Celebrate the most magical time of the year beachside on 30A and in Destin because there are so many fun things to do during the holiday season! Enjoy a festive Christmas parade, take guided walking tours, get photos with Santa, and even ice skate in Florida.
There are also some great options to ring in the New Year along 30A or in Destin. Family friendly activities, New Year's countdowns, and dazzling fireworks spectaculars at the beach are great ways to start the new year. Here are some of the best events to enjoy your holiday season in 30A and Destin.
Seaside’s Parade, Turn on the Town, and Christmas Market
Kick-off this magical season with the annual Seaside holiday parade followed by holiday festivities. On November 30th at 3 pm, the parade starts in Seagrove Plaza and travels west on Hwy 30A to Seaside. The parade will fill the streets with festive floats, jolly performers, and a special guest from the North Pole.
Be sure to stick around after the parade to enjoy the Turn on The Town ceremony, where Santa lights up Seaside, illuminating the entire town with twinkling lights. The festivities include complimentary photos with Santa, face painting, and more activities for guests of all ages. This celebrated tradition creates a wonderful holiday spectacular.
On Saturday, December 21st from 9 am till 3 pm, don't miss the Countdown to Christmas Market in Seaside for all your last-minute shopping needs. With local vendors offering handmade gifts, holiday treats, and unique crafts, this is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items for your loved ones. Live holiday music will be performed at the amphitheater, creating a festive atmosphere while you shop.
Alys in Winter Wonderland
Alys Beach Amphitheater comes alive on Friday, November 29 from 4 pm to 7 pm with a festive family-friendly holiday event, Winter Wonderland. This fun beach event includes the lighting of the Town Center Christmas Tree, a concert in the Amphitheatre, photos with Santa, and kids activities. This event is open to the public and free to attend. There are plenty of crafts and activities such as face painting and cookie decorating.
Rosemary Beach Guided Walking Tour and Tree Lighting
Rosemary Beach Foundation hosts a festive guided walking tour of stunning homes decorated for the holidays. This charitable event occurs December 7th from 5 pm till 11 pm, and sales of tickets benefit the local community through charitable organizations such as Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring and Sharing of Walton County. To purchase tickets visit Rosemary Beach Foundation.
You can join the community of Rosemary Beach for their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting that takes place on the evening of Black Friday in the town square. Families will enjoy musical performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers, see Santa’s big arrival, and the lighting of the tree. Stay and visit Town Center Merchants after the tree lighting for a very special evening of holiday shopping and refreshments! Finish off your evening by enjoying a carriage ride through the festive town.
Grayton Beach Parade
The Christmas Parade at Grayton Beach is considered one of the hottest happenings on 30A. This year’s parade starts on Defuniak Street in Grayton Beach. On Saturday, December 7 at 4 pm, the parade showcases festive floats, local bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The whole community comes together for this family-friendly event to experience the magic of the holidays. After the parade, enjoy live entertainment, hot cocoa, and food trucks.
Winter Wonderland at Watercolor
On December 14 from 2 pm to 5 pm, bring the family to WaterColor’s Winter Wonderland for an afternoon of holiday cheer. Located at Watercolor Town Center, the event features snow slides, ice skating, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Santa will make a special appearance for photo ops, and there will be holiday treats for everyone to enjoy. With live music and festive decorations, this is a can't-miss event for families visiting 30A.
Free Carriage Rides at Grand Blvd in Miramar Beach
During December, every Friday and Saturday night from 5-8 PM enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides around the Grand Blvd 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 “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Musical Revue from Emerald Coast Theatre. And don't forget ice skating at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is happening in December as well.
Destin’s Christmas Parade and Boat Parade
Destin’s 40th annual Christmas Parade will be held on December 14th at 10 am. This year’s parade will be fun and lively themed in the spirit of the City’s 40th birthday called Flashback to 1984. Floats will start at Destin Methodist Church, located at 200 Beach Drive, travel down Beach Drive, and travel west down Harbor Blvd to Stahlman Avenue. For a map of the parade visit The City of Destin.
Destin’s Boat Parade is another anticipated event you will not want to miss. This parade on December 15th starting at 6 pm will feature boats decorated with dazzling lights and holiday decor. The parade kicks off near Boshamps Restaurant, with beautifully decorated boats cruising past AJs, HarborWalk Village, and heading towards the Destin Bridge and Norriego Point. This 38-year tradition includes fireworks immediately after the parade, followed by a fire-spinning performance.
Seaside’s New Year's Eve Bash
Ring in 2025 at Seaside New Year's Eve Celebration with live music, local food, family fun, and a stunning fireworks show over the Gulf. This charming coastal town is a perfect place for a celebration. Festivities at Central Square begin at 4 pm on Sunday, December 31st and activities include arts & crafts, face painting, and live performances before counting down to the new year with fireworks at 9 pm.
New Year's Eve in Destin
Destin is a great place to spend New Year's Eve with plenty of fireworks shows, kids' activities, and live music. HarborWalk Village New Year’s Eve Street Party is a favorite among visitors and locals and starts at 7 pm on December 31st. The celebration includes a live music performance and a spectacular fireworks at 8 pm and also at midnight. There are plenty of places to dine and celebrate in HarborWalk before the countdown and ball drop.
Sunset Cruises has a fireworks dinner cruise is an exceptional experience to ring in the new year. The dinner cruise includes a four-course dinner, live entertainment, fireworks, new Year Eve party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
Spend your Holidays at the beach on 30A or Destin
You are sure to have a magical time celebrating the holidays on 30A and Destin. With so many fun events to attend you will want to start planning your trip right away. Panhandle Getaways has the best selection of vacation rentals on the Gulf Coast, so book with us today.