The holiday spirit is alive and well on 30A and the Emerald Coast this December, with a lineup of festive events you won’t want to miss! From enchanting home tours and dazzling boat parades to spirited charity balls and exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to soak in the season’s magic or dance your way into 2025, this month’s events will keep you entertained and inspired.
FEATURED EVENTS
6th Annual Rosemary Beach Tour of Homes
Rosemary Beach
December 7th, 2024
Join us for the MOST FESTIVE event of the season! Rosemary Beach Foundation in partnership with Rosemary Beach Realty and Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company will host a guided walking tour of stunning homes decorated for the holidays. 2024 charitable partners are Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring & Sharing of South Walton.
Café Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball
Café Thirty-A | Seagrove Beach
December 7th, 2024
Café Thirty-A will host its annual Christmas Charity Ball on Saturday, December 7th from 6 to 10PM. Attendees will be greeted upon arrival with complimentary valet and a glass of champagne to toast the evening. Inside, Café Thirty-A’s culinary team will be serving a plethora of hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet featuring some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, as well as a dessert spread. The evening will boast a large silent auction featuring items from various local businesses, as well as a generous raffle package, 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.
Navarre Jingle Bell Run
Navarre Main Fire Station | Navarre
December 7th, 2024
Join us for the 2024 Navarre Jingle Bell Run, a non-competition 5K Run/Walk/Fun Run benefiting Navarre Beach Area Chamber Foundation’s Community Projects. Fun for the entire family…including your leashed pets (no charge for pets accompanying a paid human). This non-competitive event has shortcuts to Grandma’s for those who want a shorter distance. Prizes for the most festive. Photos by the Fire Trucks, cookies and hot chocolate, and much more!
Winter Wonder Watersound
Watersound Town Center | Watersound Origins
December 8th, 2024
Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Wonder Watersound! 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.
Elvis Tribute Concert Featuring Ron Adams
Jake and Henry’s | Fort Walton Beach
December 12th, 2024
On December 12th at 6PM, join us at Jake and Henry’s for a powerful tribute concert featuring Ron Adams, the celebrated performer known as the “Shadow of the King.” All proceeds from this unforgettable evening directly support Alaqua’s Hurricane Milton Disaster Relief Efforts. Born in rural Alabama and formerly a dedicated Birmingham police officer, Ron’s journey took an unexpected turn when an impromptu Elvis performance inspired him to pursue his true calling: honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Destin Christmas Parade
200 Beach Drive | Destin
December 14th, 2024
The City of Destin’s 40th annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 10 a.m. “This year’s committee chose a theme that brings together the spirit of our City’s 40th Birthday of being incorporated,” said Tamara Young, Public Information Director, “and it couldn’t be a more fun, lively theme. We’re taking it back to the ‘80s; specifically, FLASHBACK TO 1984!”. Floats will start at Destin Methodist Church (located at 200 Beach Drive), travel down Beach Drive, and travel west down Harbor Blvd. (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue.
The Mean One
Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
December 15th, 2024
During this holiday season, put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One on December 15th! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity from 5-7pm, then enjoy a movie showing of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7pm.Don’t miss out on this Who-liday spectacular!
38th Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Fireworks Spectacular!
Destin Harbor | Destin
December 15th, 2024
Set sail into the holiday spirit at Destin’s 38th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade! This cherished tradition, brought to you by The Destin History & Fishing Museum, lights up the Emerald Coast, bringing together locals and visitors for an evening of festive fun and community cheer. Witness the harbor come alive as beautifully decorated boats illuminate the night with dazzling lights and creative holiday displays.
Idyll Hounds Ugly Sweater Party
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company | Santa Rosa Beach
December 23rd, 2024
Our annual party of Ugly Sweaters RETURNS!! We’re trying to do it even bigger this year. Throw on the ugliest of sweaters that you own, bring some Holiday spirit and let’s party! DJ Frost will be in the building spinning some absolutely jolly jams from 6 to 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.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Alys Beach Amphitheatre | Alys Beach
December 31st, 2024
Ring in the New Year a little early at the Alys Beach Noon Year’s Eve Party! Join us on Tuesday, December 31st, from 10 am to 12 pm 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, we’ll welcome 2025 in style with an exciting T-shirt drop! This event is free and open to the public.
Baytowne New Year’s Eve Countdown
Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
December 31st, 2024
Ring in 2025 with a night to remember featuring live music and two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8pm & midnight. Enjoy a family friendly evening from 6-8pm with face painting, kid’s activities, and music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Finish off the family-friendly festivities with our first fireworks display at 8pm. The fun doesn’t stop there! Dance the night away with LIVE music at 7PM until 1AM, on the Events Plaza Stage! End the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show!
New Year’s Eve at HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village | Destin
December 31st, 2024
Ring in the New Year at HarborWalk Village with our annual Grande Celebration! Dance away 2024 with an evening full of LIVE entertainment on the main stage, beginning at 7:00PM with Stranger Boy, followed by The New Royals at 9:30PM. Turn your eyes to the skies for a dazzling firework display over the Harbor and shout along as we countdown the Ball Drop, welcoming a New Year!