By Christopher Manson
This year’s big Christmas events commemorate the 40th anniversary of the City of Destin. Those of us who lived through December 1984 will fondly remember movies like “Beverly Hills Cop,” David Lynch’s stab at Frank Herbert’s “Dune” and “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.” Okay, maybe not that last one.
The most-viewed TV shows were “Dallas,” “Dynasty” and “60 Minutes.” Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” Duran Duran’s “Wild Boys” and Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “Out of Touch” flew high atop the pop charts. Bestselling books included “The Talisman” by Stephen King and Peter Straub, “Love and War” by John Jakes and Mario Puzo’s “The Sicilian.”
But, you don’t need to be well-versed in any of these pop culture milestones to participate in and enjoy this year’s holiday events. The City of Destin’s Holiday Decorating Competition is underway now and is open to all residents within the city limits. It’s free to enter, and entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16.
The contest is for exterior decorations only, according to CityOfDestin.com, and does not include the side and back areas of yards. Categories include Best Decorated Home (single homes, duplexes, mobile homes), Best Decorated Business (shops, restaurants, schools, professional offices), and Best Organization (homeowner’s associations, golf courses, etc.).
Best Overall Holiday includes all homes, businesses and organizations that “go above and beyond.” To enter, call 850.654.5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.com.
Judging takes place Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Depending on the number of entries, judging may continue the following day. All lights, decorations and animations should be in place and activated for judging on both nights, and decorations are to remain on display from Dec. 16 to 31. Winners will be recognized by Mayor Bobby Wagner at the January 2025 Destin City Council meeting. “I have always had a love for Christmas lights and have continued my family’s tradition of going all out on decorations during the holiday season,” says Mayor Wagner. “One of my favorite parts of this time of year is when my family and I pile into a car to drive around and see everyone’s Christmas lights. I am hopeful that we will see even more spectacular light displays in the future.”
This is the 18th year the city is holding the competition, says City of Destin Public Information Director Tamara L. Young. In addition to a lovely plaque, winners will receive “huge bragging rights in the community,” she says.
In 2023, the Roberts family from Indian Trail took Best of Holiday honors with a dazzling display of lights and inflatables. Best Business went to the La Paz restaurant on Gulf Shore Drive, The Palms of Destin was chosen as best Organization, and Bent Arrow Drive resident Renee Potter won Best Home.
Young says last year’s winners are eligible to compete for top honors again this season.
Prior to the decorating to-do, the city will host its annual Christmas parade Saturday, Dec. 14, starting at 10 a.m. The procession kicks off at Destin Methodist Church on Beach Drive and brings the merry westward on Harbor Boulevard (U.S. 98) to Stahlman Avenue.
This year’s theme is “Flashback to 1984,” and we’re not sure if Santa will arrive decked in purple Prince-inspired duds surrounded by moonwalking elves.
The next day, Sunday, Dec. 15, the Holiday Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, a time-honored tradition in our little fishing community, makes its way from Harbor Docks to the Emerald Grande.
Boats will line up at Harbor Docks and begin the parade at 6 p.m. Judging commences at roughly 6:15 p.m. at Sky Bar at Edge Seafood, and then boats will arrive at Harborwalk Village at approximately 6:30 p.m. It’s free to participate, and you can register your boat online at destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org for an entry fee of only $25.
Organized and executed by the Destin History and Fishing Museum, three community judges will watch and cast their votes on the best decorated boat for each category, and the public is welcome to join. Upstairs at Sky Bar will be a ticketed event, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres, meet and greet with the parade judges and emcee, live coverage of the event, fireworks show, DJ and more.
Upstairs is an adults-only venue, while all ages are welcome on the lower level of Edge Seafood. Tickets can be found on their social media channels, and proceeds will benefit the Destin History & Fishing Museum for its efforts in organizing the parade.
The parade route will be visible from all local businesses along the Harbor, and there are a variety of additional holiday events that day surrounding the parade, including the Mistletoe Market & Photos with Santa at Harborwalk Village and Dock the Halls and Holiday Block Party fundraisers at Boathouse Oyster Bar. Fireworks will also follow the parade at 8 p.m., sponsored by Harborwalk Village. If you’d like to ride IN the boat parade, several local companies sell seats on their boats for the parade time frame.
In keeping with the City of Destin 40th anniversary celebration, the parade’s theme is “Christmas in the 1980’s.” No word yet on whether or not Mrs. Claus will be attending in her Madonna outfit.
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