The holiday season is the most magical time of the year and a great time to travel with family, friends, and partners! Although this may not reflect the magic you originally thought of, The Florida Panhandle is an enchanting destination where the true spirit of the holidays shines as brightly as the sugar-white sand beaches!
This region becomes a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a unique blend of seasonal charm and coastal beauty you do not want to miss. From the twinkling lights along Destin’s harbor to the warm, welcoming festivities in South Walton and 30A, there’s something magical around every corner. This curated guide serves as a one-stop shop for the best holiday events and activities that will make your next holiday season vacation truly unforgettable.
When: Mid-December (typically the second Saturday), 10:00 AM
Admission: Free to attend
The annual Destin Christmas Parade is a magical event that everyone in your family will love. With each year hosting a different theme related to the holiday spirit, this parade features everything from boats and floats to decorated cars and more. Enjoy festive music from bands playing in the parade and a glimpse of Santa closing the parade on a fire truck. Visitors will truly enjoy it most by standing on the north side of Harbor Blvd, where you can get the best view of every part of the festivities. This event is one where you can truly experience the joy of the holiday season with fellow travelers and locals alike; a true highlight for the entire community.
When: Starts Late November, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Typically held in December at the Destin Community Center, this incredible event brings holiday cheer to all who attend. Enjoy music, food, and visits from Santa for a grand time filled with merry energy. Attendees are also encouraged to donate to the less fortunate so everyone can experience a very merry Christmas. This is just one of many Christmas tree-lighting events so don’t worry if your travel dates don’t exactly match up, there is always more holiday cheer to be found! The Christmas tree lighting hosted at Destin Commons in November includes free face painting and photo opportunities with Rudolph and Frosty, a great option for families looking to create long-lasting holiday memories.
When: Starts Late November and Throughout December
Admission: Varies by event
This incredible event is hosted annually in different areas of this charming beach town. Browse booths filled with unique gifts, vendors offering handcrafted pieces, and much more! Enjoy food, music, and holiday cheer throughout town at these festive holiday markets. At the Old Florida Holiday Winter Market, you can experience carriage rides, bonfires, and yummy s’mores, indulge in cookies with Santa and complimentary gift wrapping booths at the Mistletoe Market on Main Street, and have a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Seaside Holiday Market. The holiday cheer is endless and always giving.
When: Every night in December, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Enjoy a free and festive light show every night for the month of December at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Experience the magic of the holiday season through three dazzling shows on the Village Christmas trees and Event Plaza from 6 pm to 8 pm. This is a show you won’t want to miss. In an area renowned for its coastal beauty and charm, the magic of the holiday season truly comes to life through these incredible light shows.
When: Throughout December
Admission: Varies by event
During the holiday season in the Panhandle, you can often find local communities hosting incredible events right on the beach. Indulge in bonfires, live music, and various family activities that everyone will enjoy. Check into the local calendar during your trip to see when and where this next beach bash is happening for you!
When: October 31 - February 8 (times vary daily)
Admission: $15 for 90-minute skate; $3 skate rental
Lace up your skates and glide into the winter season at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's seasonal ice rink. It's the perfect way to create holiday memories and enjoy one of your favorite cold-weather traditions right here on the coast! Skaters must be at least 3 years old and fit into appropriately sized skates. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a parent or adult family member.
When: Every Fridays of December
Admission: Free
Gather your family and friends, grab a blanket, and settle in under the stars for Movies on the Lawn: Holiday Edition at HarborWalk Village. This cozy outdoor movie night brings festive lights, cool evening breezes, and family-friendly holiday classics together in a relaxed lawn setting that feels both simple and special. Movie selections are shared on HarborWalk Village’s social media, so you can check ahead and plan your night around your favorites. Free on-site parking makes it easy to come and go without the hassle.
The holiday season is more than just Christmas but is a welcoming of the new year as well. The Florida Panhandle celebrates all of the holiday season to the fullest with various New Year's Eve celebrations. Enjoy firework shows, parties, and family-friendly events throughout the region, often on the gorgeous, welcoming beaches. At Baytowne Wharf, ring in the New Year with live music from 7:00 PM until 1:00 AM, two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8:00 PM and midnight, and a spectacular drone show featuring 150 drones. Family-friendly activities from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM include face painting and kids' activities. These are events you will not want to miss and the perfect way to bring in the New Year.
To truly enjoy all of the holiday cheer of the Florida Panhandle you will need the perfect vacation home in the best locations. These properties guarantee the highest level of quality and enjoyment, offering every comfort and convenience of home in a lush and festive package!
Holiday Isle Properties in Destin, FL offers the best vacation rentals in the city, offering a true flair of local charm that you will love and adore. Enjoy beachfront condos with stunning views of the Gulf, or grand multi-level beachfront homes! All are just steps away from the beach and offering a variety of luxury amenities such as private boat slips, swimming pools, hot tubs, expansive balconies and so much more. Regardless of the size of your group, they have the perfect place for you to stay in Destin, FL.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a reunion for 20, Holiday Isle has the right fit. Their local expertise means you'll discover the real Destin—not just tourist traps.
Featured Properties:
For masterful designs and convenient locations, you will love Scenic Stays in South Walton for the town’s best vacation rentals. These homes are curated with every detail carefully thought out and perfected to ensure guests are cozy and equipped with everything they need for an incredible stay. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets with walk-out patios and private balconies, heated private pools, spacious floor plans and so much more. These beautiful homes will serve as the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday season vacation.
Featured Properties:
Browse Scenic Stays collection →
ELP Luxury Vacations in 30A will be the cherry on top for your dream holiday vacation. These homes are the best in the town and offer convenient access to all of the best events and activities. Enjoy all of your creature comforts in a lavish package with luxury amenities such as wrap-around porches, private pools, built-in spas, private elevators and so much more. Accommodation, convenience, and quality are highlights of these homes and will ensure you and your family enjoy the holiday season in the best way possible.
Featured Properties:
View ELP Luxury Vacations portfolio →
As the holiday season unfolds in the Florida Panhandle, the events and activities become endless as the magic of the holidays takes over. Through this guide, you can embrace the cheer of all of this region's many festivities and create lasting memories for every member of the family. With breathtaking scenery, vibrant communities, and holiday cheer, there’s no better place to celebrate than along the beautiful shores of the Emerald Coast. There may not be snow on the ground, but you won’t miss them with the sugar-white sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones to immerse yourselves in the joy and magic of the Florida Panhandle. Happy Holidays, and we’ll see you at the next event!
