By Christopher Manson
Northwest Florida’s Bay area brings joy and goodwill year-round. So, visitors and newcomers can only imagine how things kick in once the holiday lights are strung up and Christmas carols merrily shake the walls of local businesses and residences.
This December offers a number of unforgettable seasonal events for the entire family in Niceville, Valparaiso, Freeport and surrounding areas. Whether it’s concerts, parades or some light bites with Santa Claus himself, this is guaranteed to be a very Merry Christmas indeed.
Saturday, Dec. 2-Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
17th Annual Geek Lights on the Corner Christmas Light Show
At the corner of Bluewater Blvd. & Antiqua Way, Bluewater Bay
Free performances feature thousands of Christmas lights and other themed display elements, all under computer control and synchronized to music and stories. Shows every 30 minutes starting at 6 p.m., with the last show at 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holiday eves. Donations benefit Caring & Sharing of Niceville. The show is the technical and creative wizardry of Jeff Werner, the “Northwest Florida Geek” and Wendy Werner, his “Spouse Peripheral”. Jeff is author of the weekly computers and technology Q&A feature “It’s Geek to Me,” (ItsGeekToMe.co). Facebook.com/GeekLightsOnTheCorner
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Holiday Concert Series & Visits with Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com
Thursday, Dec. 5
Free Pop-Up Movie Night: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Yoga by You Studio, Niceville, 5:30 p.m.
Director Henry Selick’s beloved stop-motion animated movie, with complimentary popcorn and ciders. FREE yoga class passes for newcomers attending the screening. yogabyyouniceville.com
Friday, Dec. 6
Holiday Pops: Christmas On Broadway
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7-9 p.m.
The popular symphony event features Broadway actress-singer Grace Morgan, with favorites from the Great White Way and Disney, along with holiday classics. Also – the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Chorale, Unified Gospel Choir and Voices of Northwest Florida. Cost is $45 for adults and $16 for youth ages 18 and under and military. Call 850.729.6000 for tickets. mattiekellyartscenter.org
Saturday, Dec. 7
Alaqua Holiday Bazaar
Alaqua Animal Refuge, Freeport, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
The spirit of the season comes alive with rows of unique vendors and their one-of-a-kind gifts, delectable treats, and the Winter Wonderland of your holiday dreams.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Ages 2 and under receive free admission. alaqua.org
Christmas Performance By Paradise City Core Dance
Freeport High School, 4 p.m.
Dance meets faith. Art becomes worship. A memorable afternoon of joy, praise and fellowship through dance. www.paradisecitydwc.com/recital
2024 Niceville-Valparaiso Community Christmas Parade
City of Niceville, 10 a.m.
This year’s theme is “The Magic of Christmas.” Visit the event page on Facebook for rules and registration info. nicevillevalparaisorotary.org
Saturday, Dec. 7-Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
Eighth Annual Troon Goon Christmas Light Show
1074 Troon Drive E., Niceville, 6-9:30 p.m.
FREE residential graphic light show combining classic and modern Christmas songs for a fun and energetic jolt of entertainment. High tech animated dancing and limitless pixel combinations. The 30-minute show starts every hour and half-hour. Watch from your vehicle while listening to holiday music on 101.3 FM. www.troongoonchristmas.com
Sunday, Dec. 8
Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Big Band Holiday Toast ‘N Jam with Vocalist Morgan James
The Crystal Ballroom, Henderson Beach Resort, Destin, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Broadway star James makes her triumphant return, performing holiday favorites, Broadway classics, American Songbook standards, and selections from her album A Very Magnetic Christmas. Enjoy an elegant brunch complete with Bloody Mary and mimosa cash bar.
Tickets start at $125 per person, which includes the live performance, brunch, valet service and gratuities. Limited front-row seating available; early purchase recommended.
Ticket sales support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community outreach initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Monday, Dec. 9
Niceville High School Chorus Holiday Concert
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7 p.m.
All seven (!) NHS choruses – teachers, local elementary and middle school talents and more – are joined by professional instrumentalists. Plus, special guests The Ruckel Middle School Envoys Chorus. Tickets are $10 through Dec. 1, and $15 after. gofan.co
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Holiday Concert Series And Visits With Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com
Thursday, Dec. 12
Holiday After Hours
Tru by Hilton, 4382 Ansley Drive, Niceville, 5-6:30 p.m.
Members and guests are invited. Email events@nicevillechamber.com to learn more. nicevillechamber.com
Friday, Dec. 13
Meet Santa!
Lou Lou Beans, 130 Marquis Way East, Unit 102, Freeport
Photo opportunities for the good boys and girls on your list. 850.682.5353
Saturday, Dec. 14
Breakfast With Santa
Props Brewery Hammock Bay, Freeport, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brunch and photos with Santa Claus. propsbrewery.com
The Grinch In Concert
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ immortal classic comes to life, with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra performing James Horner’s musical score from the Ron Howard movie. Enjoy scenes from the film as your heart grows exponentially. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s Yule of Yesteryear
114 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, 10 am.-4 p.m.
A FREE event at Perrine Park, with a Valparaiso Garden Club sale, craft vendors, music, children’s crafts and more. Call 850.678.2615 for more information. heritage-museum.org
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Concert Series & Visits With Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com
December 20-22
Free Photos with Santa at Fudpucker’s, 2 – 6 p.m.
Each family receives a FREE digital photo with Santa—and he’ll be holding an alligator! Fudpucker.com
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas Boat Parade & Decorating Contest
Bluewater Bay Marina, Niceville
Captains meeting at 4 p.m., staging at 5. The parade begins at 5:30. Registration is $30 for Sharing and Caring or 15 canned goods. 850.897.2821
Victorian Christmas Tea
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 1-3 p.m.
Mrs. Connie Wolff will transform the Veterans Common Meeting room into an enchanting tea room that would meet with the approval of Queen Victoria.
Mrs. Debbie Edgar’s Tea menu includes traditional sweets and savories—fruit cup, finger sandwiches, scones, desserts including petite fours and mince pies as well as teas and hot chocolate. Highlighted: History of Tea by Dr. Marie Hallion, Chair of the Museum Trustees. RSVP by Dec. 19. 850-678-2617
December 31
Fudpucker’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FREE family friendly event with face painting, entertainment, a Live DJ, food, alligators and a prize filled balloon drop at noon! Fudpucker.com
