off the water's edge, our beach community invites residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the magic of the season. Make plans this coming December, where the unique blend of seaside serenity and festive fervor creates an unforgettable experience by the shore.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Tickets can be purchased online at www.cafethirtya.com.
Attendees will be greeted upon arrival with a glass of champagne and enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. There will be a DJ, a commemorative photo booth provided by Epic Photo Co., 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.
Follow Cafe Thirty-A on Facebook or updates, silent auction items coming in, photos and more.
No matter how tacky, itchy, and overly festive some may think Christmas sweaters are, Louis Louis wants to celebrate every inch of green, red, and jingley bells. Deck the halls, don your gay apparel, and get ready to jingle around the clock. It's time to celebrate the customers who keep the restaurant going year-round. Show up in your best Ugly Christmas Sweater to party in Santa Claus style!
Custom skateboards painted by local artists including Allison Wickey, Andy Saczynski, Bradley Copeland, Garrett Spencer, Justin Gaffrey, Katherine Boggs, Lindsay Tobias, Maxine Orange, Nicolaus Seegal and Wes Hinds.
Come out to HarborWalk Village along the Destin Harbor where restaurants, activities and entertainment live year round.
Come out to HarborWalk Village along the Destin Harbor where restaurants, activities and entertainment live year round.
Enjoy a family-fun parade featuring floats, boats, decorated cars and golf carts, local bands, and dance companies. Santa will close the parade with his grand entrance on a fire truck. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag to hold candy and other items thrown along the route.
Advanced tickets required. rbhometour.com.
2023 Charitable Partners are Habitat of Humanity of Walton County and Shelter House of NW Florida.
Stick around and shop the streets of Rosemary Beach while experiencing something special on every turn!
Learn more: rosemarybeach.com
Everyone's invited! Admission fees to the park are waived for the event. Donations to the Friends of Eden are welcome.
Over 2000 luminaries will be lit and placed along the garden paths of the park, giving the public the opportunity to experience the magic of Eden Gardens at nightfall. There will be music and carolers on the grounds throughout the evening, as well as cookies and hot beverages provided by the Friends of Eden Gardens at the Pavilion area.
In keeping with the night’s theme, guests are encouraged to dress in the Prohibition-era. Benefiting Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle, ticket info: TBA
Located on South Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach, visit restaurantparadis.com for menus and more.
Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need. Learn more: alaqua.org
A fireworks show sponsored by HarborWalk Village will light up the sky at the end of the boat parade. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor with the true Destin spirit.
To enter your boat in the parade stop by the Destin History and Fishing Museum or contact the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
REGISTER HERE!
The registration fee includes food, beverages, a golf cart, and a chance to win prizes for course events.
Register at wholelifefitnessfl.com/grayt-santa-pub-crawl
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. HO HO HO!
Learn more and register below:
jollyelf30ahalfmarathon5k.itsyourrace.com
Schedule of Events: TBA
Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events.
Learn more:
seasidefl.com
Enjoy their family friendly evening from 6 - 8PM with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Finish off the family friendly evening with our first fireworks display at 8PM.
Live Entertainment:
5 - 7PM @ Baytowne LIVE Stage || TBD
7PM - 1AM @ Baytowne Events Plaza Stage || TBD
Sunday, December 31st | 7:00 PM - Midnight
7:00 PM | Live Music by Flash Flood
8:00 PM | Fireworks
9:30 PM| The New Royals
MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS & BALL DROP!
On Sunday, December 31, access to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge will be for ticket holders only. Event will be held rain or shine. No refunds due to weather.
LIVE MUSIC
5:35PM | TBA
8:15PM | TBA
For young revelers, there's even an 8 p.m. countdown, with over 10,000 inflated beach balls dropped from nets stretched over the street, followed by fireworks. This FREE event is family friendly and a lot of fun!
On the way to midnight, bands perform for the gathering crowd, anticipating the countdown to 2023 when a huge, glowing beach ball is lowered to signal the start of the New Year, and another great fireworks display. Time Square has nothing on this Panama City Beach NYE party!
Learn more:
2023 New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
