December along 30A and the Emerald Coast shines with festive energy, holiday traditions, and seasonal celebrations for all ages. From magical tree lightings and jolly Santa meet-and-greets to lantern parades, winter markets, pub crawls, concerts, and community block parties, the month is overflowing with ways to embrace the spirit of the season. Families can enjoy holiday performances, carriage rides, and sparkling waterfront events, while friends can dive into lively crawls, charity gatherings, and cheerful nights under the lights. With music, markets, merriment, and coastal charm at every turn, December is the perfect time to experience the warmth and wonder of the Emerald Coast!
FEATURED EVENTS
Destin’s 39th Annual Tree Lighting
December 4th, 2025
Destin Community Center | Destin
Celebrate the 39th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Destin! This family-friendly outdoor event features festive entertainment and a special visit from Santa Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support local families in need!
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ovide
December 6th, 2025
Hotel Effie | Sandestin
Celebrate the season with a festive Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ovide. Enjoy a delicious holiday-inspired brunch, snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and let the kids delight in a special gift just for them. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your table for this magical morning filled with Christmas cheer!
Breakfast with Santa
December 6th, 2025
The Henderson Hotel | Destin
Enjoy a festive Breakfast with Santa at The Henderson! Savor a full breakfast buffet, holiday crafts, and meet Santa Claus himself. Reservations are required, and complimentary parking is available!
Lantern Parade
December 6th, 2025
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin
The Village of Baytowne Wharf Lantern Parade is a free community celebration created by artist Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. Everyone is invited to join the parade with a lantern, walk alongside giant illuminated puppets, or watch from around the Village. Make your own lantern using Rytter’s inspiration guide or attend the free workshop from 1–3 PM. You can even decorate your golf cart and ride in the parade. Afterward, meet the puppets by the Christmas tree!
Seaside Holiday Market
December 6th-7th, 2025
Seaside | Scenic Hwy 30A
Discover holiday shopping in Central Square, where local artisans, unique vendors, and festive makers come together to offer seasonal gifts and handcrafted finds. Enjoy a charming market atmosphere while you browse for the perfect holiday treasures!
Winter Wonder Watersound
December 7th, 2025
Watersound Towncenter | Watersound Origins
Celebrate the magic of the season at Winter Wonder Watersound. Enjoy photos with Santa, carolers singing holiday favorites, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, a children’s theatre performance, and more. This festive celebration is free and open to the public, offering a perfect way to make holiday memories with family and friends!
12th Annual Grayt Santa Pub Crawl
December 13th, 2025
Multiple Locations | Grayton Beach
Celebrate the season in Grayton Beach at the GRAYT Santa Pub Crawl! Check in at Hurricane Oyster Bar and enjoy drink tickets at each participating bar, shuttle rides, live music, and a festive costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for Most Naughty Santa, Most Nice Santa, and Most Collaborative Group costumes. Limited wristbands are available — $65 per person!
4th Annual Blue Mountain Fra-Gee-Lay 2K
December 14th, 2025
Blue Mountain Bakery | Blue Mountain Beach
Get ready for the official Tacky Sweater “Christmas Race,” perfect for anyone who doesn’t take holiday races too seriously. Walk, run, crawl, or just enjoy the snacks — it’s all about festive fun. Come dressed in your most over-the-top Christmas costumes or tacky sweaters for a chance to win prizes. Enjoy cookies and mimosas at the turnaround, and bring the whole family because all ages are welcome. Proceeds benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge!
Destin Boat Parade
December 14th, 2025
HarborWalk Village | Destin
Bring the whole family to enjoy the magic of the Destin Boat Parade, where the harbor comes alive with boats glowing in holiday lights. Watch the festive fleet sail from Boshamps past AJ’s and through HarborWalk Village, creating a sparkling scene along the water. After the parade, stay for a dazzling fireworks show and a fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe on the Main Stage. It’s a night of lights, holiday spirit, and family fun you won’t want to miss!
Coastal White Christmas Events
December 18th-23rd, 2025
Grand Boulevard | Sandestin
Join Grand Boulevard for a week of festive, family-friendly holiday fun. Welcome Santa to Grand Park and snap your own photos by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides through the park, and catch a charming children’s holiday performance by Emerald Coast Theatre Company each evening. Come early, explore the shops and restaurants, and soak up all the holiday magic!