Lights, Santa, Action: Your Comprehensive Holiday Event Guide To The Emerald Coast
The holidays along Florida’s Gulf Coast bring out the very best of the season — from Pensacola’s dazzling Winterfest trolleys to Destin’s harbor parades, 30A’s festive markets, and Apalachicola’s small-town coastal charm. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly celebrations, waterfront fireworks, Santa sightings, live music, or holiday shopping, this region-wide guide highlights the top events from Pensacola to Apalachicola. Use it to plan your festive outings and soak in the magic of the season across the entire Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast.
November 28
Pensacola Winterfest Performance Trolley Tours & Plaza Wonderland
A beloved immersive holiday experience featuring performance trolley tours, live shows, and festive plaza displays throughout downtown.
Location: Plaza Wonderland, 223 S Palafox Street
Time: Varies | Runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 24
https://pensacolawinterfest.org
December 6
Pensacola Christmas Parade
One of the Gulf Coast’s largest holiday parades with more than 100 floats, marching bands, and an appearance by the Blue Angels.
Location: Downtown Pensacola (Palafox Street)
Time: Evening (typically 5:30–7:30 p.m.)
https://pensacolachristmasparade.org
December 13
Cox Pensacola Christmas Lights Run
A festive 5K run through downtown’s holiday lights.
Location: Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St.
Time: 6 p.m.
https://runpensacola.com
Select Dates
First City Lights / Holiday Market (Downtown Pensacola)
Downtown Pensacola lights up for the holidays with evening markets under twinkling lights, live music, and seasonal performances.
Location: MLK Jr. Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand, Palafox Street
Time: Wednesdays 4–8 p.m. (through Dec. 17)
https://visitpensacola.com
Pensacola Winterfest
A whimsical holiday experience with trolley tours, “snow,” live performances, Santa visits, and holiday-themed shows downtown.
Location: Plaza Wonderland, 223 S Palafox Place
Time: Select nights (through Dec. 24)
https://pensacolawinterfest.org
December 6
Navarre Christmas in the Park & Holiday Parade
A coastal Christmas celebration featuring a parade, tree lighting, kids’ activities, and Santa visits.
Location: Navarre Park, 8513 Navarre Parkway
Time: Parade 10 a.m. | Park festivities follow
https://navarrechamber.com
December 13
Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade
A lively community parade filled with festive floats and holiday cheer.
Location: Shoreline Drive & Gulf Breeze Parkway
Time: 10 a.m.
https://cityofgulfbreeze.us
December 6
Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade
A classic holiday parade rolling along Eglin Parkway.
Location: Eglin Parkway, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Time: 6:30 p.m.
https://fwb.org
December 12
Lights Around the Landing
A waterfront evening of lights, vendors, activities, and fireworks.
Location: The Landing Park, 139 Brooks Street SE
Time: 5–8 p.m.
https://fwb.org
December 7
Destin Harbor Boat Parade
Decorated boats parade through the harbor, followed by fireworks.
Location: HarborWalk Village, 34 Harbor Boulevard
Time: Dusk
https://destinboatparade.com
December 14
Holiday on the Harbor
Santa visits, kids’ crafts, and live music on the waterfront.
Location: HarborWalk Village
Time: 1–4 p.m.
https://emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village
December 31
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Ring in the new year at this intimate restaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine.
Location: Bitterroot
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
https://bitterrootdestin.comMiramar Beach
November 28
Outdoor Screening of The Polar Express
A cozy outdoor holiday movie night under the stars.
Location: Events Plaza Lawn, The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: 6–8 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 2
Festival of Trees
Nonprofits decorate themed holiday trees in Grand Park.
Location: Grand Boulevard, 585 Grand Boulevard
Time: 4–6 p.m.
https://grandboulevard.com
December 3, 10 & 17
Wednesday Night Concert Series: Holiday Edition
Live holiday performances and Santa visits.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: 6–8 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 6
Lantern Parade
A glowing procession of handmade lanterns and illuminated puppets.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: Parade 5–8 p.m. | Workshop 1–3 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 6–7
Tee Off for Toys
Donate a toy and receive discounted rounds of golf.
Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Time: Varies
https://sandestin.com
December 12 & 19
Grinchmas
Meet the Grinch and enjoy an outdoor screening of The Grinch.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: Photos 5–7 p.m. | Movie 7 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 13
Cakebread Wine Dinner
A multi-course wine dinner featuring Cakebread Cellars.
Location: Burnt Pine Country Club, Sandestin
Time: 6–9 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 13
Tuba Christmas
An uplifting outdoor concert of holiday classics.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: 5–7 p.m.
https://sandestin.com
December 18
Hilton Sandestin Holiday Activities
Cookie decorating, crafts, carolers, movies, and Santa photos.
Location: Sandcastles Lounge, Hilton Sandestin Beach
Time: Noon–5 p.m.
https://hiltonsandestinbeach.com
December 18–23
Coastal Christmas Celebrations
Carriage rides, Santa photos, and children’s theatre performances.
Location: Grand Park, Grand Boulevard
Time: Shows 5–5:45 p.m. | Santa + rides 4–7 p.m.
https://grandboulevard.com
December 25
Christmas Buffet at Hilton Sandestin
A Christmas Day buffet with chef-carved meats and desserts.
Location: Sandcastles Restaurant, Hilton Sandestin Beach
Time: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
https://hiltonsandestinbeach.com
December 25
Christmas Dinner at Ovide
A special à la carte holiday dinner at Hotel Effie.
Location: Ovide, Hotel Effie Sandestin
Time: 4–9 p.m.
https://hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide
December 31
Fire & Ice NYE Bash (Ara Rooftop)
Themed cocktails, fireworks, and a live DJ.
Location: Ara Rooftop, Hotel Effie Sandestin
Time: 7 p.m.–1 a.m.
https://eventbrite.com
December 31
Baytowne NYE Countdown
Fireworks and family-friendly New Year’s Eve activities.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time: 6 p.m.–1 a.m.
https://sandestin.com
Select Dates
Sol-ar Express Holiday Cruise
A festive holiday cruise aboard SunQuest Cruises, running weekends through Dec. 30.
Location: SunQuest Cruises, 8330 Mike Hayes Blvd, Miramar Beach
Time: Varies by departure
https://sunquestcruises.com
Holiday Lights & Seasonal Light Shows
Baytowne Wharf lights up for the holidays with nightly displays, festive décor, and family-friendly activities throughout December.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach
Time: Evenings
November 25, December 24 & 31
Holiday Farmers Markets
Festive markets with holiday vendors and artisan goods.
Location: 28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
https://30afarmersmarkets.com
November 29
Pictures with Santa (The Big Chill)
Kick off the season with Santa photos at one of 30A’s favorite gathering spots.
Location: The Big Chill, 7000 E County Highway 30A
Time: 9 a.m.–Noon
https://thebigchill.com
December 6
Holiday Shopping Showcase
Holiday shopping, promotions, giveaways, and live music.
Location: Grand Boulevard, 585 Grand Boulevard
Time: All day
https://grandboulevard.com
December 10
Art Basha Gallery Holiday Shopping Event
Lite bites, cocktails, festive shopping, and coastal art.
Location: 3925 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Time: 3–7 p.m.
https://artbasha.com
December 19
The Big Chill Holiday Party
A holiday market, Santa photos, live music, and pop-up vendors.
Location: The Big Chill
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
https://thebigchill.com
December 19
Shades Ugly Sweater Party
A festive night of DJ music and holiday fun.
Location: Shades Bar & Grill, 10952 E County Highway 30A
Time: 9 p.m.–Midnight
https://shades30a.com
December 31
The Big Chill NYE Celebration
A family-friendly celebration with an early countdown and beach-ball drop.
Location: The Big Chill
Time: During halftime of the 6:30 p.m. game
https://thebigchill.com
November 28–30
Beach Home for the Holidays
A multi-day event with concerts, Santa, s’mores, fireworks, and kids’ activities.
Location: Aaron Bessant Park, 600 Pier Park Drive
Time: Varies
https://destinationpanamacitybeach.com
December 6
Panama City Christmas Parade
A festive parade through Historic Downtown Panama City.
Location: Harrison Avenue, Downtown
Time: Evening
https://pcdparade.com
December 6
Downtown Panama City Christmas Parade
A festive parade winding through downtown Panama City, celebrating the season with floats, lights, and community spirit.
Location: Downtown Panama City — parade begins at Downtown Marina on Harrison Avenue
Time: 6–8 p.m.
https://panamacity.gov
December 13
No Child Left Behind Toy Giveaway
A community gift-giveaway event ensuring every child receives a holiday toy — ideal for families in need or visiting over the holidays.
Location: Oakland Terrace Park, Panama City
Time: 9 a.m. (while supplies last)
https://panamacity.gov
December 20
Jingle Bell Express (St. Andrews)
Train rides, crafts, entertainment, vendors, and Santa in a glowing waterfront park.
Location: Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W 10th Street
Time: Afternoon–Evening
https://historicstandrews.com
December 6
Salt Air Farmers Market
A festive farmers market with local vendors, holiday finds, and community gathering in historic downtown Port St. Joe.
Location: George Core Park
Time: All day (market hours)
https://visitgulf.com
December 7
Christmas on the Coast Parade
A charming small-town parade with floats and holiday performances.
Location: Reid Avenue, Downtown
Time: Evening
https://gulfchamber.org
December 13
Christmas on the Coast Parade & Celebration
A charming small-town parade with floats, live music, and holiday cheer winding through downtown Port St. Joe.
Location: Reid Avenue, Downtown
Time: Evening
https://visitgulf.com
December 21
Holiday Lights in the Park
Christmas lights, cocoa, and festive fun along the waterfront.
Location: George Core Park, Port St. Joe
Time: Dusk
https://psjfl.com
Apalachicola & St. George Island
November 29
Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration
Luminaries, live music, shopping, Santa visits, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Location: Downtown Apalachicola (Water and Market Streets)
Time: Evening
https://downtownapalachicola.com
December 5
St. George Island Lighting of the Palms
Palm trees and the lighthouse glow for the holidays on St. George Island — expect crafts, treats, Santa visits, and island charm under the stars.
Location: Lighthouse Park, St. George Island
Time: 6 p.m.
https://ficklingvacationrentals.com
December 8
Eastpoint Christmas Parade (near Apalachicola)
Just across the bay from St. George Island, this parade brings community floats, lights, and holiday spirit to the waterfront town of Eastpoint.
Location: Eastpoint, FL (Highway 98 / Seller’s Plaza to Fisherman’s Choice)
Time: Evening
https://gcvacationproperties.com
December 14
Apalachicola Boat Parade of Lights & Fireworks
Decorated boats illuminate the river, followed by waterfront fireworks.
Location: Riverfront Park, 199 Water Street
Time: Dusk
https://apalachicolabay.org
December 21
St. George Island Holiday Market
A coastal holiday market with local makers, art, and seasonal treats.
Location: St. George Island Lighthouse Park, 2B E Gulf Beach Drive
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
https://sgioldlighthouse.com
December 24
Christmas Eve by the Coast
Enjoy a cozy, coastal holiday dinner at The Franklin Cafe — with seasonal ambiance, Santa photos (pets welcome), and a relaxed island-town celebration.
Location: The Franklin Cafe, 51 Avenue C, Apalachicola
Time: 5–8 p.m.
https://floridasforgottencoast.com
From glittering boat parades to twinkling town squares, artisan markets, concerts, and New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Gulf Coast delivers a full season of holiday magic stretching from Pensacola to Apalachicola. Whether you’re celebrating close to home or exploring a new coastal community, these events bring the region to life with festive spirit and unforgettable moments. For more local guides, real estate insights, and seasonal features across the Emerald Coast and Forgotten Coast, explore more stories on our blog and make the most of the holidays along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Event list last updated December 3, 2025
