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What's Happening in South Walton in December

There’s never a dull moment in South Walton. From concerts and holiday events to foodie finds and fun activities for the kids, South Walton has endless adventures to enjoy this month. See what’s going on around town.

Spotlight Events:

December 1 – 3rd Annual Grayt Holiday Market at Grayton Beer Company: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Get a head start on your holiday shopping during the 3rd Annual GRAYT Holiday Market, which will be held in tandem with the Taproom’s regularly scheduled Dog Days Are (R)over where patrons who bring in their dog receive 10% off their tab.

Local vendors, artists and merchants will be hand to showcase their talents. Ice cold brews from the taproom will be available, as well as tasty eats from the Grayton Beer Brewpup.  

December 1 – Holiday Pop Up Market at Anthropologie: 1-5 p.m.

Join Anthropologie at Grand Boulevard as they host their first Holiday Pop Up Market. The event will feature cold-pressed juices from Vintij Wine Bar, art from Liza Snyder, hand-made jewelry from Jamie Zimchek, and sweet treats from Sweet Henrietta’s.

December 1 – Milk and Cookies with Santa at Silver Sands Premium Outlets: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Join us at the courtyard in front of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH for a delicious snack while taking photos with Santa. Children will enjoy fun activities, cookie decorating and a special surprise from Santa. A goody bag will be available for the first 25 attendees.

December 4 – Santa on the Dock at The Bay: 5:30-8 p.m.

Santa Claus is coming to The Bay! For the second year in a row, bring your family and friends to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him your Christmas wishes. Receive a free photo with Santa with the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay as your backdrop. The dock will be lit with spectacular holiday lighting and there will be a few surprises in store as well. Stay and join us for dinner and watch the moon rise in our Winter Wonderland (snow and all).

December 5 – Holiday Open House & Ribbon Cutting at Thirty A Filet & Vine: 4-7 p.m.

Join Thirty A Filet & Vine for a holiday open house complete with drinks, light bites, a holiday cookie pop up with Sugar & Heart Bakery and a ribbon cutting from the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce.

December 5 – Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: 6-8 p.m.

Get in the winter spirit with us and listen to some of your favorite holiday classics. Each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa while enjoying festive tunes from Valhala Choir.

December 5 – Cultural Arts Alliance Winter Social at Grayton Beer Company: 5-8 p.m.

This annual event our wonderful members, volunteers and supporters. Have a drink on us and enjoy complimentary light bites from Grayton Beer Brewpub, plus live music from Caravan.

Beer and Wine cash bar available. Celebrate your fellow artists and art supporters as we present awards for Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of a Lifetime, and the Arts Partner of the Year.

December 6 – Logan Lane Holiday Block Party: 4-7 p.m.

Enjoy a festive shopping walkabout down Logan Lane featuring treats and Christmas cheer at participating locations: Andy Saczynski's Art, Black Bear Bread Co., DejaVu, Mahalo Grayton, Mary Hong Studio, Modus Photography, Roux 30a, Shard Shop, and The Studio Gallery.

End or begin your walkabout at VIE Magazine headquarters at 114 Logan Lane with a Christmas Tree Lighting, toy drive for Toys for Tots, arts and crafts market, silent art auction, carolers from Emerald Coast Theatre Company, s'mores around the fire, and more.

December 6 – Whiskey Wolves of the Panhandle at The Hub 30A: 5-10 p.m.

Soak up live music from Whiskey Wolves of the Panhandle while strolling around The Hub. With plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the eventing with family and friends.

December 6-23 – Emerald Coast Theatre Company-Series

Located in Grand Boulevard, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company performs a variety of shows throughout the year. This December, join the ECTC as they showcase their skills as part of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings dozens of characters to the stage, and live, on-stage sound effects, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers a world in which he’d never been born one fateful Christmas Eve. Shows are held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., then on Sunday at 2 p.m.

December 7 -- Charity Christmas Ball at Café Thirty-A: 7-11 p.m.

Café Thirty-A is proud to present its annual Charity Christmas Ball benefitting Caring and Sharing of South Walton.

Guests are invited to delight in the beautiful holiday decor. Dress is evening attire with black tie optional. In addition to a buffet and passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and music by Rock the House, guests can commemorate the evening with Epic Photo Co.’s photo booth.

General admission tickets will be $75 per person and will be available for purchase on cafethirtya.com.

December 7 – Art After Hours at East End Gallery: 4-7 p.m.

Visit the East End Gallery on December 7, during their special extended hours from 4 to 7 p.m., when they will be offering free refreshments as you view a collection of 65 new works from 24 local and regional artists. The special exhibit is entitled, “Moments in Memory,” and both the collection and the “Art After Hours” event are designed to help bring a sense of artistic calm to the hectic holiday season.

December 8 – Tuba Christmas at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: 5-7 p.m.

Join us for a unique 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.

December 8 – Ugly Sweater Party at Louis Louis: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Back for its ninth year, the Ugly Sweater Party at Louis Louis benefits Toys for Tots, so be sure to come out and show off your ugliest sweater or Christmas attire. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy.

December 8 – Restaurant Paradis Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner: 6:30-11 p.m.

Join us for an exciting evening filled with delicious food and drinks from the Prohibition Era. The cost is $125 per person, we start with a 1920's inspired cocktail hour and a four course wine dinner. We will be joining together with the community for a fine night of cocktails and a four course dinner in honor of Hannie's Grannies

'Hannie's Grannies' is a group that supports and follows Hannah, a local child. When she was three weeks old, her intestines randomly twisted (a condition called volvulus), causing her to lose the majority of her small intestine. She was not expected to live, but by the grace of God, she’s not only alive, but thriving! After three weeks at Pensacola Sacred Heart, she was flown by medical jet to Boston Children’s Hospital for rehabilitation, where she spent the next two months. She currently receives all of her nutrition via a central line, basically an IV that runs through a vein in her chest into her heart.

December 9 – Winter Wonderland Concert: 1-3 p.m.

The South Walton Children's Chorus presents its “Winter Wonderland” concert. A reception follows the concert in Sandefur Hall. The concert will take place in Christ The King Episcopal Church. This event is free and open to the public.

December 9 – Karuna 30A Hurricane Relief Event at 30A Horse Farm at Arnett’s Gulfside: 12:30-8:30 p.m.

Help raise money for those impacted by Hurricane Michael. This event will feature live music from bands like Boukou Groove, Forrest Williams, Scott Crompton, The Graytones, Skylar Capri and more, as well as plenty of activities to enjoy. Tickets: $10 for all ages. Kids wristbands include admission to the bouncy houses.

December 12 – Bontemps Interiors Grand Opening: 4-6:30 p.m.

Bontemps Interiors invites you to our Grand Opening Celebration! We invite the community to join us for a ribbon cutting with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, complimentary food, drinks, DJ, and much more.

December 12-29 – Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at The Rep: Show times vary

Back for its 9th year, The REP Theatre presents their smash-hit holiday comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told…And Then Some.” The panhandle’s premier professional theatre reimagines the script every year, providing fresh jokes and spectacle each holiday season, making “Every Christmas Story” a show locals and visitors come back to year after year. This hilarious whirlwind of a performance tackles all of your favorite Christmas stories; while bringing in all the special holiday traditions you share with your family: watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, caroling, and regifting that fruit cake…again.

The delightful cast keeps the energy high and the audience laughing as they take on every “Beloved Holiday Classic.” Consistent audience participation brings the entire family in on the fun. Who doesn’t want to see dad play a convincing Cindy Lou-Who? Every Christmas Story provides the laughs but never strays from the heart of the holiday season, as a time when families get to spend time together. The show is family friendly, great for all ages, and absolutely hysterical!

December 14 – Bubbles, Bites & Botox at SPA98: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free Chick Fil A and Mimosas...can it get any better? Mamas...drop off the kids at school and meet us at Spa98 for some pampering and fun before the holiday break.

Nurse Practitioner Katie Huckaby will be ready with $10/unit Botox. Meet aesthetician Katelyn Bryant for deals on waxing, facials, dermabrasion, derma planing (or just take a peek and learn more about it!) Bring a friend and try out a $5 paraffin treatment. Come for services, or just to hang out, meet some mamas, and check out the place! It's a casual, 'come when you can' kind of thing.

December 15 – Eden Gardens State Park Christmas Candlelight Open House: 5-8 p.m.

Visit Eden Gardens State Park for its annual Luminaries and Holiday Tour of the Historic Wesley House. Admission is free to the public on this special night at Eden Gardens State Park. This event is brought to you by The Friends of Eden, Florida Parks Service and all our amazing sponsors.

December 15 – Holiday Pops Concert featuring Sinfonia Gulf Coast: 5-6:30 p.m.

Don't miss this special holiday performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Bring your blankets and chairs and join us on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater for a wonderful night of music under the stars.

December 16 – Breakfast with Santa at Havana Beach Bar & Grill: 8-11 a.m.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet with the family at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Grab a photo with Santa and make sure you're not on the naughty list! Reservations required, call (850) 588-2882.

December 16 – Charlie Mars Live at The REP: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Charlie Mars has been a journeyman artist with major label releases and high profile gigs opening for the likes of REM, KT Tunstall, Citizen Cope, Steve Earle, among others. The Mississippi-based troubadour builds upon the distinctive musical approach first mined on his 2009 breakthrough Like A Bird, Like A Plane, employing supple grooves and delving deep within to offer insight and a path to self-awareness and ultimately transcendence via a gracefully beatific distillation of folk, rock, and smooth acoustic soul. Mars will be in town performing songs from his Emerald Coast inspired album “Beach Town”. Opening for Charlie is David Borné.

December 20 – The Merry Little Christmas Concert: 6-8: 30 p.m.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast hosts its inaugural Merry Little Christmas Concert on Thursday, Dec. 20 at the South Walton Club. Enjoy the sounds of the season featuring live music by Chris Alvarado, Jacob Mohr, Jessie Ritter and other local musicians. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Bay County in an effort to revitalize programs impacted by hurricane Michael. 

General Admission seating is $35 and VIP reserved seating $50 tickets are available for the event, and all guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres.​ Additionally, VIP guests will have premium seating at the concert and receive a complimentary glass of champagne. A cash bar will also be available. Guests can get a head start on holiday shopping with a silent auction featuring gift ideas for everyone on your list.

December 22 – Tacky Christmas Party with The Forest Williams Band: 8-11 p.m.

Get in the holiday spirit with the folks at Local Catch Bar & Grill, all while donning your finest “tacky sweater” and enjoying tunes from The Forest Williams Band.

 

December 25 – Christmas Dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill: 4-8 p.m.

Join us with family and friends for Christmas Dinner at The Pearl. Includes choice of special 3-course menu (regular menu not available). Cost is $75 per adult and $35 per child (12 and under). Reservations are required.

December 29 – Holiday Movie featuring The Polar Express at Alys Beach: 5:15-7:15 p.m.

Spend an evening in Alys Beach with a movie in the park. Bring blankets and low back chairs. Food and beverage available for purchase.

December 30 – New Year’s Eve Party at Old Florida Fish House: 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

 

Start your New Year's Eve celebration early at Old Florida Fish House. On the Eve of New Year's Eve, True Soul will be taking the stage for one final 2018 performance. Come early, grab a table, order some drinks, and get ready to sing along with us.

December 31 – Baytowne Countdown: 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

You don't want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf's end-of-the-year celebration! Enjoy our family friendly evening with face painting, kids activities, and live music on the Baytowne LIVE stage, finishing off with a fireworks display at 8 p.m. Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and midnight. Dance the night away with live music until 1 a.m., featured on the Events Plaza Stage.

December 31 – Cocktails & Confetti New Year’s Eve at Rum Runners: 7 p.m.-11:59 p.m.

Join us for our New Year's Eve party, Cocktails & Confetti, that will rock you into 2019!

Reserve your spot for a spectacular private buffet dinner and our world famous dueling piano show. Plus, don't forget our patio is a perfect spot to watch the fireworks in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

The tickets are $59/person and include a private dinner, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight! Dinner is from 7:00-9:00 pm with live music from 8:00 pm - 2:00 am. Doors open to the public at 9:00 pm with $20 cover charge. Reservations Required, to reserve your spot please email Dale at DMartin@RumRunners.com.

 December 31 – Sunquest Cruises New Year’s Eve Cruise: 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Ring in the New Year aboard SunQuest Cruises' 125 foot yacht, SOLARIS! This premier fine dining and entertainment yacht will be hosting a five course meal aboard the luxurious dinner cruise. Live entertainment, fireworks, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast are all included in your $150 ticket. Exclusively 21+, this cruise is the perfect way to welcome 2019. Avoid the crowds and get the best view of the firework show from our open-air Sky Deck. Reservations are required at SunQuestCruises.com or call 850-650-2519. 

December 31 – New Year’s Bash as Pescado: 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Join us on the rooftop of Pescado overlooking Rosemary Beach on New Year's Eve 2019! Reservations will be accepted from 5-9 p.m. for our four course pre fixed menu. After that, guests are welcome on a first come first serve basis. Everyone will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight as we ring in the New Year together. Call soon for your reservation. We anticipate this filling up very fast. People 18 and up will be welcomed at Pescado on New Year's Eve.

December 31 – Salute 2018 at NEAT: 5-7 p.m.

Salute 2018 at NEAT before you ring in the New Year. Enjoy live music by Dannica Lowery. Lite fare and cocktails available for purchase.

December 31 – Countdown Seaside at the Seaside Amphitheater: 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Join us for our annual Countdown Seaside event featuring music, children's activities, and fireworks at midnight!

We're excited to announce Alvarez Kings and Wild Adriatic as our featured bands! Music starts at 8:00PM and we'll welcome 2019 with a fireworks spectacular over the Gulf of Mexico. Face painting and crafts with Abrakadoodle Art Education and Parties- NWF from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater.

Recurring Events:

Daily:

Baytowne on Ice: Ice skating is held daily at the rink in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Skate times vary.

Mondays:

BINGO, Beer & Butts at Grayton Beer Brewpub: 6 p.m.

Join the Grayton Beer Crew at the Pub for 6-8 rounds of BINGO, select $12 pitchers and a special menu filled with a variety of barbecue dishes. Prizes for those who can mark-off BINGO first!

Monday Night Football at The HUB in WaterSound Beach: 6-10 p.m.

Every Monday night The HUB hosts Monday Night Football on the Jumbo Tron. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and bring the family out for a fun, football filled evening. Refreshments are available for purchase, event is free and open to the public.

Tuesdays:

Wine and Song at NEAT Bottle Shop in Alys Beach: 5-7 p.m.

Join NEAT Bottle Shop for a showcase of select wines and light bites with live music. Case deals will be available on featured wines. $15 per person, age 21 and up only.

Wednesdays:

Family Movie Night at The HUB at WaterSound Beach: 6 p.m.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a family-friendly movie night on the lawn at The Hub. Admission is free and open to the public, food and beverage available for purchase.

Wednesday Night Bonfire at The Bay: 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy live music from various local bands on the beach by the fire while dining at The Bay Restaurant. Upcoming artists include The Shakedowns, The Pickled Pickers, and Sugarcane Jane.

Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: 6 p.m.

Get in the Holiday Spirit with us and listen to some of your favorite holiday classics. Every Wednesday this December enjoy our holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Each Concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa.

Thursdays:

Local’s Night and Wine Tasting at Screened in Porch at The HUB: 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy delicious wines provided by Stacole Fine Wines at the Screened in Porch at The HUB. Tickets are $10, and admission is open to the public.

Grayton Beer Brewpub Trivia Night: 6-8 p.m.

Join the staff of Grayton Beer Brewpub every Thursday night to test your knowledge against other teams. Enjoy $12 Pitcher specials, small-bath beers, craft cocktails and dinner. Teams of 6 are best, if you don’t have teammates you can make some new friends at the brewpub! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners each week.

Live Music at 45 Central Wine and Sushi Bar: 7-9 p.m.

Every Thursday evening on the 45 Central “vine-yard” patio listen to the sounds of Tropical Breeze as they play from 7-9 p.m.

Saturdays:

Seaside Farmer’s Market at Seaside Amphitheatre: 8 a.m.

Seaside Farmers Market takes place in the Seaside Amphitheater every Tuesday and Saturday rain or shine 8am-12p.m.! Seaside Farmers Market is on a mission to educate the public about sustainable practices by providing a well-rounded, green living experience. Vendors offer farm fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, beef from happy cows, heirloom seeds, artisan breads and cheeses, organic eggs, preserves, and doggie treats, to name a few.

Photos with Santa Claus at Grand Boulevard: 2-4 p.m.

Santa visits Grand Park at Grand Boulevard every Saturday through December 15. Enjoy free holiday arts and crafts for kids by Abrakadoodle and the Festival of Trees display.

 Second Annual Santa Days at Pecan Jacks: Noon-3 p.m.

Santa will be at Pecan Jacks 30A, so plan to stop by and sample our candies and ice creams. Take pictures with Santa. Bring your Christmas Gift list and let our elves help you shop. The Dec 8th event date will also be a SPIRIT DAY for Van R Butler Elementary PTO!

Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grand Boulevard Farmer's Market proudly serves all of Santa Rosa Beach and the surrounding area, providing Organic Produce, Fresh Fruit, Fresh Vegetables, Local Events, and more.

Sundays:

30A Farmer’s Market at South Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach- 10 a.m.  

Come out to do your food shopping and pick up fresh from the farm produce, baked goods and pastries, delicious prepared foods, and much more. Take in the stunning views of Rosemary Beach where you'll find vendors lining the park with tents and all the good stuff. Grab a coffee from Amavida and sip as you shop.

Sunday Pickin’ at The Bay: 4-8 p.m.

Enjoy the musical stylings of Mike Whitty and friends each Sunday at The Bay while dining on the specials of the day or Bay Classics.

Address: 24215 Hwy 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach