Posted on 12/6/2024
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Look no further than Destin! While there may not be snowflakes, the sugar-white beaches of this coastal paradise promise to deliver all the magic and wonder of the holiday season—minus the freezing temperatures. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the Gulf, crafting "sandmen" on the shore, or reveling in the festive charm of local events, Destin offers a winter holiday like no other.
As a trusted provider of exceptional vacation experiences for over 40 years, Ocean Reef Resorts is here to guide you through an unforgettable Christmas getaway. From twinkling light displays and jolly parades to world-class dining and one-of-a-kind shopping, this guide is your key to discovering the best Christmas activities, events, and lodging in Destin, 30A, and beyond. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and prepare for a coastal holiday filled with joy, wonder, and cherished memories!
Christmas Activities in Destin
Relax on the Beach
This holiday season, trade snow for sparkling white sand and enjoy the best of Christmas on the beach! Destin's shores are perfect for unwinding under sunny skies while the Gulf waves glimmer like holiday lights. Build a "snowman" out of pristine sand or host a cozy evening beach bonfire. Roast marshmallows, sip hot chocolate, and sing Christmas carols with the sound of the surf as your backdrop. It’s a white Christmas—Florida style!
Indulge in Christmas Dinner
Gather around the table with loved ones and let Destin’s restaurants handle the cooking this year. Enjoy mouthwatering holiday feasts at top spots like Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House, The Back Porch, Stinky's Fish Camp, and Primrose at The Henderson. Choose from lavish in-house dining or pick up a delectable dinner-to-go for a stress-free celebration. The flavors of Destin make every meal unforgettable! Or, stop by an of these great Destin restaurants open on Christmas Day!
Experience Christmas Performances
Add a touch of culture to your holiday with festive performances along the Emerald Coast. The Emerald Coast Theater Company, Seaside REP Theatre, and Mattie Kelly Arts Center host seasonal productions that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Catch beloved classics like A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker, or enjoy unique holiday-themed shows for a memorable night out.
Attend Christmas Church Services
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with a worship service in Destin. Local churches, including Village Baptist Church, Destiny Worship Center, Shoreline Church, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and Grace Destin Church, welcome visitors to join their joyous holiday gatherings. It’s a meaningful way to reflect and connect during the season.
Go Ice Skating
Surprise! You can go ice skating in Florida! Head to the Baytowne on Ice rink at the Village of Baytowne Wharf for some cool holiday fun. Whether you’re a first-timer or a skating pro, gliding across the ice under twinkling lights is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Visit with Santa
Make Christmas extra magical for the kids with a visit to Santa! Destin offers plenty of opportunities to see the big man in red, from Breakfast with Santa at The Henderson and Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village to photo ops at Bass Pro Shops, Grand Boulevard, and Baytowne Wharf. Let your little ones share their Christmas wishes and snap a keepsake photo to cherish forever.
Christmas Events in Destin
Image courtesy of The Good Life Destin
Arrival of Santa at HarborWalk Village
Kick off the holiday season with Santa’s grand entrance at HarborWalk Village! The festivities include a treasure hunt, crafts, and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Don't forget to have the kids bring their letters to Santa—each one mailed to the North Pole generates a $1 donation to a local children’s charity. It’s a joyful way to celebrate the season of giving!
Christmas Open House Candlelight Tour
Step back in time at Eden Gardens State Park during the annual Christmas Open House Candlelight Tour. The historic Wesley House is transformed with unique holiday themes, each designed by local businesses and organizations. Stroll through thousands of luminaries illuminating the lawn and gardens, vote for your favorite room, and enjoy festive refreshments in the garden pavilion. This magical event is a true holiday highlight!
Christmas Tree Lighting at the Destin Community Center
Bring the family to the Destin Community Center for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished event features live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. In the spirit of the season, donations of canned food or toys are collected to support families in need.
Christmas Tree Lighting at The Henderson
The Henderson Beach Resort hosts an elegant Christmas Tree Lighting on its Grand Piazza. Alongside the tree’s dazzling display, enjoy festive activities, live entertainment, and complimentary hot cocoa. Santa and Mrs. Claus also make a special appearance, with free photo opportunities under the glittering lights.
Destin Christmas Boat Parade
Nothing captures the spirit of a coastal Christmas like the Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade! Hosted by the Destin History and Fishing Museum, this iconic event showcases boats of all sizes decked out in dazzling lights and holiday decor. Prizes are awarded in several categories, including “Best Overall,” and the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.
Destin Christmas Parade
A Destin tradition for decades, the Christmas Parade is a festive spectacle of colorful floats, lively bands, and holiday cheer. Starting at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center, the parade makes its way down Harbor Boulevard to HarborWalk Village, spreading joy to all along the route.
Destin Commons Jolly Jubilee and Tree Lighting
Celebrate the holidays at Destin Commons with the Jolly Jubilee! Marvel at the 50-foot Christmas tree during the grand lighting ceremony, followed by festive music, photo booths, and a dazzling fireworks display. Weekend events continue throughout December, featuring entertainment, free crafts, and Santa photo ops at Bass Pro Shops.
Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard
Head to Grand Boulevard for the annual Festival of Trees, where local non-profits showcase beautifully decorated Christmas trees in hopes of winning cash prizes. Stroll through the sparkling displays, vote for your favorite, and know that your participation supports a good cause.
Holiday Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
Add a soundtrack to your holiday season with the Holiday Concert Series at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy live performances of Christmas classics, choreographed light shows, and Santa Claus appearances. It’s the perfect way to soak in the festive vibes with family and friends.
Twelve Nights of Lights Festival
The Twelve Nights of Lights Festival at Baytowne Wharf brings the village green to life with a dazzling light show synchronized to holiday music. Performances take place on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights throughout December, creating an enchanting holiday atmosphere.
Santa Claus Pub Crawl
Get ready for a night of holiday fun at the Santa Claus Pub Crawl in HarborWalk Village! Dress in your tackiest holiday attire or ugly sweaters and enjoy an evening of drinks, games, and raffle prizes. Proceeds from drink specials benefit local charities, so you’ll be spreading holiday cheer while you celebrate.
Christmas Shopping in Destin
Destin Christmas Craft Show
On the hunt for unique holiday gifts? Look no further than the annual Destin Christmas Craft Show. Held at the Destin Community Center, this event features dozens of vendors offering handcrafted treasures, including jewelry, books, wreaths, artwork, and silk floral arrangements. It’s the perfect opportunity to find creative gifts while supporting local businesses and artisans.
Destin Commons
The holiday magic comes alive at Destin Commons, a Disneyesque retail complex consistently voted "The Best Place to Shop in Destin" by Emerald Coast Magazine. With a wide variety of shops, it’s the perfect place to complete your Christmas shopping. During the holidays, the center transforms into a festive wonderland with a Christmas Village, model trains, costumed nutcrackers, elves, reindeer, and more. Let the holiday cheer guide your gift-buying while you enjoy the beautifully decorated surroundings.
Grand Boulevard
Grand Boulevard in Sandestin is an upscale shopping destination perfect for holiday gift hunting. During December, the town center dazzles with holiday lights, creating a picturesque setting for leisurely shopping. Stroll past chic boutiques, specialty shops, and galleries, then hop aboard a free horse-drawn carriage ride on Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss the faux snowfall and glittering lights at the Festival of Trees displays. After shopping, enjoy a meal at one of Grand Boulevard’s excellent restaurants for a truly magical outing.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
If you’re looking for great deals on designer goods, Silver Sands Premium Outlets is a must-visit. Known as one of the nation’s largest discount outlets, Silver Sands offers bargains on clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more—up to 65% off! The Christmas shopping season here is particularly bustling, so arrive early to grab parking and dive into the holiday discounts. Whether you’re crossing names off your gift list or treating yourself, Silver Sands delivers a premium shopping experience at unbeatable prices.
Merchants of Seaside
For a charming holiday shopping experience, visit the Merchants of Seaside on Scenic Highway 30A. This picturesque town features a mix of shops, boutiques, galleries, and Airstream trailers offering unique gifts. Stroll through the Americana-styled town, where palm trees and a towering Christmas tree are adorned with twinkling lights. Here, you’ll find stocking stuffers and gifts like bohemian outfits, designer jewelry, artwork, vinyl records, and more. Shopping in Seaside during December is a magical experience you won’t want to miss!
Christmas Lodging in Destin
Christmastime truly is the most wonderful time of the year along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Destin, Miramar Beach, and Scenic Highway 30A offer the perfect holiday setting, complete with mild weather, festive charm, and breathtaking views of the Gulf. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or a large celebration with friends, Ocean Reef Resorts has you covered with an impressive selection of vacation rental homes and luxury condos.
From Gulf-front villas with private pools to charming beach cottages just steps from the shore, our properties are designed to meet every need. Many of our Destin vacation rentals feature fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and festive decor to make you feel right at home for the holidays. Plus, with affordable rates—especially when splitting the cost with loved ones—staying in one of our homes is often more budget-friendly than a hotel!
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the sound of gentle waves and views of snow-white sand stretching as far as the eye can see. Whether you're sipping coffee on the balcony, hosting a holiday dinner in your rental’s gourmet kitchen, or watching a Destin sunset with loved ones, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
Book your stay today and experience this incredible Florida version of a white Christmas. The snowy white beaches of the Emerald Coast are waiting to welcome you!
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