Celebrate the holidays on Florida’s Forgotten Coast with a lineup of festive events that capture the magic of the season. From the sparkling Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in Mexico Beach and St. George Island to charming holiday parades, live music, and even a Dickens-inspired street tour in historic Apalachicola, the communities along the coast are ready to welcome you to a joyful December. So, gather your family and friends, and experience the coastal charm of Christmas along the Forgotten Coast!
FEATURED EVENTS
Christmas Tree Lighting
Parker Park | Mexico Beach
December 1st, 2024
It’s Christmas time here at the beach! Mexico Beach will be turned into a magical holiday paradise with the help from some dedicated elves. The festivities will begin with a warm holiday welcome, music performances and the arrival of the golf cart parade. Then our wonderful elves will introduce this year’s tree lighters, who will light our tree. After the lighting of the tree, the wait will be on for that special someone to make his grand appearance, Santa!
St. George Island Lighting of the Palms
St. George Island Lighthouse | St. George Island
December 6th, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with us at the St. George Island Lighting of the Palms event at the Lighthouse Park. There will be Christmas crafts & games, hot chocolate, cookies, books and gifts, and visits with Santa. The lighting of the palms will take place at dusk followed by the golf cart parade.
Scrooge on Commerce
Downtown Apalachicola | Apalachicola
December 6th-7th, 2024
Apalach Ghost Tour Presents “Scrooge on Commerce”, a street tour featuring characters from the Dickens classic telling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old fellow who must learn the true meaning of Christmas from the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future before it’s too late. The tour also features other characters from the book.
Christmas in the Garden
216 8th Street | Port St. Joe
December 7th, 2024
Join the Port St. Joe Garden Club for their enchanting “Christmas in the Garden” event, where the spirit of the season comes to life! Visitors can explore a delightful array of crafts and ornaments, perfect for adding a personal touch to holiday decor. Indulge in delicious baked goods, discover beautiful plants, and find stunning wreaths and live greens to brighten your home. This festive gathering promises a wonderful atmosphere for holiday shopping and community cheer. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with the Port St. Joe Garden Club!
Christmas Bingo
Lookout Lounge | Port St. Joe
December 7th, 2024
Bingo, drinks, food, and fun to support the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Guild! Join us for Bingo on Dec. 10 at the Lookout Lounge. $20 per person to play 10 games. Card sales begin at 5:30PM and games begin at 6PM. Bring the whole family for a night of fun to support our local hospital.
2024 Jingle at the Joe
The Joe Center for the Arts | Port St. Joe
December 12th, 2024
Jingle at the Joe is back for 2024! A great evening of live music, food, and bidding on our fabulous silent auction items all for a great cause! Come join us in supporting the Arts in our community.
Christmas on the Coast
Downtown Port St. Joe | Port St. Joe
December 14th, 2024
Join us for the Annual Christmas on the Coast Parade! Judging of the floats will begin at 5PM with categories: Schools & Non-Profit, Family & Friends, and Faith-Based. The parade will begin at 6PM. After the parade be sure to visit Santa in the Gazebo next to City Hall. NEW PARADE ROUTE: the parade will go down Hwy 98 to Marina Drive and circle back through to the red light at 5th and 98. From there it will route the parade back to Monument and 9th Street to disperse. Be sure to get there early to get a good view!
Holidays on the Harbor & Boat Parade of Lights
Downtown Carrabelle | Carrabelle
December 14th, 2024
The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce would like to invite residents and visitors to the 2024 Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights in beautiful downtown Carrabelle! This street festival will feature terrific children’s activities, arts and crafts, delicious food and drink, live entertainment, a lighted boat parade and a fireworks finale. This free, family-friendly festival has become a favorite Christmas tradition for the entire Forgotten Coast community and beyond!
Bay Area Choral Society Christmas Concert
Apalachicola Trinity Episcopal Church | Apalachicola
December 15th, 2024
Bay Area Choral Society (BACS) will present “It’s Christmas!” on Sunday, December 15, at 4:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church.
New Year’s Eve Firework Celebration
Downtown Port St. Joe | Port St. Joe
December 31st, 2024
The Gulf County TDC and The City of Port St Joe will be bringing you a spectacular firework celebration at 10PM on New Year’s Eve. You will be able to view the show from the Port St Joe downtown and George Core Park areas. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with us!