December in the beach community of Destin and 30A is a magical time when seasonal cheer meets coastal beauty, and we're your go-to guide for all the festive fun. This month, the area comes alive with events like the Annual Destin Boat Parade, where the spirit of the season takes center stage, and the Baytowne Holiday Light Show, a dazzling display that enchants visitors of all ages. Enjoy unique traditions like Seaside Holiday Market, offering handcrafted gifts and treats, or gather for the community-favorite Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes. For a family outing, don’t miss the chance to ice skate at Baytowne on Ice. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the water or strolling through twinkling lights, the events in our community ensure a December full of joy and unforgettable coastal charm.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Baytowne Wharf Holiday Family Movie Night
When: Sunday, December 1st
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin, FL
Gather in the Events Plaza Lawn at The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a holiday family movie night. Watch The Polar Express on Sunday, December 1st at 6pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Come 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. Holiday festivities are going on during Thanksgiving week and through December.
Caymus 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner & Benefit at Pescado
When: Thursday, December 5th
Where: Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar will be collaborate with Children's Volunteer Health Network for a Charity Wine Dinner to Celebrate Caymus Vineyards 50th Anniversary on Thursday, December 5th from 6-9PM.
PURSCHASE TICKETS today! Cocktail Hour - 6pm | Dinner - 7pm. 20% of all proceeds made from the dinner and all proceeds made from the silent auction will be donated to CVHN to help support children of Walton and Okaloosa County.
This highly anticipated event will feature an exquisitely crafted four-course dinner by Chef Brendan Wakeham, each dish expertly paired with wines from the renowned Caymus Vineyards. We will start the night with a reception over looking the Emerald Coast.
Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and provides extraordinary service and cuisine. Read more and see photos at SoWal Dining Guide | Pescado. Learn more: rooftop30a.com
CAA Winter Social
When: Thursday, December 5th
Where: Watersound Village Market Cafe | 30A, FL
Join the Cultural Arts Alliance on Thursday, December 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. for an artful holiday gathering at Watersound Village Market Cafe as they celebrate YOU - the members and supporters as well as more than three decades of fostering creativity in our community!
Mingle in a festive atmosphere with fellow artists and arts enthusiasts while enjoying live music, light bites and a cash bar as the CAA recognizes the Volunteers of the Year, Arts Educator of the Year, Arts Partner of the Year and more.
Whether you've been with the CAA for years or are new to the community, they can't wait to show their appreciation. Bring a guest and join for a night of creative camaraderie and fun.
Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: Rosemary Beach | 30A, FL
Mark your calendars for the Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 11am - 5pm in the community of Rosemary Beach. Rosemary Beach Realty & Cottage Rental Company have selected stunning homes, decorated in their finest for this self-guided walking tour that's guaranteed to get you into the Holiday spirit.
Advanced tickets required. www.rbhometour.com.
2024 Charitable Partners are Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring and Sharing of South Walton.
Gingerbread House Decorating at The Pearl Hotel
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: The Pearl Hotel | 30A, FL
Join the Pearl Hotel for Gingerbread House Decorating Fun on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11AM. Engage in this timeless holiday tradition and celebrate the season in style as you craft your own gingerbread masterpiece, all while enjoying holiday finger foods. Capture the magic of the moment with a cherished photo opportunity alongside Santa himself. And for the adults, enjoy the festive spirit with holiday cocktails available for purchase.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport, FL
Celebrate the season at Alaqua Animal Refuge as they host a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 4pm. Wander through rows of unique vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan crafts, and delectable treats. Visit the Winter Wonderland section, where enchantment awaits around every corner.
Tickets: Adults $10 | Children $5
The annual Alaqua Holiday Bazaar is the perfect place to embrace the joy of the holidays and find something special for everyone to treasure this season!
Grand Boulevard Holiday Open House & Shop-About
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: Grand Boulevard | Miramar Beach, FL
Celebrate the season at Grand Boulevard's Holiday Open House & Shop-About. Take advantage of holiday specials and promotions from Grand Boulevard retailers and restaurants from Noon - 5PM on Saturday, December 7. Stop by Grand Park to pick up your treasure map and register to win fabulous prize baskets that include gifts from participating businesses.
Throughout the season, the Grand Boulevard Town Center will be awash in tens of thousands of beautiful white lights, bringing a festive spirit to the Boulevard. Stroll the Boulevard and vote for your favorite tree at the Festival of Trees. Enjoy complementary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment and more!
Grand Boulevard Coastal White Christmas
Dec. 3 @ 4 - 6:30PM | Festival of the Trees Kick-Off
Dec. 7 @ 12 - 5PM | Holiday Open House & Walk-About
Dec. 6 - 28, Fri & Sat @ 5 - 8PM | ECTC Musical Revue, Photos with Santa, & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Dec. 8 - 22, Dates & Times Vary | ECTC All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Café Thirty-A Charity Christmas Ball
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: Café Thirty-A | 30A, FL
Café Thirty-A will host its annual Christmas Charity Ball benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton on Saturday, December 7th. From 6- 10 p.m., the restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday décor.
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 for updates, silent auction items coming in, photos and more.
Eden Gardens Christmas Candlelight Open House & Luminaries
When: Saturday, December 7th
Where: Eden Gardens State Park | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Eden Gardens will once again illuminate the park for an evening that has become a local holiday tradition. The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park invite the public to the Christmas Candlelight Open House throughout the park grounds on Saturday, December 7th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In keeping with the style of the Wesley House, this year’s theme for decorating the rooms and exterior will be a Victorian Christmas. 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 and the House will be open and the decorated trees lit for the event, giving the public the opportunity to experience the magic of Eden Gardens at nightfall. The Friends of Eden will provide live music, cookies and hot beverages.
DwightFest at Gulf Place
When: December 7-8th
Where: Gulf Place | 30A, FL
DwightFest, a non-profit 2-day music festival created for giving back to those who make our paradise possible, is set for Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. Performances by Paul Thorn & Joanna Cotten + their bands, along with 13 other acts. Food trucks, beverage stations & merchandise will be onsite for your enjoyment.
Get Your Tickets Now! All tickets are weekend passes only. No day passes available. Ticket prices will increase on the days of the festival. Choose from VIP tickets which include covered, upfront seating + a chair or General Admission tickets which do not include covered, upfront seating & you’ll need to bring your own chair.
DwightFest
Saturday, December 7: 10AM - 9PM
Sunday, December 8: 11AM - 7:45PM
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.
To view the full lineup and learn about DwightFest Inc, visit dwightfest.com. Follow DwightFest on Facebook and social sites for updates and more!
Seaside Holiday Market
When: December 7-8th
Where: Seaside's Central Square | 30A, FL
The most wonderful time of the year will soon be here, and Seaside is thrilled to welcome you to the Seaside Holiday Market! This festive two-day event is set to take place on December 7 and December 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Seaside's Central Square. Local artisans, unique vendors, and festive creators will fill the square for your holiday shopping.
In addition to the existing shopping and dining experiences available, several Seaside merchants will also be hosting Holiday Market pop-ups with unique holiday-themed offerings.
What a wonderful time of year to enjoy the beautiful festive lights and events throughout the holidays in Seaside!
Santa Paws at AJ's Grayton Beach
When: Sunday, December 8th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach | 30A, FL
Calling all dog-lovers! Santa will be on site at AJ's Grayton Beach on Sunday, Dec. 8th from 11AM till 3PM visiting with all his furry friends. Bring your fur pups for brunch in their outdoor courtyard and get their photo taken with Santa. Enjoy Tito’s Drink specials, live music with Christian Birge Duo, and grab some Tito’s swag for your favorite fur baby from the Tito’s team.
Joining in all the fun, Road Dogg Rescue will provide information on how you can adopt or foster this holiday season.
Winter Wonder Watersound
When: Sunday, December 8th
Where: Watersound Town Center | 30A, FL
Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Wonder Watersound in The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center on Sunday, December 8 from 1-7PM. Enjoy a meet and greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus, an Improv Show from The Rep Theatre, carolers, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and more! End the day with a viewing of a holiday favorite: “Elf.” This event is FREE and open to the public.
Current Schedule:
1 PM – 3 PM: Visit with Santa & Mrs. Clause
1 PM – 3 PM: Carolers performing holiday favorites
3 PM – 5 PM: Balloon Artist & Face Painter
3:30 PM: Improv Show from The Repertory Theatre
4:15 PM: Live Music from Weston T. Hine
5PM: ELF Film Screening
Baytowne Wharf GRINCHMAS
When: Friday, December 13th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin, FL
During this holiday season, put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One on Friday, December 13th at Baytowne Wharf! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity from 5-7pm, then enjoy a movie showing of The Grinch starting at 7pm. Don't miss out on this Who-liday spectacular! All events are free and open to the public.
Come 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. Holiday festivities are going on during Thanksgiving week and through December.
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Hotel Effie Ovide
When: Saturday, December 14th
Where: Hotel Effie | Sandestin, FL
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection invites you to join them at their signature restaurant, Ovide on Saturday, December 14 for a magical morning with Santa and Mrs. Claus! From 9 AM–12 PM, enjoy a special visit from the North Pole’s most beloved couple. Indulge in the popular breakfast and brunch menu while capturing festive moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus—perfect for your Christmas photos. Every child receives a delightful gift.
Don’t miss this festive feast—reserve your table now! Reservations: https://www.opentable.com/r/ovide-hotel-effie-miramar-beac
40th Annual Destin Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, December 14th
Where: Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue | Destin, FL
The 40th annual Destin Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 10AM. This year’s theme is “Flashback to 1984”. The floats will begin at Destin Methodist Church and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue.
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.
Spectators are asked to stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard to watch the parade.
Destin Boat Parade
When: Sunday, December 15th
Where: Destin Harbor | Destin, FL
The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the Destin Boat Parade on Sunday, December 15. The celebration begins at 6PM at Harbor Docks where boats festively decorated with holiday lights and décor line-up and begin floating past the various restaurants and docks that line the coast, ending at Harborwalk Village. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor with the true Destin spirit.
Registration for the parade is just $25 through the Destin History & Fishing Museum. There will be a captain's meeting prior to the parade at The Edge.
HarborWalk Village events: Live music and holiday themed vendors and events sponsored by HarborWalk Village will add to the festive atmosphere.
Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
When: Monday, December 16th
Where: Burnt Pine Golf Club | Sandestin, FL
Join the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce on Monday, December 16 for the Annual Golf Classic, at Burnt Pine Golf Club in Miramar Beach, FL. Registration begins at 8AM and a shotgun start will kick off the tournament at 9AM.
Register online Annual Golf Classic or email [email protected].
This year's tournament will feature all the great perks you're used to, plus a few new unforgettable additions. The registration fee includes food, beverages, a golf cart, and a chance to win prizes for course events. Stick around after the tournament for the 19th Hole Celebration.
Idyll Hounds Ugly Sweater Party
When: Monday, December 23rd
Where: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Tis the Season! Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Monday, December 23 from 5PM - 10PM. Celebrate with specialty beers, entertainment, ugly sweater contest and more!!
DJ Frost will be in the building spinning some absolutely jolly jams from 6-9pm. Cousins Maine Lobster will be onsite to feed you from 4-8pm. Sweater Judging will start at 6pm. Winners will be chosen by 8pm.
No matter how tacky, itchy, and overly festive some may think Christmas sweaters are, Idyll Hounds wants to celebrate every inch of green, red, and jingley bells.
Alys Beach Noon Year's Eve Party
When: Tuesday, December 31st
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Ring in the New Year a little early at the Alys Beach Noon Year’s Eve Party. Join on Tuesday, December 31st, from 10AM to 12PM in the Amphitheatre for a festive celebration the whole family will enjoy. Dance along to live music from Big City Rhythm, get creative with fun crafts (available for purchase), enjoy face painting, and capture moments in the photo booth. At noon, welcome 2025 in style with an exciting T-shirt drop. This event is free and open to the public.
NYE Celebration: College Football and Beach Ball Drop!
When: Tuesday, December 31st
Where: The Big Chill | 30A, FL
Join us as we ring in 2025 with a family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration!
We’ll have something for the everyone in the family this year with college football bowl games on the Jumbotron, an early NYE countdown & beach ball drop! The Beach Ball Drop will occur during HALFTIME of 6:30pm game on the stage!
On the Jumbotron:
11am – ReliaQuest Bowl
2:30pm – Texas Bowl
6:30pm – Playoff Quarter Final at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl
Baytowne Countdown & Drone Spectacular
When: Tuesday, December 31st
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin, FL
Ring in the New Year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Dec. 31 from 6pm til after midnight! Dance the night away and enjoy a live band in the Events Plaza and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight. Dance the night away with LIVE music at 7pm until 1am, on the Events Plaza Stage! Admission is free and open to the public - 21 & over after 10pm. 20 & Under must be accompanied by a legal guardian after 10pm.
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.
This year, turn your eyes to the sky during the Baytowne Countdown celebration at 10pm and midnight 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.
New Year's Eve Fireworks at The Boardwalk
When: Tuesday, December 31st
Where: The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island | Fort Walton Beach, FL
Get in the winter spirit with The Village of Baytowne Wharf during the Here Comes Santa event Saturday, November 30th from 6 - 9PM. Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to the Event Plaza to lights the Village tree! Enjoy face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display. Admission is free and open to the public.
Noon Years Eve/New Year's Eve Grande Celebration at HarborWalk Village
When: Tuesday, December 31st
Where: HarborWalk Village | Destin, FL
Kick off the New Year early with a family-friendly celebration at HarborWalk Village! 🎉✨
Join us from 11AM - 2PM for a morning packed with fun activities, creative crafts, DJ Dance Party on the lawn, and a special daytime smoke-show firework display at noon to welcome 2025!
Free Kids’ Activities & Crafts: Keep the kids entertained with a funky dance party on the lawn, stilt walkers, a scavenger hunt, hands-on crafts & other free activities.
Featured Drinks: Enjoy a sample of a signature mocktail or cocktail from our sponsor’s by the main stage as you celebrate.
Noon Fireworks Show: Don’t miss our spectacular daytime smoke-show fireworks display over the Destin Harbor!
Celebrate the New Year with a fun-filled morning the whole family will love—come for the festivities and make memories to start 2025 right.
Ring in the New Year at HarborWalk Village with our annual Grande Celebration!
Baytowne On Ice @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Daily | Varying Hours
Concert Series @ Various Locations
Nightly | 5-9PM
Live Music @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Nightly | 5:00-7PM
Sounds of Seaside Concert Series @ Seaside Amphitheater
Wednesday | 4-6PM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ AJ's Grayton
Every Sunday | 11AM-5:00PM
Farmer's Markets:
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Wednesday @ Peddlers Pavilion in Seacrest Beach
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Peddlers Pavilion, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
December 2024 Events by Sold In Paradise
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
