By Christopher Manson
Now–Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
Geek Lights On The Corner Christmas Light Show
At the corner of Bluewater Blvd. & Antiqua Way, Bluewater Bay
Free performances feature thousands of Christmas lights and other themed display elements, all under computer control and synchronized to music and stories. Shows every 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m., with the last show at 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves. Donations benefit Caring & Sharing of Niceville. Facebook.com/GeekLightsOnTheCorner
Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 28
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides! “Rock Around The Christmas Tree” Music Revue! Photos With Santa!
Town Center, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
Enjoy complimentary carriage rides while soaking in the Coastal White Christmas Lights and Festival of Trees display. Seasonal sounds by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. grandboulevard.com
Saturday, Dec. 7- Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
Annual Troon Goon Christmas Light Show
1074 Troon Drive E., Niceville, 6-9:30 p.m.
FREE residential graphic light show combining classic and modern Christmas songs for a fun and energetic jolt of entertainment. High tech animated dancing and limitless pixel combinations. The 30-minute show starts every hour and half-hour. Watch from your vehicle while listening to holiday music on 101.3 FM. www.troongoonchristmas.com
Sunday, Dec. 8
Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Big Band Holiday Toast ‘n Jam With Vocalist Morgan James
The Crystal Ballroom, Henderson Beach Resort, Destin, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Broadway star James makes her triumphant return, performing holiday favorites, Broadway classics, American Songbook standards, and selections from her album A Very Magnetic Christmas. Enjoy an elegant brunch complete with Bloody Mary and mimosa cash bar.
Tickets start at $125 per person, which includes the live performance, brunch, valet service and gratuities. Limited front-row seating available; early purchase recommended.
Ticket sales support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community outreach initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Thrill Of Hope! A Christmas Musical
Destin Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, Destin, 9:30 a.m.
The production celebrates God’s promise and is presented by Kim Cannon and the DMC Worship Arts Department.
Sunday, Dec. 8-Sunday. Dec. 22
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce Of 1914”
560 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22.
Christmas 1914. All quiet on the Western Front, then a song, kicking off an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. This is the true story of soldiers laying down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together, based on firsthand accounts from the soldiers who lived through it. Tickets available for purchase online. emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Monday, Dec. 9-Friday, Dec. 20
City Of Destin Outdoor Decorating Contest
cityofdestin.com
Wednesday, Dec. 11 & Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Concert Series And Visits With Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com
Dec. 13-20
Live Nativity
First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, 2nd St. & Church Ave., 6–8:30 p.m. nightly
In its 36th year, the nativity scene includes Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus as well as the three Wise Men and Angels. You can feed the sheep, miniature donkeys and camels! Guests receive a free photo, candy cane, listen to music, partake of cookies, hot chocolate or coffee and hear the Christmas story. It is a no cost, no donation event; simply volunteers and church members sharing the Love of Jesus as His birth is celebrated.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Destin Christmas Parade: Flashback To 1984
City of Destin, 10 a.m.
Commemorating the city’s 40th birthday, the parade begins at Destin Methodist Church on Beach Drive and proceeds down Harbor Boulevard to Stahlman Avenue. If you wish to enter a float in the parade, please donate a new toy or money by Dec. 6. Call 850.654.8998 or email recreation@cityofdestin.com to learn more. cityofdestin.com
The Grinch In Concert
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ immortal classic comes to life, with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra performing James Horner’s musical score from the Ron Howard movie. Enjoy scenes from the film as your heart grows exponentially. Tickets start at $40. Purchase online. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Mistletoe Market
HarborWalk Village, Destin, Noon-8:30 p.m. emeraldgrande.com
Heritage Museum Of Northwest Florida’s Yule Of Yesteryear
114 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A FREE event at Perrine Park, with a Valparaiso Garden Club sale, craft vendors, music, children’s crafts and more. Call 850.678.2615 for more information. heritage-museum.org
Sunday, Dec. 15
Christmas Market With Santa
15003 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Hot cocoa, freshly baked gingerbread, handmade gifts and seasonal produce from local vendors, and more. The Destin Community Farmers Market informs us that Santa will be making an appearance.
Christmas Walk The Bridge
Destin Bridge, 3 p.m.
Dress Christmas and walk the bridge!
Holiday On The Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
Destin Harbor (Harbor Docks West to Emerald Grande), 6 p.m.
FREE for participants. Register your boat online. This year’s theme, in keeping with the celebration of Destin’s 40th anniversary, is “Christmas in the 1980s.” destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
Thursday, Dec. 19
Act4Mystery’s “Murder Under The Mistletoe”
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, 36120 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
Paula Hilton’s award-winning comedy troupe puts on a hilarious holiday whodunit, complete with three-course meal. Make reservations online. act4mystery.com
Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22
“The Nutcracker” Presented By Studio6twenty5
Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, Miracle Strip Parkway, 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sunday Matinee at 2 p.m.
Join Clara on her magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets with the talented dancers from the studio’s children’s program and adult/open program.
Tickets are $15-$45 and available to purchase at studio6twenty5.com.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Victorian Christmas Tea
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 1-3 p.m.
Mrs. Connie Wolff will transform the Veterans Common Meeting room into an enchanting tea room that would meet with the approval of Queen Victoria. Highlighted: History of Tea by Dr. Marie Hallion, Chair of the Museum Trustees.
RSVP by Dec. 19. 850-678-2617
Dec. 20-22
Free Photos With Santa At Fudpucker’s
Each family receives a FREE digital photo with Santa—and he’ll be holding an alligator! 2-6 p.m. Fudpucker.com
Sunday, Dec. 22
Twentieth Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Children’s Fiesta
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, Noon-6 p.m.
Benefiting financially challenged families. Call 850.368.3505 for more information. unitedforagoodcause.org
Views: 0
