By Christopher Manson
Friday, Nov. 14
City of Destin’s 19th Annual Holiday Craft Show
10 a.m.–4 p.m. & Saturday, Nov. 15 | 9 a.m.–3
p.m. | Destin Community Center
The show features more than 50 vendors—hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions and more.
Admission is free.
Vendor booths are available for $55 (non-residents) or $45 (Destin residents). Space is limited; register early. Call (850) 654-5184.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Movie Night: Will Ferrell’s
Immortal Holiday Classic “Elf”
Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater, Niceville |
6 p.m.
Enjoy the beloved Christmas comedy on the inflatable outdoor screen.
Friday, Nov. 21 – Sunday, Dec. 21
Jolly Jubilee
Destin Commons, Destin
The holiday cheer begins Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. with a joyous performance by the Cincinnati Christmas Carolers.
Friday, Nov. 21
Hometown Holiday Parade &
Coastal White Christmas Celebration
Grand Boulevard Town Center, Miramar Beach | 5–7 p.m.
Thousands of brilliant white lights illuminate the parade featuring local nonprofits, community leaders, and
more—culminating with the magical arrival of Santa Claus! Enjoy faux snow, complimentary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, seasonal refreshments, and more.
Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday, Nov. 22 | 4–6 p.m.
13th Annual Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
The Village of Baytowne
Wharf, Miramar Beach
A ticketed event featuring more than 30 champagnes, delicious appetizers from featured restaurants, and a choreographed “Night of Lights” show.
Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday,
Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23
The Nutcracker 2025
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville | 2:30 p.m.
The Northwest Florida Ballet’s 46th annual production of the classic holiday fairytale features a cast of more than 140 performers and live music from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra under conductor David Ott.
Sunday, Nov. 23
Sandestin Turkey Trot | 7–11 a.m.
Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Kick off Thanksgiving week with the 4th Annual
Sandestin Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk through Sandestin. Packet pick-up begins at 6 a.m., with both races starting at 7:30 a.m. Afterward, enjoy a festive post-run tailgate party at 11 a.m. featuring beer, food, prizes and NFL football on the big screen. To register: https://www.sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/sandestinr-turkey-trot
Saturday, Nov. 22
Ruthlake Farm Christmas Market
Destin–Fort Walton Beach
Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Photos with Santa, vendors, gift wrapping, raffles, and more. Admission is $10 and includes a shopping bag and raffle ticket.
Friday, Nov. 28
Grande Tree Lighting Ceremony
HarborWalk Village, Destin | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with caroling and festive drinks from the hot chocolate bar.
Harbor Sip & Shop: Black Friday Edition
HarborWalk Village, Destin | 5–8 p.m.
Sip, shop, and save! Check in at the white tent near the Main Stage, make a donation to CALM (Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms), and receive your commemorative wine glass. Enjoy exclusive discounts from HarborWalk Village merchants while sampling wines from event sponsors.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Santa’s Arrival Parade
HarborWalk Village, Destin | 12:30–1 p.m.
Welcome the hardest-working man of the holiday season as he arrives in style in a shiny red T-Bird! Santa will be joined by the Village Brass Band, jolly elves, festive performers, and plenty of holiday surprises.
Here Comes Santa Claus
The Village of Baytowne
Wharf, Miramar Beach | 6–9 p.m.
Face painting, kids’ crafts, and a holiday fireworks show in the Events Plaza.
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 21
Visits with Santa
HarborWalk Village, Destin | 1–4 p.m.
Get your free photo with Santa,
enjoy a Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, and visit the Letters to Santa station. (Every
Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21.)
Thursday, Dec. 4
Christmas Tree Lighting
Destin Community Center,
101 Stahlman Ave., Destin | 6–6:30 p.m.
The 39th annual lighting of the Destin Christmas tree. Call (850) 654-5184 for details.
Friday, Dec. 5
Movies on the Lawn: Holiday Edition
HarborWalk Village, Destin | 5 p.m.
Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly holiday classic every Friday through Dec. 19. Free on-site parking.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Kick-Off for Festival of Trees
Benefiting Local Charities
Grand Park, Grand Boulevard at
Sandestin, Miramar Beach | 4–6:30 p.m.
Eighteen nonprofits compete for
$8,500 in cash prizes in a tree-decorating spectacular. People’s Choice and Best of Show winners will be announced. Trees remain on display through Christmas Day.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Santa Paws: Bark Street Market
HarborWalk Village, Destin
Bring the whole family—four-leggers included—for
festive photos, pet-friendly vendors, a DIY dog treat station, and more.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Seashells and Sleigh Bells: The 41st Annual Destin
Christmas Parade
Downtown Destin, U.S. 98 | 10 a.m.
Businesses, schools, churches, and organizations
are invited to enter. Cost to participate is a toy or monetary donation, benefiting local families through Destin Methodist Church.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Mistletoe Market
HarborWalk Village, Destin | Noon–8 p.m.
Enjoy one-stop holiday shopping with local vendors, festive drink samples, and free gift wrapping.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Destin Boat Parade
Destin Harbor | 6 p.m.
The much-loved annual event features decorated boats cruising from Boshamp’s to the Destin Bridge.
Stay for fireworks and an amazing fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 19–20 | 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 2 p.m.
Studio6twenty5 Presents The
Nutcracker
FWB Civic Auditorium, Fort Walton Beach
Step into the enchanting world of Clara, the
Nutcracker and the Dew Drop Fairy in this beloved holiday tradition. Featuring dancers from the children’s and adult programs. Doors open one hour before each performance. Tickets on sale soon.
