Emerald Coast Holiday Events 2016
There are so many events happening between now and the end of the year, I have compiled an Emerald Coast Holiday Events 2016 list just for you!
Santa to arrive at Destin Commons with fireworks
November 18, 2016 6:00-8:00 PM
Santa Claus is coming to town at Destin Commons on November 18, 6 – 8 pm. At 7 pm, join in Santa’s arrival with a festive holiday celebration parade down Main Street and the official lighting of the center’s spectacular 50’ Christmas tree. Delight in a fireworks finale to kick off the holiday season. Activities and entertainment for the whole family include musicians playing traditional holiday favorites, kid’s craft projects, and free photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Kids can visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops throughout the rest of November and December. Visit basspro.com for Santa’s hours.
Baytowne on Ice
Everyday until mid-February
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
A seasonal ice skating rink with the first hour of each day reserved for kids 12 and younger.
(850) 267-8184 | dates/hours
The Nutcracker
November 18 & 19 – 7:30 PM; November 20 – 2:30 PM
In November, NFB will present their thirty-seventh annual performance of the brilliant holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Performances will feature the return of international ballet stars Adiarys Almeida Santana and Joseph Michael Gatti in the principal roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince. Several other international guest artists, the NFB Company and over 100 local children round out the cast.
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 E College Blvd, Niceville, FL | (850) 729-6000
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
November 19, 2016 4:00-6:00 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cruise the twinkling lights and greenery, as you sip a variety of champagnes with featured menu items from various Village restaurants.
BaytowneSparklingWineFest.com
Festival of Trees, Grand Boulevard
November 22, 2016 – December 25, 2016
Grand Boulevard’s seventh annual “Festival of Trees” will showcase 12 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations, November 22 – December 25 in Grand Park. The public is invited to attend the kick-off on Tuesday, November 22, 4:00-6:00 PM, as the trees are lighted, judged on their decorations and winners are announced at 6:00. A People’s Choice winner will be selected by the voting public that night as well. Refreshments will be served, making this a fun kickoff to the holidays for the entire family. The trees will be on display through Christmas and open to the public to enjoy at no cost. This free event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture calendar of events, made possible by Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program.
(850) 837-3099 | grandboulevard.com
Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village
November 25, 2016 noon-4:00 PM
Santa makes his grand entrance to the Destin Harbor at their holiday season kick-off! Kids will enjoy free activities and can visit with Santa Claus! The event is free and open to the public. This day and evening is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Rosemary Beach Wine Spectacular Showcase
November 25, 2016 5:00-8:00 PM
Don’t miss the most spectacular event of the season as they transform the town into a winter wonderland of amazing sights and live entertainment! Rosemary’s greens will be filled with a bevy of characters that will amaze and entertain all! Take a photo in a life-size snow globe and enjoy dazzling performances from our cast of entertainers that include Stilt Walkers, Balloon Artists, Face Painters, Ariel Artists a Snow Queen, Fortune Teller and several spectacular shows to fill your evening with holiday spirit and joy!
Holiday Movie Night under the Stars
November 25 – 26, 2016 6:00-9:00 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Enjoy a holiday movie under the stars on Friday night followed by Santa’s arrival and tree lighting on Saturday night with fireworks over the lagoon.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rosemary Beach
November 25, 2016 6:00-6:30 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony on South Barrett Square. Don’t miss the excitement as we “turn on the town!” Enjoy musical performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers, see Santa’s big arrival and take a carriage ride through town.
Chautauqua Winery’s Christmas on the Lawn
November 26, 2016 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
364 Hugh Adams Rd, DeFuniak Springs
Music, free wine tastings, vendors.
(850) 892-5887
Breakfast with Santa, Rosemary Beach Town Hall
November 26, 2016 8:00-10:00 AM
Bring the kids to Santa’s Workshop for a magical morning filled with delight! Included are a boxed breakfast, a professional color photo with Santa and a special goodie bag from Gigi’s! Tickets are $15 per child (adults are complimentary) and are available at the door. (100% of money from ticket sales will be donated to a local Children’s Charity to help spread some holiday joy to children.)
Visit with Santa
HarborWalk Village
It’s time for the children to bring their wish list and visit with Santa Claus. All of Santa’s guest receive a special treat!
dates/times
Sequins & Suits Auction and Wine Tasting
December 1, 2016 7:00-10:00 PM
Superior Residences at Bluewater Bay, 4595 Highway 20, Niceville
Silent and Live Auctions, Wine Tasting, Delectable Small Plates, Live Music, Festive Holiday fun and prizes! Benefitting Charities: Sharing & Caring and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc.
buy tickets
12 Nights of Lights
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday between December 2 – 31, 2016
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
A festive light show in the Events Plaza set to holiday music with shows at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 PM.
(850) 267-8117
Wednesday Night Concerts
Every Wednesday between December 7 – 21, 2016 1:00-3:00 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Every Wednesday in December come listen to the holiday edition of the Concert Series with a light show and Ole’ St. Nick. Free admission.
(850) 267-8117
Mattie Kelly Sounds of the Season
December 2, 2016 7:00 PM
Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd, Destin
21st annual evening of spectacular holiday music.
Christmas In The Park and Navarre Community Christmas Parade
December 3, 2016 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Navarre Park at the foot of the Navarre Bridge
Navarre Jingle Bell Run-5K-Walk
December 3, 2016 7:00-10:00 AM
Bring out the whole family, even the dog, and start off the holiday season with the Jingle Bell Run 5k at Navarre Main Fire Station (behind McDonald’s). Race starts at 8:00 AM. Dress up for the season – a special prize will be awarded for the most festive participant.
more info and sign up
Santa’s Workshop, Navarre Conference Center
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Navarre Garden Club will again sponsor Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair.
Niceville Christmas Parade
December 3, 2016 10:00 AM-noon
Niceville Christmas Parade sponsored by the Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club.
Santa’s Arrival at Silver Sands Premium Outlets
December 3, 2016 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Join Silver Sands Premium Outlets Saturday in the courtyard in front of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH to greet Santa as he arrives on a fire truck. Enjoy photos with Santa, complimentary treats from Carrabba’s Italian Grill & Pino Gelato Cafe, coloring with Disney Store Outlet, face painting & crafts provided by Abrakadoodle and more! Be sure to bring your camera for photos with Santa. Sponsored by ZT Motors of Fort Walton Beach.
more info
Dig In! Holiday Brunch – Trees Destin
December 4, 2016 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Destin Bay House, 127 Calhoun Ave, Destin
Join Trees Destin as they Dig In! and celebrate the holidays at their brunch event. Proceeds will benefit the local non-profit, which is dedicated to improving the Emerald Coast’s tree canopy and enhancing the area’s beauty through planting, conservation and education. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children (age 10 or younger). Live entertainment will be provided along with a fabulous full brunch buffet, courtesy of The Local Market/La Paz; Bloody Mary Bar, sponsored by Timbercreek Distillery and Lulu’s Destin; and much more! The event will also showcase a fabulous silent auction.
Holiday Pops
December 9, 2016 7:30-9:30 PM
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 30th Season continues with their popular annual HOLIDAY POPS concert in the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center in Niceville. Ring in the season with all your holiday favorites as the NFSO is joined by the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale and the talented NWF State College Madrigal Singers and Belle Voci Women’s Ensemble. $25 adult/$18 Active-duty Military & Youth.
(850) 729-6000 | more info
Tuba Christmas
December 10, 2016 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
More than 30 brass instruments will play holiday music with entertainment for the kids.
Yule of Yesteryear – A Traditional Holiday Festival
December 10, 2016 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Spirit of Christmas will fill the air with musical performances from local choirs, musicians, dancers and historic theatrical performances. The Walton Guard Civil War Re-enactors will portray a living history in Perrine Park across the street from the Museum. Visit their camp and experience life as it was 155 years ago during the Civil War Christmas of 1861. There will also be historic craft demonstrations including blacksmithing, basket, seat and loom weaving. The museum will be open with free admission all day. Discover the history of Northwest Florida with exhibits about the areas first inhabitants, early industries including, fishing, boat building, turpentine and pioneer living. Kids will play and learn in the “Discovery Room” while everyone will enjoy “Paradise Gardens”. There will be ornament making for children, a holiday bake sale and free picture taking with Santa Claus. Feast on fabulous favorites and shop for unique one-of-a-kind gifts from talented art & craft vendors and find affordable stocking stuffers in the Museum’s Gift Shop.
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso
Smooth Jazz and Jingle Bells
December 10, 2016 7:30 PM
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville
“A Peter White Christmas” with trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Euge Groove.
Tee Off for Toys
December 10 – 11, 2016 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Raven Golf Club / Baytowne Golf Club / The Links Golf Club
Donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15.00 or more in exchange a game of golf with golf cart fee. Toys and donations will be given to Harvest House’s “Hope for Holidays” and Children in Crisis programs.
(850) 267-8155
Breakfast with Santa
December 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2016 8:00-11:00 AM
Grande Vista Bar and Grill, Emerald Grande
Ring in the holiday cheer and have breakfast with Santa Claus at Grande Vista Bar and Grill!
30th Annual Destin Harbor Boat Parade
December 11, 2016
Harborwalk Village
The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the 30th Annual Destin Boat Parade. Come enjoy live music, children’s arts and craft and hot chocolate! Visit with Santa Claus from noon-4:00 PM at HarborWalk Village’s Main Stage. Boat Parade will light up the harbor beginning at 6:00 PM.
27th Annual Destin Christmas Parade
December 13, 2016
The City of Destin presents the 27th Annual Christmas Parade! “Christmas Past, Present and Future” is the theme of this year’s parade that will travel down Harbor Boulevard.
Santa Pub Crawl with the Destin Nights
December 17, 2016 7:00 PM
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Dress in your Christmas best (tacky sweaters, Santa outfits, elves and more) and spread Holiday cheer through HarborWalk Village with cheerful drink specials at every stop. Passes can be purchased in advanced or on the day of the event.
more info
Dreamcatcher Vocal Performance Studio’s Make It Shine Concert
December 18, 2016 5:00-7:00 PM
Harborwalk Village, Destin
No instrument is more deeply moving than the human voice. Watch talented young vocalists perform at this stirring musical holiday experience.
Gingerbread Tea
December 22, 2016 1:00-3:00 PM
The Pearl Ballroom, Rosemary Beach
Bring the kids to The Pearl Ballroom for an afternoon tea and individual gingerbread house decorating!
$25 per Adult | $15 per Child | $25 per additional Gingerbread House
Reservations Required
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
December 26, 2016 5:30-7:30 PM
Enjoy a grand menorah lighting on the main stage with hot latkes, Chanukah music and kids activities.
more info
New Year’s Eve Street Party
December 31, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Park once and party all night with thousands! Celebrate with free live concerts by Flow Tribe and Departure: the Journey Tribute band, two fireworks shows at 8:00PM and Midnight, and the 9th Annual Ball Drop over the Harbor. This will be Destin’s most exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve!
(877) 443-4005 | more info
