WCT Holiday Roundup 2025
Walton County is the perfect place to celebrate the winter holidays with many enticing events and festive fare to choose from. Whether you want to celebrate among twinkling lights and hanging holly or ring in the New Year with champagne and something good to eat, there’s something for everyone in Walton County.
DeFuniak Springs: Christmas Reflections
Come see more than 10 million lights reflect off a perfectly round spring-fed lake glowing in holiday splendor! Enjoy a holiday family tradition with annual Christmas Reflection displays at Chipley Park, featuring Victorian, animal and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop and a ticking grandfather clock, among thousands of decorations! The event runs nightly starting Friday, Nov. 28 until Tuesday, Dec. 31, seven days a week from 5:30-9 p.m.
Website: defuniaksprings.net22
Address: Circle Dr., DeFuniak Springs
Phone: (850) 892-8500
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Outdoor Screening of “The Polar Express”
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort invites guests to cozy up under the stars for “The Polar Express” on Friday, Nov. 28, from 6-8 p.m. on the Events Plaza Lawn in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy a spellbinding outdoor screening of the holiday classic, complete with the magic of crisp evening air, twinkling lights and community spirit. Bring your blankets and loved ones and settle in for a night of festive wonder.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
DeFuniak Springs: Merry Main Street Mistletoe Market
Join us Nov. 29 – Dec. 20 for our pinnacle event of the year, Merry Main Street. Mistletoe Market begins Nov. 29 and will reoccur every Saturday from 3-8 p.m. Vendors of all kinds will be available for you to find those unique stocking stuffers for the holidays!
Website: authenticwalton.com/events/merry-main-street-mistletoe-market/2025-11-29/3-8pm
Address: Baldwin Ave, DeFuniak Springs
Contact: director@mainstreetdfs.org
The Big Chill: Pictures with Santa
Visit the Big Chill on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon after Thanksgiving for pictures with Santa to kick off the Christmas season!
Website: thebigchill.com/event/pictures-with-santa-3
Address: 7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound
Phone: (850) 213-0782
SunQuest Cruises: Sol-ar Express Holiday Cruise
Book your seat now — you don’t want to miss the boat! Bring your family, your sense of wonder and prepare for a magical cruise that proves the journey is the destination on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, now through Dec. 30.
Website: sunquestcruises.com/the-sol-ar-express-holiday-cruises
Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Blvd, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 650-2519
30A Farmers Market: Special Holiday Markets in Rosemary Beach
Shop the holiday farmers markets on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Website: 30afarmersmarkets.com
Address: 28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach
Phone: (850) 499-4697
Grand Boulevard: Festival of Trees Charity Event
Join the charity event supporting local charities and non-profits from Walton County. Organizations will participate in a tree decorating contest, and winners will earn prize donations towards their charity or non-profit on Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m.
Website: grandboulevard.com/event/festival-of-trees-2
Address: 585 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 837-3099
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Wednesday Night Concert Series, Holiday Edition and Visits with Santa
Celebrate the season with music, merriment and a touch of Santa magic at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Wednesday Night Concert Series: Holiday Edition, happening Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 6-8 p.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Each week, the Events Plaza will come alive with festive performances of classic holiday tunes, sing-along favorites and seasonal cheer. Families can also enjoy visits with Santa during every concert, creating the perfect opportunity for holiday photos and memorable moments.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
DeFuniak Springs: Festive Food Truck Friday
Fridays, Baldwin Avenue will host Food Truck Friday from 5-8 p.m. Culinary delights from all genres will be available between 7th and 8th Streets each Friday until Christmas.
Website: authenticwalton.com/events/festive-food-truck-friday/2025-12-05/5-8pm
Address: Baldwin Ave, DeFuniak Springs
Contact: director@mainstreetdfs.org
DeFuniak Springs: Christmas Teddy Bear Tea
On Saturday, Dec. 6, Magnolia Arbor Weddings & Events is hosting a Christmas Teddy Bear Tea. We will be serving sweet and savory goodies on a three-tiered tray while sipping a holiday tea from a cup and saucer. We will have a craft for all the kids to enjoy, and we will send home a Christmas Teddy Bear with each child that attends. Find more information on our Facebook page Magnolia Arbor Weddings & Events. You can also call (850) 605-0456 for more information.
Website: authenticwalton.com/events/christmas-teddy-bear-tea/2025-12-06/2pm-undefined
Address: 771 Railroad Ave, DeFuniak Springs
Phone: (850) 605-0456
Grand Boulevard: Holiday Shopping Showcase
Celebrate the season at our Holiday Sip ‘n’ Shop all day long on Saturday, Dec. 6. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of holiday shopping while taking advantage of special promotions, exclusive discounts and fun giveaways from participating businesses. Be sure to enjoy the live music at Sunset Shoes.
Website: grandboulevard.com/event/holiday-shopping-showcase
Address: 585 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 837-3099
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Lantern Parade
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort invites the community to light up the night at the Lantern Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! Created by artist Chantelle Rytter and Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, this free, family-friendly parade celebrates creativity, community and the vibrant spirit of Sandestin. Guests are encouraged to make their own lanterns and join the procession alongside a dazzling display of giant illuminated puppets crafted by Rytter and her Krewe. Spectators can enjoy the glowing parade as it winds through the Village, then meet the puppets by the Christmas tree after the show. For more information or to register a golf cart, email baytowne@raebirdevents.com. A free lantern-making workshop will be held the same day from 1-3 p.m., and participants can even decorate their golf carts to join in the fun.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Tee Off for Toys
Give back while you get your game on during Tee Off for Toys on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card valued at $15 or more and enjoy a round of golf on The Links, Baytowne or Raven for just $25. Your donation will help brighten the holidays for local children, with all contributions benefiting Destin Harvest House and Children in Crisis Center in Fort Walton Beach. Join us on the course, swing for a cause and make a difference this season.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
Art Basha Gallery: Holiday Shopping Event
The Art Basha Gallery is 30A’s newest art and gift hot spot. Featuring one-of-a-kind coastal fine art and gifts by Allison Wickey and Ginger Leigh Designs. Enter to win a gift basket while enjoying lite bites, a festive cocktail and discounts on every item in the store. We are very excited to welcome you to our latest creation during this holiday season on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 3-7 p.m.
Website: Artbasha.com
Address: 3925 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 420-8419
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Grinchmas
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort invites guests to add a little mischief to their holiday season with Grinchmas at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, taking place Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19, from 5-9 p.m. Guests can meet the Mean One himself for a photo opportunity from 5-7 p.m., then enjoy a festive outdoor screening of The Grinch at 7 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the movie under the stars. With plenty of holiday cheer, playful antics and picture-perfect moments, this “Who-liday” celebration promises fun for guests of all ages.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Cakebread Wine Dinner at Burnt Pine Country Club
Savor the season with an unforgettable evening of fine wine, inspired cuisine and holiday cheer during a Cakebread Wine Dinner at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Burnt Pine Country Club on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 6-9 p.m. Indulge in a beautifully curated multi-course menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with wines from Cakebread Cellars, one of Napa Valley’s most esteemed and enduring family wineries. Guests will be guided through an evening of storytelling and taste, exploring the heritage of Cakebread’s acclaimed vineyards alongside dishes designed to complement their signature balance and depth.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Tuba Christmas
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind holiday performance during Tuba Christmas, taking place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 5-7 p.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. This cheerful celebration fills the air with the deep, melodic sounds of tubas and euphoniums performing beloved holiday classics. Families can also enjoy visits with Santa, adding an extra touch of festive fun to this spirited evening at Sandestin’s charming pedestrian village.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
Grand Boulevard: Coastal Christmas Celebrations
Celebrate the Season at Grand Boulevard on Dec.18-23. Join us for six days of festive, family-friendly holiday fun at Grand Boulevard! Welcome Santa to Grand Park and capture the magic with your own photo by the beautifully decorated Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree with Santa (Please note: photographer not provided). Enjoy complimentary rides through Grand Park: One horse-drawn carriage and one wagon will be available in front of Krewe Sunglasses. Each evening, delight in a live children’s holiday show presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company from 5-5:45 p.m.
Website: grandboulevard.com/event/holiday-shopping-showcase
Address: 585 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 837-3099
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa: Holiday Activities
Join us from noon to 5 p.m. at Sandcastles Lounge on Thursday, Dec. 18 for Christmas cookie decorating, movies on our giant TV wall, festive activities and carolers from Emerald Coast Theatre Company! Enjoy pictures with Santa from 2-5 p.m. and a Christmas sand sculpture on the beach! Shake things up at a complimentary class with the owner of Tipsy Mule at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Space is limited! Must be 21+ to participate. Classes are first-come, first-served. Enjoy kids' crafts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sandcastles Lounge.
Website: hiltonsandestinbeach.com
Address: 4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-9600
The Big Chill: Holiday Party
Celebrate the holiday season with us on Friday, Dec. 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at The Big Chill’s annual holiday party! Enjoy pictures with Santa, live music, a holiday market hosted by anchored market ventures, pop-ups and more!
Website: thebigchill.com/event/the-big-chill-holiday-party-pictures-with-santa-holiday-market-more
Address: 7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound
Phone: (850) 213-0782
Shades Bar and Grill: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
‘Tis the season to get tacky at our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Put on your best (or worst) Christmas sweater and join us for a night of holiday fun on Friday, Dec. 19. Enjoy holiday beats from DJ Vladi from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. and snap some festive photos at our photo booth.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E County Hwy 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Edward's: Christmas To-Go Meal
Call the number below or visit the restaurant to secure your delicious to-go meal! Order by Monday, Dec. 22, by 3 p.m.
Website: edwards30a.com
Address: 66 Main St, Rosemary Beach
Phone: (850) 231-0550
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company: Ugly Sweater Party
Idyll Hounds annual ugly sweater party is Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 6-9 p.m. Join them for games, live music, a food truck, prizes and more!
Website: idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com
Address: 845 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 814-0414
Rum Runners: Christmas Week Events
Visit the website below for the Christmas week events and music schedule.
Website: rumrunners.com
Address: 130 Fishmans Cove, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-1817
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa: Christmas Buffet
Join us on Christmas from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Sandcastles Restaurant inside Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa for a festive Christmas Buffet with chef-carved meats, delicious holiday treats and sweet festive desserts. Be sure to capture a moment in our Santa sleigh for a fun holiday photo!
Website: hiltonsandestinbeach.com
Address: 4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-9600
Ovide: Christmas Dinner
Gather with loved ones this Christmas Day at Ovide, Hotel Effie Sandestin’s signature restaurant just steps from Baytowne Wharf. From 4-9 p.m. on Christmas, enjoy a specially curated à la carte menu featuring classic holiday favorites and elevated seasonal flavors. Let Ovide’s team take care of the cooking while you savor every moment in a setting that blends timeless tradition with thoughtful Southern hospitality. Ovide’s regular dinner menu will not be available during this time. Reservations are required and can be made via OpenTable.
Website: hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach
Phone: (833) 873-3343
The Big Chill: NYE Celebration
Join us as we ring in 2026 with a family friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration! We’ll have something for the everyone in the family this year with college football bowl games on the Jumbotron, an early NYE countdown and beach ball drop! The ball drop will occur on stage with the DJ during halftime of the game that starts at 6:30 p.m. The exact timing of the countdown and ball drop will depend on the progression of the game.
Website: thebigchill.com
Address: 7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound
Phone: (850) 213-0782
Hotel Effie Sandestin: Fire and Ice NYE Bash
This New Year’s Eve, Ara Rooftop turns up the heat — and the cool — with its Fire and Ice NYE Bash on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests can ring in 2026 under the stars with handcrafted themed cocktails, gourmet bites from Ara’s newly curated menu, a live DJ and two spectacular fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and midnight. General entry is $65 plus tax and gratuity. Tickets are limited and available on Eventbrite below.
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach
Phone: (833) 873-3343
Rum Runners: NYE Celebration
Join us New Years Eve and buy tickets at the website below. Reserve your table for our buffet dinner and enjoy the dueling piano show and DJ DJK upstairs in the lift. Contact Dale today for reservations and more information at DMartin@RumRunners.com.
Website: rumrunners.com
Address: 130 Fishermns Cove, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-1817
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Baytowne New Year’s Eve Countdown
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort invites guests and locals alike to ring in 2026 in spectacular style at the Baytowne NYE Countdown, the resort’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration. Join us Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. This beloved annual event blends family-friendly fun, high-energy entertainment and dazzling fireworks for an unforgettable night along the Emerald Coast.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 W Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach
Phone: (800) 622-1038
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