The Christmas holidays are fast approaching, which means New Year's Eve is not far behind!

Many of our guests make a traditional visit to the Emerald Coast this time of year to celebrate fun festivities during this special celebratory season. And why wouldn't they? The beaches are just as picturesque as they are all year long, but with smaller crowds than the busy season. Plus, there are loads of activities and events available during this time of year—especially for New Year's!

The best New Year's Eve celebrations will be held in popular Destin area entertainment hot spots. We've got the Village of Baytowne Wharf in the prestigious gated Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, HarborWalk Village in Downtown Destin. Both of these locations offers an exciting and unique way to bring in the new year right here on the coast!

Village of Baytowne Wharf

There will be plenty of New Year's fun for everyone at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Located on the north side of Sandestin, Baytowne Wharf sits on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. This nouveau version of New Orleans is a favorite destination among our guests. The charming architecture resembles the French Quarter but with a Disneyesque Floridian flair. Nestled around a lovely lagoon with arching pedestrian bridges that connect each side, the village provides a picturesque setting and photo ops galore.

But you'll enjoy more than great photos when you visit! The French colonial architecture incorporates a wide variety of restaurants, specialty shops, and rollicking bars that feature live music and entertainment.

It gets even better when you visit during the holiday season. At this magical time of year, Christmas lights adorn the buildings, twinkling trees, and sparkling shrubbery. Every New Year's Eve, fantastic fireworks displays are shot off over the lagoon and musically choreographed to music from the Events Plaza on the Village Green. Before the fireworks, be sure to take advantage of all there is to do in the village. Activities include a zip line that soars across the lagoon, a multilevel ropes course, and an ice-skating rink in the winter season. Kids and families will love the adventure zone, imaginative playground, whimsical carousel, arcade, laser maze, escape room, and more. Restaurants serve everything from burgers and pizzas to fine gourmet entrees, so there is absolutely something for everyone. There are also several fun bars, along with the Village Door dance nightclub, where you can dance the night away with a giant crystal disco ball.

This December 31st, the Baytowne NYE Countdown celebration runs from 6 pm to 1 am. And you really don't want to miss this end-of-year party! Family-friendly activities, face painting, and live music by DJ Q$ will commence at 6 pm, culminating in the first fireworks show of the evening at 8 pm. The Bay Kings Band will play live from 7 pm to 1 am, with the midnight fireworks show in between. After 10 pm, it's all about the adults, as all minors must be accompanied by an adult after that time. This New Year's Eve celebration is truly one you don't want to miss!

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HarborWalk Village

Located along the Destin Marina, HarborWalk Village is a charming rendition of an Americana town on the waterfront. This "village" was completed along the docks to offer fine dining, retail venues, and musical entertainment. Its prominent position below The Emerald Grande provides spectacular sunset views over water throughout the year.

HarborWalk Village and the waterfront restaurants offer amazing views of the Gulf, Destin Harbor, East Pass, and Choctawhatchee Bay beyond the bridge. But that's not all! This hot spot also tantalizes the taste buds for seafood. You can watch the boats unload their catch of fish on the docks almost daily, and know that you'll get to reap the benefits of their efforts with a delicious seafood dinner later! While many restaurants specialize in seafood, there are some tasty "turf-type" menu items for landlubbers as well.

The village gets even more exciting during the new year. Bombardments of spectacular fireworks fill the skies on New Year's Eve. This sensational pyrotechnic display is choreographed to music while a colorful rainbow of images is mirrored in the water below. Boatloads of partygoers join in on the fun and anchor in the water beside the bridge. They blow their horns in a loud, festive salute after the celebration of the fireworks' Grand Finale.

This year, HarborWalk Village is hosting a New Year's Eve party with bands Strange Boy and The New Royals playing live on the main stage. Live bands will also be playing indoors into the wee hours of the morning at the iconic giant Tiki Hut-roofed AJ's Oyster Bar, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Harry T's Lighthouse, the Coyote Ugly Saloon, Boathouse Oyster Bar, and McGuire's. The fireworks extravaganza will kick off at 8 pm, with the main fireworks and ball drop event occurring at midnight to count down the last seconds of 2023.

Nearby New Years Hot Spots

Beyond the lively festivities at the Village of Baytowne Wharf and HarborWalk Village, the Emerald Coast boasts a variety of other exciting New Year's Eve destinations. Okaloosa Island Boardwalk offers a family-friendly environment with its own distinct fireworks display along the beach, creating a magical seaside ambiance. Seaside, famed for its quaint charm and scenic views, celebrates with a spectacular fireworks show launched from the Gulf of Mexico, providing a unique backdrop to the evening's festivities. These additional venues provide ample choices for visitors looking to experience the joy and excitement of welcoming the New Year in Destin and along the Emerald Coast.

Plan Your New Years Vacation to Destin

Make your plans now to ring in a happy new year in style down here in Destin at your favorite beach "home away from home!"

Ocean Reef Resorts offers a number of private vacation rentals in Destin, Miramar Beach, and along Scenic 30A in South Walton. These properties range from beachfront mansions to cozy cottages and a wide assortment of condos in luxury towers that soar above the glistening Gulf. They provide the perfect spot to end one year and usher in a new one. And don't forget, the off-season rates are low and offer considerable savings at this time of year!

Explore our website to see rental photos, descriptions, property amenities, availability, and information about our complimentary Reef Rewards freebies. Why not make this year's trip to the coast a special New Year's reunion with family and friends? It would be a great way to celebrate, and there's still time to plan it out—but do so soon.

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