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Holiday Happenings in Walton County for 2021

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There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than Walton County. Whether you want to enjoy twinkling lights and holiday decorations or ring in the New Year with champagne and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Walton County.  

Saturday, Dec. 11
5 -8 p.m.
Eden Gardens Luminary Stroll on the Grounds

Eden Gardens will once again illuminate the park for an evening that has become a local holiday tradition. More than 2,000 luminaries will be lit and placed along the garden paths of the park, giving the public the opportunity to experience the magic of Eden Gardens at nightfall. The Wesley House will not be open to the public for viewing, but park guests may come take the regularly scheduled tours Thursday through Monday to view the Christmas decorations. There will be music and carolers on the grounds throughout the evening, as well as cookies & hot beverages provided by the Friends of Eden Gardens at the Pavilion area. Please be aware that the park will be quite dark even with the luminaries on the grounds. We recommend a flashlight when walking from the parking area to the main grounds. Additional parking will be available at Bay Elementary School. 

 For more information, please refer to the Friends of Eden Gardens Facebook Page or call the park at (850) 267-8322

  

Tuba Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 11
5 – 7 p.m.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Join us for a unique free holiday event at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Enjoy some of your favorite holiday classics with Tuba Christmas and visits with Santa! It will be a night of fun for the whole Family!

Saturday, Dec. 11
5 – 7 p.m.
Late Seating, 8-10 p.m.
Café Nola’s Christmas with the Chairman

Kick off the holiday season with a dinner show to benefit the Lions Club of Defuniak Springs featuring Josh Sirten’s Frank Sinatra Tribute Show. The $50 ticket includes the show, dinner, non-alcoholic drinks and dancing. Call for reservations.

  • Website: hoteldefuniak.net/ 
  • Address: 400 E Nelson Ave, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
  • Phone: (850) 610-8800

 

Recurring December Events:
12 Nights of Lights
6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Wednesdays, Dec. 1- Dec. 22
This December enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas! This sparkling event will also be featured during a special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows on the Village tree at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. This free event is held on the Events Plaza Lawn.

 

 

Visits with Santa
6 – 8 p.m.
First 3 Wednesdays in December
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cost: FREE
Visit The Village of Baytowne Wharf to see Santa this holiday season and let him know what you want for Christmas! Join us December 1, 8, and 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. for a Holiday concert and visit with Santa. Also, visit with Santa from 5 – 7 p.m. December 11th during Tuba Christmas!

 

Christmas Reflections
All December
Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Sunday – Thursday: 5:30-9 p.m. nightly.  Last car at 9 p.m.  Fri 
See more than 10 million lights reflect off a perfectly round spring-fed lake glowing in holiday splendor. Enjoy a holiday family tradition in DeFuniak Springs, FL as Chipley Park lights up with the annual Christmas Reflection displays. A variety of Victorian, animal and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop, the grandfather clock ticking away are among the thousands of decorations which adorn these historic grounds. This event is orchestrated and hosted by the City of DeFuniak Springs. See below for free holiday special events, markets and the Festival of Trees which compliment this season's light show.

 

Coastal White Christmas at Grand Boulevard

Tis' the season to be jolly! The Town Center at Grand Boulevard is awash with thousands of beautiful white lights, bringing a festive and inviting spirit to the Boulevard.

   

Fridays and Saturdays
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Crafts for the Little Ones and Hot Beverages in Grand Park

Fridays; Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, and Dec. 31

Saturday, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, and Jan. 1, 5-8 p.m.

Saturdays

Photos with the Elf on the Shelf in Grand Park

Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18; 2-4 p.m.

 

  • Website: grandboulevard.com
  • Address: 495 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
  • Phone: (850) 837-3099

 

The REP Theatre Presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Back for its 11th year, The REP Theatre’s holiday smash hit, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, returns with all of your favorite Beloved Holiday Classics packed into one show of high-energy jolly and hilarity! Four REP actors, armed with a bazillion props and costumes, send up everything from Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss to Jimmy Stewart and Chewbacca in this ever-evolving REP favorite. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the season, beat the festive fatigue, and share some holiday cheer. 

Grab your chairs and find your perfect spot in front of the Seaside Post Office for the magical holiday tradition of Every Christmas Story Ever Told. This complimentary, non-ticketed event is family-friendly and great for audiences of all ages thanks to the Seaside Merchants!

  • Website: LoveTheREP.com
  • Address: Seaside Post Office, 99 Central Square, Seaside, FL 32459
  • Phone: (850) 231-0733

 

Hotel Effie Sandestin Holiday music series:
Thursdays and Fridays, 4-6 p.m. 
Dec. 9 and 10, Dec. 16 and 17, Dec. 23 and 24, Thursday, Dec. 30
The Holiday music series features live holiday melodies and vocals from local legend Cheryl Jones of Jones & Company in the Hotel Effie lobby bar. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, tasty bites and gorgeous holiday décor.

  • Website: HotelEffie.com
  • Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
  • Phone: (850) 351-3040

 

Christmas Eve Happenings


Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel
Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner
Enjoy a three-course meal for Christmas Eve or Christmas Dinner at The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill (12/24/21 seating times from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; 12/25/21 seating times from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Diners can choose from first course options of Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup, Christmas Salad, Sauteed Gulf Shrimp Carbonara, or Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters; Main coast options include Classic Seafood Bouillabaisse, Maple Leaf Farm Raised Crispy Duck, Rosemary-Horseradish Crusted Prime Rib of Beef, or Colorado Lamb Chops, and for dessert diners can opt for either the Double Chocolate Mousse Cake, Eggnog Crème Brule, Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding, or White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake. The prix fixe menu is $95 per dining guest. An a la carte children’s menu is available for children 12 and under. Price includes non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at an additional fee. Reservations are required.   

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882

Fish Out of Water’s Christmas Eve Dinner
The Fish Out of Water restaurant at WaterColor Inn is offering a Christmas Eve Dinner 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. In addition to live music, there will be a la carte dining offered, a children’s menu available, and Chef Features to include Brie Crostini with Duck Confit and Balsamic Cranberry Jam, Winter Salad, and a “Christmas Dinner” of Prime Rib, Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Fried Brussel sprouts with Warm Bacon Vinagrette and Toasted Almond, Demi-Grace, and Horseradish Cream, served with Yorkshire Pudding. 

  • Website: foow30a.com/
  • Address: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Phone: (850) 534-5050

 

Christmas Day Happenings

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel -- Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner

Enjoy a three-course meal for Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill (12/24/21 seating times from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; 12/25/21 seating times from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Diners can choose from first course options of Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup, Christmas Salad, Sauteed Gulf Shrimp Carbonara, or Crispy Fried Gulf Oysters; Main coast options include Classic Seafood Bouillabaisse, Maple Leaf Farm Raised Crispy Duck, Rosemary-Horseradish Crusted Prime Rib of Beef, or Colorado Lamb Chops, and for dessert diners can opt for either the Double Chocolate Mousse Cake, Eggnog Crème Brule, Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding, or White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake. The prix fixe menu is $95 per dining guest. An a la carte children’s menu is available for children 12 and under. Price includes non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at an additional fee. Reservations are required.   

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882

 

Saturday, Dec. 25

Holidays at Hotel Effie
Enjoy a festive night and exclusive Christmas menu on Dec. 25 at Ovide. Indulge in a delicious meal and holiday lights and décor in the restaurant and throughout Hotel Effie. Menu available soon. Join us in The Lobby Bar from 4-6 p.m. for live holiday melodies and vocals from local legend Cheryl Jones of Jones & Company.

  • Website: HotelEffie.com
  • Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
  • Phone: (850) 351-3040

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 26

Stinky’s Fish Camp
Christmas Sunday Brunch on Dec. 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy live music by Longleaf Drive.

 

New Year’s Eve Happenings

National Champagne Day
Visitors staying in WaterColor are invited to take part in National Champagne Day on Friday, Dec. 31 from 3-6 p.m. Enjoy a variety of Champagnes, sparkling wines and small bites at bubbles stations as you make your way around the WaterColor Beach Club beach, where a complimentary bonfire will be warm visitors against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Cost to participate is $55 per person. 

  • Website: watercolorresort.com/
  • Address: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Phone: (850) 534-5000

 

Boot Scootin’ Boogie New Year’s Eve & Day at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
Stop by Scratch Biscuit Kitchen during normal business hours (7 a.m. – 2 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to enjoy special menu items, live country music and the first opportunity to sign up for the 2022 Mug Club. Featured dishes include Black Eyed Peas and all things Lucky Specials, and members of the Mug Club will receive a personal Mug Club YETI and unlimited coffee for only $1 a day with the purchase of a $35.99 annual membership.     

  • Website: scratchbk.com
  • Address: 1777 East County Hwy 30A, Suite 101, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Phone: (850) 231-6550

 

Hotel Effie New Year’s Eve

Ring in 2022 with the best view on the Emerald Coast! Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge and Hotel Effie are throwing a New Year’s Eve bash like no other. Join us for dinner at Ovide, craft cocktails, live music from Nobius, Rooftop tunes by DJ DFunk, two firework shows and more. Room packages and tickets available starting on Dec. 2. Make your dinner reservations today.

 

Fish Out of Water New Year’s Eve
The Fish Out of Water restaurant is hosting a New Year’s Eve multicourse dinner celebration from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. Ring in 2022 with a delicious meal, champagne, and a night full of wonderful memories. In addition to live music, a photo booth and the usual menu, guests can choose from a selection of Chef Features to include Lobster Mac and Cheese Bites served with creamy Chipotle aioli, Beet Salad made with candy-stripe baby heirloom beet, Ossobuco made with white wine braised veal shank and served with creamy roasted garlic polenta.

  • Website: foow30a.com/
  • Address: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Phone: (850) 534-5050

 

 

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at the Pearl Hotel – New Year’s Eve Menu
Enjoy a festive meal to celebrate New Year’s Eve at The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Seating times are available from 5-10 p.m., and guests can enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu, priced at $145 per dining guest including a welcome glass of sparkling wine upon arrival. For the first course, guests may choose Venison Chili, Tuna Tartare Napoleon, Prince Edward Island Mussels Colcannon, or Spinach & Beet Salad. The main course offers either Paella de Marisco, Seared Muscovy Duck Breast, Havana Beach Lobster Mac & Cheese, Braised Beef Short Rib, or Filet Mignon Au Poivre. The dessert course offers the choice of Double Chocolate Mousse Cake, Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Black Forests Trifle, or a Trio of Sorbets. Price includes non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at an additional fee. Reservations are required.

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882

 

Stinky’s Fish Camp New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Menu

In addition to the regular dinner menu, Chef Tim will offer New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe.

  • Website: stinkysfishcamp.com
  • Address: 5960 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Fl. 32452
  • Phone: (850) 267-3053

 

New Year's Eve Celebrations at Pescado and The Courtyard at Pescado
Pescado's "In the Midnight Hour" New Year's Eve Celebration:
Pescado's "In the Midnight Hour New Year's Eve Celebration" is sure to be a fun way to round out 2021. Enjoy an exclusive menu and dance the night away with live music by Max McCann Band from 6 -12:30 a.m. Guests will countdown and toast to the new year at midnight. Tickets are $250 per person plus 7% tax and 22% gratuity. Reservations are only available for parties of 8 or less. Call to secure your space. Restaurant dining by reservation only. A la carte menu will be available at the bar only from 5-10 p.m. (for walk-ins), though these will be very limited. Pescado will open to all dining guests (with reservations) at 10 p.m. for drinks, dancing, and celebration!

  • Website: rooftop30a.com/ 
  • Address: 74 Town Hall Rd #4B, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
  • Phone: (850) 213-4600

 

The Courtyard at Pescado's New Year's Eve Celebration:
The Courtyard at Pescado will also host a New Year's Eve Celebration from 7 p.m. -12:30 a.m. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, custom cocktails, live music by Rockers For Life from 8 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets (purchased in advance) are $75 per person plus 7% tax and 22% gratuity. Food is included, plus one drink token per guest, then a cash bar. Email pescadoinfo@thelcrg.com to book your place! Limited space available. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door for $85 per person plus 7% tax and 22% gratuity. Access to the main Pescado will not be granted for ticket holders due to restaurant capacity.