December on Florida’s Forgotten Coast is brimming with holiday cheer, festive traditions, and family-friendly fun. From sparkling boat parades in Panama City and Destin to enchanting Christmas markets, tree lightings, and cocoa-filled holiday nights in Port St. Joe, the coast comes alive with seasonal magic. Visitors can enjoy parades, festive races, holiday performances, and themed pub crawls, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Gulf and Franklin Counties. With lights, music, and community celebrations everywhere you turn, December is the perfect time to embrace the joy, warmth, and festive spirit of the Forgotten Coast!
FEATURED EVENTS
Hot Chocolate Bar & Treats + Visit with Santa
December 4th, 2025
The Joe | Port St. Joe
Warm up your holiday season at The Joe with sweet treats, festive fun, and family-friendly cheer! Enjoy a build-your-own hot chocolate bar, indulge in holiday goodies, and meet Santa for a special visit. Part of the Forgotten Coast Festival of Trees, this event offers a magical evening under twinkling lights—perfect for photos, cocoa, and celebrating the spirit of the season!
St. George Island Lighting of the Palms
December 5th, 2025
SGI Island Visitors Center and Lighthouse | St. George Island
Celebrate the season at the annual Lighting of the Palms on St. George Island! Enjoy a children’s Winter Wonderland with games, activities, and a special visit from Santa. The festive evening also features a dazzling lighted golf cart parade, creating a magical and joyful experience for the whole family at the Visitor’s Center and Lighthouse Park!
Windmark Beach Holiday Movie
December 6th, 2025
WindMark Beach Village Center
Celebrate the holidays at WindMark Beach with a free outdoor movie night! Snuggle under the stars on the lawn and enjoy the holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey. Bring your chairs, blankets, and festive spirit for a magical evening with family and friends!
Eastpoint Christmas Parade & Celebration
December 12th, 2025
South Franklin Street | Eastpoint
Celebrate the joy of the season at the annual Eastpoint Christmas Parade & Celebration! Watch the community come alive with festive floats, music, and holiday cheer along Highway 98, then continue the merriment at the Fire Station with family fun and a visit from Santa!
2025 Christmas on the Coast
December 13th, 2025
Monument Avenue | Port St. Joe
Join us for the Cape San Blas Christmas Parade! Enjoy festive floats in categories like Schools & Non-Profits, Family & Friends, Business, and Faith-Based, then continue the holiday fun with a visit to Santa at the Cape San Blas Lighthouse!
A Cookies & Cocoa Christmas
December 17th, 2025
Centennial Building | Port St. Joe
Join the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe for A Cookies and Cocoa Christmas! This festive family-friendly event features live performances, holiday crafts, face painting, and a special meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy popcorn, treats, and plenty of seasonal cheer for all ages!
Wewahitchka Christmas Parade
December 20th, 2025
Downtown | Wewahitchka
Celebrate the season with the City of Wewahitchka at their annual Christmas Parade! Enjoy festive floats, holiday music, and community cheer as the parade winds through town from Hwy 71 and E. River Rd. to the Courthouse!