South Walton and Destin Holiday Celebrations 2016

Holiday Parades

We love a parade and the holidays are no exception. Starting on Dec. 10, the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin welcomes Playground Music Center’s “A Tuba Christmas” with more than 30 brass instruments playing holiday classics, followed by the 7th Annual Holiday Lantern Parade that will kick off at 6 p.m. and will conclude with Santa at the Events Plaza. On Dec. 11 at 6 pm within HarborWalk Village, the Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the 30th Annual Destin Boat Parade. If you miss a parade, consider getting in the holiday spirit with Baytowne on Ice. The seasonal ice skating rink will be set up within Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf throughout the month of December. Rink hours vary daily, visit www.baytownewharf.com for more information.

Holiday Concerts

Nothing gets us in the holiday spirit faster than listening to holiday music. Every Wednesday this December, the Village of Baytowne Wharf presents its Wednesday Night Holiday Concert Series featuring popular holiday classics and a festive light show along with visit from Ole’ St. Nick. On Dec. 2, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will host Sounds of the Season at the Village Baptist Church in Destin featuring guest artist, Lori Jean Smith, an acclaimed violinist from Orlando. On Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will present its annual “Holiday Pops Concert” at the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center in Niceville.  ($15/adult and $18/active duty military & youth). On Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m, the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center will host the wildly popular “A Peter White Christmas,” featuring Rick Braun and Euge Groove. (Prices range from $40-$80). On Dec. 16, Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents the legendary Manhattan Transfer with Sinfonia Gulf Coast for the region's most festive annual holiday concert. Held at the Destin Worship Center in Miramar Beach, the Manhattan Transfer's 10-time Grammy Award-winning, Vocal Hall of Fame inductee will have attendees singing along. (Tickets $29.50 - $45) 

Santa Sightings Around Destin

Since Santa spends most of his time at the North Pole, he enjoys taking a break to visit Florida. Therefore families with children won’t miss out on a visit with Santa to share their Christmas wish list. On Nov. 18, the Emerald Coast will welcome Santa's arrival at Destin Commons. On Dec. 10, the Grande Vista Bar and Grill at Emerald Grande will host Breakfast with Santa (call for reservations: 850-424-0621). On Dec. 11, LuLu’s Destin will host Santa’s brother, Billy Claus. Kids will enjoy arts and crafts, life music and meeting Billy Claus (arriving at 2 p.m.). Every Saturday from Nov. 26 – Dec. 17, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin will host Photos with Santa, which includes a free photo with Santa after sharing your "wish list."

Holiday Performances

If you miss a holiday concert, make plans to catch a holiday performance. From Dec. 8-24, Emerald Coast Theatre Company will present “A Dickens Christmas: A Ghostly Story” each weekend at their new performance loft at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.  From Nov. 22-Dec. 29, the Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside, Fla. will present their smash-hit holiday comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told… And Then Some.” Reimagined each year, the Seaside Rep performers take all the beloved holiday classics and cram them into one high-energy jolly, and hilarious performance. Be perpared to LOL!

Hanukkah in Destin

Chabad of the Emerald Coast will host their annual Shabbat Dinner on Dec. 24. Dine on traditional Shabbat delicacies, with international Jewish flavors woven throughout the menu, complemented by a selection of kosher wines. Sing beautiful Shabbat melodies that will warm your heart, and save room for a L’chaim or two. Reservations required. (Call 850-424-3304 at least a week in advance.) (Suggested donation: $25/adult and $15/child)

Christmas Dinner at the Beach

From special Christmas Eve dinners to Christmas Day Feasts, Holiday meals with all the trimmings are plentiful at Destin Restaurants along the Emerald Coast. Participating restaurants include Cuvee Bistro-Destin, Cuvee 30A, Grande Vista Bar & Grill, Margaritaville, the Ocean Club, Sancastles at the Hilton Sandestin, and Fish Out Water at WaterColor Inn, among others.

New Year’s Eve in Destin and South Walton

As many already know ringing in the New Year in Destin and South Walton is a great way to start the year feeling lucky. Celebrations will be taking place throughout the day and into the night as we welcome 2017. For those who have a hard time staying up late, start the celebration at 10 a.m. at LuLu’s Noon Year’s Eve Party, featuring delicious food, sandcastle building contest, arts and crafts for kids, live music, inflatables, face painting and a noontime fireworks bash and beach ball drop. For those who prefer an evening celebration, HarborWalk Village will celebrate twice with an 8 p.m. fireworks celebration followed by the 9th Annual Ball Drop and fireworks show over the Destin Harbor at midnight. In South Walton, New Year’s celebrations include Baytowne Countdown at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, which is also viewable from the Solaris New Year’s Eve cruise on the Bay, and the Seaside Countdown on Hwy 30A.

Plan Your Destin Holiday Celebration

Do you still need a comfortable South Walton or Destin vacation rental for our holiday celebration? View our premier Florida beach vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!