The holiday season is upon us. During this time there are so many things to do in the Destin/30A area. Whether you are looking for something easy and casual with friends, fun family traditions, or formal celebrations we have made a list of some of the area's best holiday activities to enjoy.
December 2nd – 17th (Friday and Saturday Nights) & December 19th – 23rd (All Week) | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tis the season for drinks with friends and ugly Christmas sweaters. Celebrate with specialty beers, entertainment, ugly sweater contest and more!! No matter how tacky, itchy, and overly festive some may think Christmas sweaters are, Idyll Hounds wants to celebrate every inch of green, red, and jingly bells.
The Destin Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual holiday tradition that takes place in early December at Destin Harbor. The Destin Boat Parade participating boats will make their way from the east side of the harbor (near Boshamps restaurant) to the west side (Harborwalk Village/Emerald Grande) ending near the Destin Bridge and East Pass area. Once all the boats pass Harborwalk Village and Norriego Point, the fireworks will go off celebrating the end of the parade. Many waterfront restaurants on Destin Harbor will have a nice view of the parade if you have a table with a view of the harbor.
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday until Christmas | 6:00 PM
This December enjoy the festive light show in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The 12 Nights of Light will be featured during their special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows on the Village Christmas tree and Event Plaza at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. You can also enjoy a visit with Santa near the big tree or go ice skating.
Friday, December 16th – 22nd, 2022 | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Take photos with Santa Claus in Seaside in front of the Lyceum Christmas. Free and open to the public! Also, back in its 12th year, The REP Theatre’s holiday smash hit, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, returns with all your favorite Beloved Holiday Classics packed into one show of high-energy jolly and hilarity! So, grab your chairs and find your perfect spot in front of the Seaside Post Office to catch the show. This event is free to the public.
Show times are:
December 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, and 18th at 11:00 AM
December 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 11:00 AM and 2 PM
Saturday, December 17th, 2022 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Grayt Santa Pub Crawl promises a good time to be had by all and features a bar crawl with good food & drink all afternoon and into the night in Grayton Beach. $60 per person to crawl! Big prizes are given to the "Naughtiest Santa", "Nicest Santa" and "Best Group”. Click here to register.
It starts with a 3:00 PM check in at Hurricane Oyster Bar. The GRAYT Santa Pub Crawl hits all the best local bars that beautiful Grayton Beach has to offer including Red Bar, Chiringo, and Beach Camp.
December 2nd – 17th (Friday and Saturday Nights) | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
December 19th – 23rd (All Week) | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Celebrate the season with Grand Boulevard! Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a professional photo with Santa while listening to the seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers singing popular holiday carols. You can also catch the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s presentation of A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 2nd-10th) or The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (December 8th-December 18th). Click here for more information.
Saturday, December 31st, 2022 | 7:00 pm
The Courtyard at Pescado is hosting a New Year's Eve Times Square Party. Tickets are $15 plus 7% tax and 22% gratuity and includes live music by Cam Ray and Marlene Johnson from 8:00 p.m. till late, 360 photo booth, cash bar, small bites menu, and much more. Click here for tickets.
Saturday, December 31st, 2022 | 7:00 PM
Ring in New Year’s Eve at HarborWalk Village on the beautiful Destin Harbor! Begin the celebration with live music at 7:00 PM followed by the headliner band, The New Royals taking the stage at 9:30 PM. Countdown with friends and family until the 2023 Midnight Ball Drop & party into the New Year at HarborWalk Village! Free Event. No reservations or tickets are required!
Saturday, December 31st, 2022 | 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ring in 2023 with family and friends in Seaside, FL! Seaside's New Year's Eve Celebration in Central Square begins at 4:00 PM. Activities include arts & crafts, face painting, a live performance by Monsters of Yacht and fireworks. 
Saturday, December 31st, 2022 | 6:00 PM
Ring in the New Year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf! Dance the night away and enjoy a live band at the stage on the green and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight. Admission is free and open to the public.
