By Christopher Manson
Saturday, Nov. 15
“Christmas Switch” Book Signing with Author Kate Hendrickson
Salt & Story Books & Gifts, 1103-B East John Sims Parkway, Niceville, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Local author Hendrickson’s “Christmas Switch” is the story of a husband and wife who swap Christmas duties, resulting in unputdownable holiday chaos. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Movie Night: Will Ferrell’s Immortal Holiday Classic “Elf”
Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater, Niceville, 6 p.m.
Enjoy the beloved Christmas movie on the inflatable screen.
Friday, Nov. 21
Saturday, Nov. 22
St. Paul’s Christkindl-Markt
1407 John Sims Parkway East, Niceville, 5-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and artisan treats from local vendors, plus seasonal eats, twinkling lights, festive decorations, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and lots of holiday cheer.
Friday, Nov. 21
Saturday, Nov. 22
The Nutcracker 2025
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7:30 p.m.
The Northwest Florida Ballets 46th annual production of the classic holiday fairytale, with a cast of over 140 performers and live music from Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra conductor David Ott.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Ruthlake Farm Christmas Market
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Photos with Santa, vendors, gift wrapping, raffles and more. Admission is $10 and includes a shopping bag and raffle ticket.
Sunday, Nov. 23
The Nutcracker 2025
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 2:30 p.m.
www.nfballet.org/the-nutcracker
The Northwest Florida Ballet returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and on Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m. for the 46th annual production of The Nutcracker. As the only full-length version of this classic holiday fairytale in the area, NFB’s The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 140 performers, including international guest artists and over 100 local children.
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will provide music for all public performances under the leadership of NFB Music Director and Conductor David Ott. Box office prices for NFB’s The Nutcracker are $48 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Here Comes Santa Claus
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Santa arrives in style for Baytowne’s annual holiday kickoff, complete with festive lights, music, and a fireworks finale! Free admission. Info: baytownewharf.com
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Multi-Chamber Young Professionals Ugly Sweater Holiday PARTY
3rd Planet Brewing, Niceville, 5-6:30 p.m.
business.waltonareachamber.com
Mix and mingle with area Young Professionals in your ugliest holiday sweater. Cost is $10, and includes one drink ticket and small bites.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Thursday, Dec. 4
Katie’s House of Flowers Christmas Wreath Workshop
402 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, 6 p.m.
Create a beautiful 24-inch Christmas wreath at this festive outdoor event. All supplies provided, plus light refreshments. Classes typically run one hour. Cost is $90 per person. Call 850.678.7811 to register for either date.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Niceville-Valparaiso 2025 Christmas Parade
Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “Unite for the Holidays.”
Monday, Dec. 8
Niceville High School Chorus Holiday Concert
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7 p.m.
850.226.4643
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.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Tenth Annual Niceville Track and Field Ugly Sweater 5k Run/Walk
Hurricane Grill & Wings, 8-11 a.m.
Don your tackiest holiday apparel in support of the Niceville High School Track and Field Facilities Fund. The event is open to all ages. One-mile fun run for children 12 and under at 8:30 a.m. Register at NHSuglysweater.com.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Bluewater Bay Christmas Golf Cart Parade
The Blue Tee, 2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, 5 p.m.
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.
