The holidays have arrived across Niceville, Bluewater Bay and throughout the Bay area, bringing twinkling lights, hometown parades, Christmas concerts, festive markets and family traditions old and new. Here’s your guide to the season’s can’t-miss events!
Dec. 1–Jan. 6
Geek Lights on the Corner
Shows every 30 minutes: 6–9:30 p.m. (Sun–Thu) & 6–10:30 p.m. (Fri, Sat & holiday eves)
Bluewater Blvd. & Antiqua Way, Bluewater Bay
Thousands of synchronized lights, towering displays and a custom soundtrack make this tech-savvy light show a must-see. Park, tune your radio to 101.3 FM and watch the 30-minute show dance across the house, mega-tree and arches. This season supports the Junior League of the Emerald Coast’s Child Clothing Project, which outfits hundreds of local students with new clothes and supplies. Admission is free; donation boxes and QR codes on-site accept gifts for the charity. The show is powered by the technical and creative wizardry of Jeff Werner—the “Northwest Florida Geek”—and his “Spouse Peripheral,” Wendy Werner. Jeff writes the weekly tech Q&A column It’s Geek to Me, featured online at ItsGeekToMe.co, on Niceville.com, and in publications nationwide. Facebook.com/GeekLightsOnTheCorner
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Multi-Chamber Young Professionals Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
5–6:30 p.m. | 3rd Planet Brewing, Niceville
Area Young Professionals from multiple chambers are invited to mingle in their ugliest holiday sweaters for networking, one drink and light bites. Prizes, laughs and new connections guaranteed. Tickets are $10 and include one drink ticket and small bites; register at business.waltonareachamber.com.
Dec. 5
Parents’ Night Out with Niceville High School Cheer
6–9 p.m. • Niceville High School
Enjoy a well-deserved night out while the kids have a great time with the Niceville High School Cheerleaders! Children will enjoy snacks, games, crafts, and plenty of spirited fun.
Cost: $40 per child
Registration: Space is limited — scan the QR code to reserve your spot.
Dec. 5–7
Troop 553B’s Very Merry Christmas Village & Tree Sale
Troop 553B — 212 N. Partin Dr., Niceville
Kick off the season with a festive weekend at Troop 553B’s Very Merry Christmas Village! Enjoy Christmas tree sales, cookie decorating, face painting, games, visits with Santa, and plenty of cheerful photo ops for the whole family.
Fresh-cut Fraser Fir trees support Scout Eagle Projects, camping adventures, and high-adventure programs. Come early—last year’s trees sold out by Saturday!
Hours:
Fri, Dec 5: 4–8 p.m.
Sat, Dec 6: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sun, Dec 7: 12–3 p.m. (if needed)
Saturday, Dec. 6
Niceville-Valparaiso 2025 Christmas Parade
10 a.m. | Downtown Niceville–Valparaiso
The Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club brings back one of the community’s favorite traditions on Saturday, Dec. 6, with the 2025 Christmas Parade stepping off at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, “Unite for the Holidays,” invites families, businesses, schools, churches and civic groups to celebrate with festive floats, music, marching units and performances.
The route begins at Palm Blvd. and John Sims Pkwy., travels west on John Sims, turns north onto Partin Dr., passes Children’s Park and ends near Ruckel Middle School, where judging will take place. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Paradegoers are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive, with drop-off points near the front of the route. Entries will be judged in several categories, with trophies and special honors including Grand Marshal and President’s Choice.
To participate with a float, vehicle or marching group, access registration forms, rules and instructions at:
https://nicevillevalparaisorotary.org (see Christmas Parade under Documents).
Visit the Rotary Club’s website or follow on social media for updates.
Dec. 6–Jan. 6 Nightly
9th Annual Troon Goon Christmas Lightshow
6–9:30 p.m. | 1074 Troon Dr. E., Niceville (Bluewater Bay)
One of Bluewater Bay’s most beloved holiday traditions returns! The Troon Goon Christmas Lightshow is a high-tech, fully choreographed residential display featuring tens of thousands of animated pixel lights synchronized to both classic and modern Christmas music. Shows run every half hour, and visitors can tune in from their cars at 101.3 FM for the full musical experience.
Guests can even vote online for their favorite song versions throughout the season, making each night a little different. The show is free to view, family-friendly and perfect for a drive-by outing or an evening stroll through the neighborhood.
More details: troongoonchristmas.com
Monday, Dec. 8
Niceville High School Chorus Holiday Concert
7 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
Ring in the season as all seven Niceville choirs perform, along with a guest instrumentalist on handbell and students from Ruckel Middle School. Tickets are $10 through Dec. 1, $15 after Dec. 1. 850.226.4643
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 12–13
A Very Niceville Christmas Returns!
5–8 p.m. | Niceville Municipal Complex
A Very Niceville Christmas is back—and bigger than ever! The Niceville Municipal Complex transforms into a bustling winter wonderland Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12–13, from 5–8 p.m. each evening for the 2nd annual celebration of all things merry and bright. Families can enjoy two magical nights filled with hayrides, pony rides, food trucks, craft vendors, festive music, hot cocoa, photo ops, Christmas story times, a Letters to Santa station, a cake walk, and plenty of surprises along the way. Kids will love Friday’s Holiday Movie in the Children’s Park, while Saturday brings the beloved tradition of Santa in the Park. Whether you’re coming for the cocoa, the crafts, or the Christmas cheer, you won’t want to miss a moment of this hometown holiday tradition.
Holiday craft vendors, musicians and school ensembles can apply to participate by emailing pio@nicevillefl.gov.
Dec. 12–14
Live Nativity – Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas
6:30–8:30 p.m. | 571 Valparaiso Pkwy.
Experience the wonder of the Christmas story brought to life! This beloved Live Nativity features live actors, adorable animals, and a joyful hayride that tells the story of Jesus’ birth in a way the whole family will remember.
Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies before or after your ride, then stop by the kids’ craft tent or spend time visiting with the event’s sweetest stars—the bunnies! It’s a heartwarming tradition that brings the true meaning of Christmas into focus.
Bring your family, neighbors and friends for an unforgettable evening of community and celebration. You won’t want to miss it!
Dec. 13
Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony
11 a.m. | Heritage Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery — 2201 Partin Dr. N., Niceville
Join the community at Heritage Gardens for a heartfelt Remembrance Ceremony and Placement of the Wreaths honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. You can sponsor a remembrance wreath, volunteer or simply stand in support with family and friends. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Wreath placement will immediately follow. Your participation helps ensure that as many fallen heroes as possible are remembered with honor and gratitude.
10th Annual Niceville Ugly Sweater Run/Walk 5K
8-11 a.m. | Hurricane Grill & Wings (Bluewater Bay)
Break out your worst (or best!) tacky, holiday sweater and join Niceville High School Track & Field for the 10th Annual Ugly Sweater Run/Walk 5K, benefiting the NHS Track & Field Facilities Fund. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., starting and finishing at Hurricane Grill & Wings in Bluewater Bay, and is open to all ages. A 1-mile Fun Run for kids 12 and under kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy festive fun, music, and plenty of holiday spirit throughout the morning.
Registration: NHSuglysweater.com. More info: NHSeagletrack.com
Yule of Yesteryear
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Heritage Museum of NWFL | Perrine Park, 115 Westview Ave., Val’p
Step back in time for a festive day of old-fashioned holiday fun. Enjoy craft vendors, children’s crafts, a bake sale, school choirs and special activities with the Valparaiso Garden Club and the Walton Guard. Don’t miss a visit from the Grinch, greeting guests from noon to 2 p.m. Free community event; more information at heritagemuseum.org or 850-678-2615.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Victorian Christmas Tea
1–3 p.m. | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso
Slow down for an elegant afternoon tea complete with Victorian-style décor, light bites and holiday treats. Perfect for girlfriends, mothers and daughters or anyone who loves classic Christmas tradition. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members; RSVP by Dec. 17 at heritagemuseum.org or 850-678-2615.
Bluewater Bay Christmas Golf Cart Parade
5 p.m. | The Blue Tee, 2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville
Deck your cart out for a festive parade through Bluewater Bay benefiting Sharing & Caring, followed by a cheery afterparty. Prize for best decorated cart. Entry cost is a non-perishable food item. To register, stop by the Blue Tee or message the Facebook event page.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas Boat Parade & Decorating Contest
5:30 p.m. | Bluewater Bay Marina, Niceville
Hosted by the Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club, this festive annual tradition invites boaters to light up the bay with dazzling holiday displays. Spectators can gather along the waterfront to enjoy the procession as it departs from Emerald Coast Marine at 5:30 p.m. and cruises through the marina.
Details: 850-897-2821
