Your Guide to December Delights on the Emerald Coast

Get ready to laugh, sing, and sleigh your way into a December to remember! Glide through Grand Boulevard in a free horse-drawn carriage ride, basking in the glow of Coastal White Christmas lights and a dazzling Festival of Trees. Afterwards you can snap a merry memory with Santa and enjoy the lively tunes of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue.

Join the jubilation at Navarre Park as the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 50th anniversary with a day-long extravaganza on December 2, 2023. The festivities kick off with the Jingle Bell Run, followed by the Merry Market, featuring over 40 local vendors with unique holiday gifts. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and even “The Grinch” make a grand entrance, setting the stage for the Christmas Parade, echoing the theme “Cheers to 50 Years.” The community is invited to join the merriment, capture the magic with Santa, and enjoy live entertainment in the heart of Navarre!

Get ready to deck the halls and jingle all the way as Seaside kicks off the most enchanting time of the year with the Seaside Holiday Market! This two-day extravaganza features local artisans, unique vendors, and festive creators, transforming the square into a holiday shopper’s paradise. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, explore charming Holiday Market pop-ups, and make your holidays merry and bright in the heart of Seaside.

Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at the 2023 Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade! The parade will weave its way from First Street to Hughes Street, spreading holiday cheer with the theme “That’s What Christmas Means To Me!” Embrace the holiday spirit as the public lines the parkway, cheering on beloved characters and spreading joy.

Baytowne on Ice’s annual Ice-Skating Extravaganza is back! Catch enchanting performances by professional ice skaters – a dazzling spectacle that’s both magical and free! Lace up your skates and twirl alongside the pros before and between shows, making this a winter celebration you won’t want to miss on the Emerald Coast. It’s time to embrace the holiday cheer with spins, laughter, and maybe even a triple axel or two!

Presented by Rosemary Beach Realty & Cottage Rental Company, this self-guided tour promises to immerse you in the festive magic of stunningly decorated homes. Get your advanced tickets and spread the holiday cheer as the event supports charitable partners Habitat for Humanity of Walton County and Shelter House of Northwest Florida.

Float into the holiday spirit as festive decorated boats cruise the waters of the harbor for the 37th Annual Destin Boat Parade. Setting the Harbor ablaze with lights & cheer, you won’t want to miss the annual nautical extravaganza that rolls the Emerald Coast right into the holiday season. This is the place where the sea meets the season in a symphony of lights and holiday joy!

Experience the magic of the season with Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s heartwarming presentation of A Christmas Carol. Make it a cherished holiday tradition as you gather with loved ones in ECTC’s enchanting space at Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, Florida. From the iconic “Bah humbug” to the festive “Wassail,” join beloved Dickens characters and let the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey kindle your holiday spirit. It’s more than a show; it’s a celebration of joy and togetherness that promises to make your season merry and bright!

‘Tis the season for Season’s Eatings, so let the festivities unfold on your dinner plates in style! Indulge in a festive feast at Cuvee 30A’s Christmas Eve Dinner curated by the renowned Chef Tim Creehan! With dishes like traditional Rack of Lamb, Prime Rib au jus, and a decadent Chocolate Sin Cake, your mouth is guaranteed to water and stomach craving more.

If you’re ringing in the New Year along the Emerald Coast, two of best venues to welcome 2024 are the HarborWalk Village in Destin & the Central Square in Seaside. Festivities in Seaside’s Central Square start at 5PM, featuring arts & crafts, face painting, a live performance by Monsters of Yacht, and a spectacular fireworks display. You can also join the festivities on the Destin Harbor starting at 7PM with live music by Strange Boy, headliner band The New Royals at 9:30PM, and of course – a midnight ball drop. Wherever you celebrate, embrace the joy of the season with these vibrant events, and let the countdown to a fantastic year begin!