Dust off those skates and get ready for the holidays at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. Ice rink is open Sun., Oct. 30th – Sunday, Feb. 5th. Hours vary daily. Visit BaytowneWharf.com.
Kick off the Christmas season on Nov. 18 when Santa rides in the holiday parade down Main Street in Destin Commons to light the biggest Christmas Tree on the Emerald Coast. Have fun with free face painting and photo opportunities with Rudolph and Frosty characters all set to festive holiday tunes. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks will immediately follow.
A November holiday favorite is the Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights, Nov. 19, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Stroll the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf enjoying an evening full of holiday spirit, delicious appetizers and sparkling wine from 4-6 p.m. featuring more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. There’s also plenty of holiday cheer, carolers, bubbles and ends with Baytowne Wharf’s choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights. Tickets: www.baytownesparklingwinefest.com/
Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons Sat., Nov. 19, and will be there until Dec. 24. There’s also free games, crafts and free, 4×6 professional photos with Santa. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
A holiday favorite, The Polar Express, will be shown Friday, Nov. 25 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Join other delighted movie-watchers for this special showing on a LED HD Video Wall on the Events Plaza Lawn at 6 p.m.
Here Comes Santa Claus, Sat., Nov. 26, 6-9 p.m. right down Baytowne Lane! Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to light up the Village Christmas Tree! Santa will start his horse drawn carriage journey into Baytowne Wharf at 6 p.m. and parade around the Village. Then he’ll flip a switch to officially light up the Christmas tree for the holiday season! The fireworks light the sky immediately after around 6:15-6:30. There’s also face-painting, kids crafts and, after the fireworks, visits and photos with Santa! Visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Holiday on the Harbor kicks off every year with Santa’s grand arrival at Harborwalk Village. Visit with Santa at HarborWalk Village beginning Sat., Nov. 26, where Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the main stage from 1-4 p.m. Kids will enjoy crafts, face painting and a Rudolph-themed treasure hunt on Santa’s arrival day. All of Santa’s guests will receive a special treat and a FREE 4×6 photo.
Hosted by the City of DeFuniak Springs, starting the day after Thanksgiving, Chipley Park lights up with the annual Christmas Reflection Displays, a light display like no other in our area with over 10 million lights reflecting on the lake and throughout the park. You can view the lights by walking, driving or even taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. Admission is $5 per person and children 5 and under are free. (850) 978-2999.
The Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin runs from the Tuesday before Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. Participating non-profit organizations compete to win cash prizes totaling $7,000. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. Festival of Trees is an annual event in the park at Grand Boulevard shopping center showcasing uniquely decorated Christmas trees from 12 local, non-profit organizations.
Main Street DeFuniak Springs brings back Merry Main Street Nov. 26! Free to attend, Merry Main Street boasts live music and theatrical performances, an outdoor market, food trucks, rides on the Choctaw Express Train, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids character appearances by The Character Clubhouse, and more family fun – all taking place outdoors along Baldwin Ave. in downtown DeFuniak Springs. Events occur every Friday and Saturday up to Christmas. https://bit.ly/MSD_MerryMain, Info@mainstreetdfs.org, (850) 296-9051.
