December on Florida’s Emerald Coast is pure magic. From twinkling holiday lights and festive parades to New Year’s Eve celebrations by the Gulf, the coast comes alive with seasonal cheer. Whether you’re exploring 30A’s charming towns, strolling the boulevards of Sandestin, or enjoying Destin’s harbor festivities, there’s something happening every weekend to embrace the holiday spirit. Cozy evenings, family-friendly activities, and sparkling waterfront celebrations make December the perfect time to experience life by the Gulf.
30A
A Christmas Carol Performance
December 5 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm
Emerald Coast Theatre Company proudly presents a 45-minute adaptation by Nathanael Fisher of A Christmas Carol.
Seaside Holiday Market
December 6 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Browse rows of local artisans, makers, and festive vendors in Seaside Central Square.
Seaside Holiday Market (Day 2)
December 7 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm
The holiday shopping continues with more seasonal finds and coastal charm.
Holiday Pops Concert – Seaside Amphitheater
December 6 | 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Enjoy a performance by Sinfonia Gulf Coast featuring holiday classics — bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Photos with Santa – Seaside Christmas Village
December 13–19 | 4:00 pm–6:00 pm daily
Santa comes to Seaside’s Christmas Village for complimentary family photos amid the festive décor.
Eden Gardens Candlelight Open House
December 6 | 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
A short drive from Seaside, this magical walk features over 2,000 luminaries, live music, and holiday treats.
Miracle at The Daytrader (Holiday Pop-Up)
December 1–31 | 11:00 am–9:00 pm daily
A kitschy, over-the-top tiki-holiday bar experience at The Daytrader, complete with festive cocktails and décor.
New Year’s Eve Celebration – Seaside
December 31 | 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Ring in 2026 with arts & crafts, face painting, live music by Monsters of Yacht, and fireworks in Seaside Central Square.
Christmas Meals To-Go – Edward’s Fine Food & Wine
Order by December 20; pickup December 24 | 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
Take the stress out of holiday dinner with prepared festive meals from a top local restaurant.
Alys Beach “Noon Year’s Eve” Celebration
December 31 | 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
A family-friendly countdown to noon with crafts, face painting, and festive activities so even the youngest attendees can join the fun.
Holiday Artisan Market at The Stalls on 30A
December 28 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Explore over 30 local makers and artisans offering jewelry, clothing, art, décor, and baked goods.
Annual Charity Ball at Café Thirty-A
December 6 | 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
An elegant evening of food, drinks, silent auction, and raffle benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton, helping local families in need.
Destin
Destin Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4 | 6:00pm | Destin Community Center
Kick off the holiday season with festive entertainment, a special visit from Santa, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Destin Christmas Parade
December 13 | 10:00 am | Downtown Destin
Enjoy a parade of decorated floats, boats, and performances by local bands and dance teams, all celebrating the holiday spirit.
Breakfast with Santa
December 6 | 9:00am | 200 Henderson Resort Way
Join Santa for a festive breakfast, complete with holiday treats and photo opportunities.
Free Photos with Santa at Fudpucker's
December 19, 20, & 21 | 6:00pm | Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill
Capture the magic of the season with complimentary photos with Santa, plus holiday-themed activities for the whole family.
HarborWalk Village New Year’s Eve Street Party
December 31 | 7:00 pm–Midnight | HarborWalk Village
Ring in the new year with live music, food, and fireworks over the harbor.
Sunset Cruises New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
December 31 | Time TBA | Choctawhatchee Bay
Celebrate with a four-course dinner, live entertainment, fireworks, and a midnight champagne toast aboard a luxury yacht.
Sandestin
Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard
December 6 | 6:00 pm–8:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, live entertainment, and festive treats.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Grand Boulevard
December 5 - 23 | 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Experience the magic of the season with a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully lit streets of Grand Boulevard.
Grand Boulevard Latern Parade
December 6 | 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Celebrate with decorated floats, marching bands, and a festive stroll along the boulevard with lights, music, and community cheer.
Wednesday Night Concert Series - Holiday Edition + Visits with Santa
Wednesday, 3rd -17th | 6:00pm–8:00 pm
Come find the holiday spirit with us and tap your feet to some of your favorite sing-a-long classics every Wednesday!
Grinchmas
December 12 & 19 | 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
During this holiday season, put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity from 5-7pm, then enjoy a movie showing of The Grinch starting at 7pm on December 12th.
Nights of Lights – Baytowne Wharf
December Everyday | 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Major holiday light show that happens every day of December.
Coastal Christmas at Grand Boulevard
December 18–23 | Various times
Six days of festive, family-friendly holiday fun including Santa’s arrival, photos, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Grand Boulevard.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Baytowne Wharf
December 31 | 6:00 pm–Midnight
Ring in 2026 with live music, food, fireworks, and a family-friendly atmosphere along the waterfront.
From tree lightings to carriage rides and fireworks over the water, December along the Emerald Coast offers something for everyone — families, couples, and visitors alike. Take time to enjoy the festive season, savor coastal cuisine, and explore the unique events that make the holidays along 30A, Destin, and Sandestin unforgettable.
At Coastal Abode, we believe the magic of the coast is best celebrated with friends, family, and a community that knows how to make the season bright. Make this December one to remember along Florida’s most picturesque shoreline.
Looking for Holiday specific events? Take a look HERE!
