So many holiday activities to enjoy this time of year! From movies to theatre and even the annual Christmas parade, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do on 30A.
Along with your holiday celebrations please consider those still affected by Hurricane Michael. One small way to help: mail a toy or send via Amazon as Bay District Schools aims to collect 14,000 toys for their students displaced and without the comforts of home. Items can be mailed directly to Salvage Christmas at 1120 W 17th St, Panama City, FL 32405.
Baytowne Ice Rink
Ongoing through February 2
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
$11 per skater for 90 minutes with hours varying. The first hour is reserved for kids 12 and under. Find the full schedule here.
Santa’a Arrival
Friday, November 16, 6pm
Destin Commons
Watch Santa light the Holiday Tree an enjoy free face painting, free photos with Rudolph & Frosty, as well as a holiday photo booth while you listen to festive tunes. At 7:00 pm, sit back and marvel at the holiday parade as Santa arrives on Main Street to light the big tree! The event concludes with an extravagant finale of FIREWORKS!
Holiday Market
Saturday, November 17, 9am – 4pm
Rosemary Beach (West & East Long Greens & North Barrett Square)
Forget the hustle and bustle of the mall. Browse through booths filled with unique gifts you can’t find anywhere else including hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, paintings and more.
The Nutcracker in Seaside
Saturday, November 17, 5pm – 6:30pm
Seaside Amphitheater
The Merchants of Seaside present the seventh annual performance of the Nutcracker ballet featuring Ballet Pensacola dancing Acts 1 & 2. The event is free and open to the public. Bring your blankets and chairs and find your perfect spot on the lawn for this holiday tradition in Seaside.
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights
Saturday, November 17, 4pm – 6pm
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Kick off the holiday season with this 6th Annual event on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf, featuring more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf’s choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights.
Twisted Treats
Monday, November 19, 12pm – 2pm
Rosemary Beach (North Barrett Square)
Before the magic show, get your own twisted balloon art from the talented balloon artists making magical creations.
Magic Holiday Spectacular
Monday, November 19, 2pm – 3pm
Rosemary Beach (North Barrett Square)
Join us for an afternoon of action-packed crowd pleasing holiday fun with Pittman Magic, Juggling and Comedy… Rosemary Beach’s #1 magical variety show! Witness a husband and wife duo perform Las Vegas-style grand stage illusions, juggling, balancing, escapes and family-friendly magic right before your eyes! Chairs and blankets welcome. A Must See for all Ages!
Festive Face Painting
Tuesday, November 20, 10am – 2pm
Rosemary Beach (North Barrett Square)
Festive Face Painting is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Bring the kiddos and watch as they are transformed into creative creatures!
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” Live Theatre
Tuesday, November 20, 2pm
Rosemary Beach (North Barrett Square)
Don’t miss the REP’s smash hit, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” showcasing all your favorite beloved holiday classics crammed into a performance full of high-energy jolly, frivolity and hilarity. Fun for the whole family! Chairs and blankets welcome. Come early and get your face painted before the show!
Moonlight & Movies- The Santa Clause
Wednesday, November 21, 6pm 8pm
Rosemary Beach (Western Green)
Watch “The Santa Clause” under the stars – a family-friendly movie (rated PG) and a holiday favorite year after year. Chairs and blankets welcome!
30A 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run
Thursday, November, 22, 7:30am
Rosemary Beach (North Barrett Square)
Run scenic Highway 30A and give yourself an excuse to go for that second slice of pumpkin pie. To register or learn more about this event visit www.30A10K.com
Alys in Wonderland
Friday, November 23, 10am – 12pm
Alys Beach
Join Santa for cookie decorating and Holiday cheer! Cookies to decorate will be available for purchase in Central Park, 2 cookies for $5. You can also consider donating an unwrapped children’s toy to a local Angel Tree Program and nonperishable, non-glass food items for Food For Thought Outreach Inc.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 23, 6pm
Rosemary Beach (South Barrett Square)
Help Rosemary Beach turn on the town with musical performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers. See Santa’s big arrival and the lighting of the tree, followed by carriage rides through town.
Movie: The Polar Express
Friday, November 23, 6pm
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Kick-off the holiday season with a family movie under the stars and a special showing of the Polar Express on the big-screen..
Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 24, 8:30am
Seagrove to Seaside
The parade begins at 9AM in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. Meet Santa in town after the parade! He’ll return for Seaside’s Turn on The Town festivities at 5pm in the Amphitheater.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, November 24, 8am – 10am
Rosemary Beach (Town Hall)
Bring the kids to Santa’s Workshop for a magical morning filled with delight! Included are a boxed breakfast, a professional color photo with Santa and a special goodie bag from Gigi’s! Tickets are $20 and available at the door. 100% of admission proceeds will go to the SWFD Angel Tree Program.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Saturday, November 24, 10am
Alys Beach
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 in a high energy, family-friendly show. Also playing in Seaside Nov 24 4pm, and the following times: 2pm matinee Dec 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 7:30pm Dec 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29
Photos with Santa
Saturdays, November 24 – December 15, 2pm
Grand Boulevard
Find Santa in Grand Park, at the Festival of Trees display to get your child’s picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus! Abrakadoodle Art Education and Parties- NWF will offer free, kid-friendly, holiday arts and crafts while you wait.
Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market
November 24, 5pm – 9pm
Watercolor
Snow in Florida? Find it here! This holiday extravaganza has everything from falling snow, horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores, cider, cocoa, Santa, luminaries and a winter market!
Disney Junior Play Date
December 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Participate in a variety of activities including photos with Santa, make-and-take crafts, a photo booth, coloring books and more! Attendees can also write letters to Mickey Mouse himself with the help of the Disney Store Outlet and donate new, unwrapped toys to those in need through Toys for Tots. (This event does not include live character appearances.)
Milk and Cookies with Santa
December 1, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Santa will be arriving at the courtyard in front of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. Get in the holly, jolly spirit by visiting Santa, enjoying festive activities, cookie decorating and more!
Santa on the Dock of the Bay
Tuesday, December 4, 5:30pm – 8:00pm
The Bay Restaurant
Get a free photo with Santa with the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay as your backdrop. The dock will be lit with spectacular holiday lighting and a few surprises in store. Stay for dinner and watch the moon rise in The Bay’s Winter Wonderland (snow and all!
Holiday Pops Concert by Sinfonia
Saturday, December 15, 5pm
Seaside (Amphitheater)
Don’t miss this special holiday performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit!
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 22, 9am – 1pm
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Play in a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Slide down the ice slide, make snow angels, and enjoy a day of frosty fun for the whole family.
Holiday Champagne Tasting
December 27, 5pm – 7pm
Alys Beach (Neat)
Get bubbly for a special champagne tasting at NEAT with live music. Tickets are $35 per person (21 and up) and will be available to purchase at the door at 5pm on 12/27.
Holiday Movie: The Polar Express
December 29, 5:15pm
Alys Beach (Amphitheatre)
Enjoy a movie in the park with a showing of the holiday favorite The Polar Express. Bring blankets and low back chairs. Food and beverage available for purchase.
Salute 2018
December 31, 5pm – 7pm
Alys Beach (Neat)
Salute 2018 at Neat before you ring in the New Year. Enjoy music by Dannica Lowery, light fare and cocktails available for purchase.
