Dreaming of a white Christmas with emerald-green accents and gold trimmings? Then we’ve got you covered! Come and enjoy the holidays on the sugar white sands of the Emerald Coast in the warmth of the golden Florida sunshine. Even better—there’s no shoveling required! As a matter of fact, strolling along the exquisite white-quartz sand in the moonlight looks a lot like a snowy Christmas night, but it’s much warmer on the toes!
Stores in the area are decorated with holiday lights and even our palm trees and live Oaks along scenic highway 30A twinkle with festive cheer. And with a daytime temperature in the 60’s, it’s a wonderful time to visit this beautiful area. With plenty of rentals available at end-of-the-year savings, it’s a great time to get away. Check out all the holiday events happening in the area:
TEE-OFF FOR TOYS
December 1st thru 13th, 7:00 am – 5:00 at the Raven, Baytowne and The Links Golf Clubs
Enjoy a round of golf on us when you donate an unwrapped new toy or gift card of at least $15 in value. Cart fee not included. All toys will be donated to one of several local charities.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
December 1st thru 25th, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, at the Grand Park on Grand Boulevard. Twelve area non-profit organizations have each decorated a Christmas tree for our 6th annual Festival of Trees. Stroll down the boulevard and enjoy this twinkling festive spectacle.
ICE SKATING
December 1st thru the 31st, adventuresome vacationers can enjoy a tropical winter wonderland and some traditional holiday ice skating near the Baytowne Wharf main stage. Open from 4:00 pm on weeknights and beginning at 12:00 pm on the weekends, tickets and skate rentals are available on site.
VISIT WITH SANTA
Every Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm from December 5th thru December 20th at the Harborwalk Village main stage, come see the Jolly Elf himself. The little ones can sit on Santa’s knee, whisper their Christmas wishes and have a photo taken, while mom and dad enjoy the holiday lights and festive atmosphere.
CHANUKAH LIGHTING
December 5, 4:00 – 6:00 pm come celebrate the beginning of Chanukah at Harborwalk Village with the grand menorah lighting on the main stage. With plenty of kid’s activities, hot lattes and Chanukah music, it’s a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy.
TUBA CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY LANTERN PARADE
December 12, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Baytowne Wharf, enjoy a free concert by Playground Music Center. Over 30 brass instruments will entertain the crowd with festive holiday music. Sing along with all the holiday classics then stay and marvel at the 6th annual Lantern Parade. Special commissioned paper lanterns in all shapes sizes and colors will decorate the parade route as festive holiday golf carts stroll down the streets followed by a visit by none other than Santa himself. A magical Christmas night for everyone.
DESTIN HARBOR BOAT PARADE
Saturday, December 13 at 6:00 pm at the EmeraldGrande everyone can enjoy Destin’s 28th annual boat parade. Marvel at the breathtaking splendor of local boats festooned with Christmas lights parading through the harbor. In addition, we’ll be offering lots of kid’s arts and crafts and a visit from Santa 12-4 pm.
PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
December 15 at 7:30 pm at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the North Florida State College Campus. Talented musicians, Peter White and Mindi Abair will perform a light musical jazz Christmas concert. Tickets start at $40 each for adults and may be purchased in advanced by calling 850-729-6000.
NUTCRACKER BALLET
Saturday and Sunday, December 17th & 18th enjoy a production of the Nutcracker performed by the Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music at the South Walton High School auditorium. Tickets can be purchased for this annual holiday tradition by calling 800-837-1133.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Decorated in its holiday finery, Destin Commons at the intersection of Mid Bay Road and Highway 98 is a great place to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas or Chanukah gift. With many specialty boutiques, restaurants, larger anchor stores and even a Santa Wonderland set up inside the ever-popular Bass Pro Shop, this pedestrian friendly outdoor mall is a wonderful place to get into the holiday spirit. Stroll outside enjoying the holiday lights, giant decorated Christmas tree and festive holiday music.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING
December 18, 3:00 pm at the Village of Baytowne Wharf you and your children can construct and decorate your very own gingerbread house for free. Why hassle with all the mess at home when we’ve got all the supplies you need to create great holiday memories!
SOLARIS NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE
Ring in the New Year at the Baytowne Marina Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. We’ve got a great dinner menu and spectacular fireworks display. Reservations are required.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Join us December 31 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf and enjoy live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display to herald in 2016 beginning at midnight.
With so much to do this month, it’s a perfect time to enjoy a Florida vacation! We welcome returning guests as well as first-time visitors looking to create new holiday traditions. Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals has private rental homes and luxury condominiums in several locations along the Gulf coast overlooking the beaches and available for any group size. Call us today to book your white (sand) Christmas holiday vacation today!
