Visit Santa in Destin
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Ole’ St. Nick. Santa makes regular appearances at Bass Pro Shops in Destin, Grand Boulevard and Sandestin, The Village at Baytowne Wharf, and HarborWalk Village. You might find him making special appearances at events held at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Grayton Beach, Lulu’s Destin and more to make Christmas in Destin special for the little ones and “little ones at heart!”
Destin Commons’ Jolly Jubilee
Now through Dec. 24-Christmas Eve, join in on a joyous series of holiday happenings at Destin Commons with the spectacular 50′ Christmas tree and 12 large reindeer topiary shrubs, multiple Christmas trees, Christmas carolers and live performances from Jazz Abouts, 4 for 4 Quartet, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Ty Maroney (saxophone) and Sinfonia Youth Orchestra on the weekends. As always, children can visit Santa’s Wonderland in Bass Pro Shops and have a free photo taken as well as enjoy free crafts and games from now through Christmas Eve! Stores and restaurants may be open on Thanksgiving and earlier on Black Friday. Visit www.destincommons.com for a list of all openings as well as the schedule of events throughout the season.
A Christmas Carol
Northwest Florida State College’s Performing Arts presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play adapted by Anthony E Dec. 5-7, 7:30 p.m. nightly at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Sprint Theater. This live dramatic and musical performance will take audiences back in time to the 1940’s when radio shows brought families together for story time and good, old-fashioned fun. A Christmas Carol unfolds with beautiful carols of the season sung by the student vocal group, Madrigal Singers, and features performances by student actors. Dancers from the NWF State College Dance Ensemble complete this holiday spectacle. To purchase tickets, call (850) 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.
Destin Annual Christmas Parade
The City of Destin’s 35th Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Sat., Dec. 14 at 10 am. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop.” The floats will start at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center (Old Time Pottery) and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy. 98) to Stahlman Avenue. For those who wish to participate in the parade, applications are available at the Destin Community Center. In lieu of an entry fee, each entry must donate a new toy for a local charity and donations may be dropped off at the Destin Community Center. Applications are due Friday, Dec. 6. Applications may be dropped off in person, emailed to islaton@cityofdestin.com or faxed to 850-654-8998. For more information, call 850-654-5184. To watch the parade please stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard.
The Holidays at HarborWalk Village
Breakfast with Santa returns Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 in the Emerald Grande Ballroom from 8 to 11 a.m. Adult Breakfast is also available. Kids $18++ | Adults $25++ For reservations, call early due to popularity at (850) 424.0622. Celebrate the Holidays on the Harbor with free kid’s crafts, a Letters to Santa station and a visit with St. Nick every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. Receive a special treat and a FREE 4×6 photo by SB Photos Biz. All during December, the North Pole Post is open at HarborWalk Village. Drop your letter to Santa in a special mailbox located near the Main Stage. For every letter received, HarborWalk will donate $1 to Children in Crisis of Florida. Watch Elf under the stars at HarborWalk’s Holiday Movie Night on Sat., Dec. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah Sun., Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a special Menorah lighting featuring traditional foods, crafts, live music and more!
Merry Droid-Mas
These ARE the droids you’re looking for! On Tues., Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., join the Destin Library for a celebration like the galaxy has never seen in anticipation of the release of “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.” Activities include a trivia competition, Cloud City scavenger hunt to rebuild C-3PO, and a pool noodle light saber construction station. Then head to The Cantina for some light refreshments. Open to participants of all ages, no registration is required. For more information, email mfontaine@cityofdestin.com or call the library at 850-837-8572.
Boys & Girls Clubs Holiday Concert
The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (BGCEC) invites you to enjoy the sounds of the season at the 2nd Annual Merry Little Christmas Concert on Thurs., Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Grayton Beer Taproom. The concert, presented by Pizza by the Sea, will feature local musicians, Chris Alvarado, Jacob Mohr and Jessie Ritter signing everyone’s favorite holiday tunes. Tickets for the concert are $40 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, from Grayton Brewpub, and one complimentary beer. A cash bar will also be available. In addition to the music, guests will enjoy a Jingle Lounge, photo booth and silent auction featuring gift options for everyone on your list. To learn more about this event or to purchase tickets, visit www.emeraldcoastbgc.org.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 to 11 a.m. at The Henderson. Just a before Christmas, enjoy a delicious breakfast while your kids tell Santa their biggest wishes one last time before the big day.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Every Friday & Saturday, Dec. 6-28, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Grand Boulevard, the Town Center will be awash with thousands of beautiful white lights, and horse-drawn carriage rides while faux snow falls on the Festival of Trees display in Grand Park between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers sing popular holiday carols between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Open to the public at no charge.
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