December is a special time here on the Emerald Coast. The weather is finally crisp and cool, the water is crystal clear, the sunsets are stunning, and many winter festivities take place. If you're in town this month or lucky enough to be local – here are some happenings to check out along the Emerald Coast.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Tee Off For Toys
South Walton Elf Ride
Ugly Sweater Party
When: December 7th
Where: Louis Louis
Description: 'Tis the Season! Louis Louis will host their Annual Ugly Sweater Bash on Saturday, December 7th from 9pm 'til late night. The Marines will be present to collect gifts for children in need. Bring one new, unwrapped gift for a drink ticket and get your groove on with DJ Michael Desciple!
No matter how tacky, itchy, and overly festive some may think Christmas sweaters are, Louis Louis wants to celebrate every inch of green, red, and jingly bells. Deck the halls, don your gay apparel and get ready to jingle around the clock. It's time to celebrate the customers who keep the restaurant going year-round. Show up in your best ugly christmas sweater to party in Santa Claus style!
Tee Off For Toys
When: December 8th-9th
Where: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Description: Get in the winter spirit at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort as they Tee Off for Toys December 7th & 8th. Sandestin will offer golf at all three of its public courses, Raven Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Golf Club.
People are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15 or more and in exchange, guests can play Sandestin's golf courses for just the green and golf car fee ($20). All toys and donations will be given to Harvest House’s “Hope for Holidays” and Children in Crisis programs, both benefiting children and families in need this holiday season.
Local residents, guests, and visitors are welcome to participate. Tee times are available all day and can be made by calling 850.267.8155.
South Walton Elf Ride
When: December 8th
Where: WaterColor
Description: The 12th annual South Walton Elf Ride takes place Sunday, December 8, 2019, at 1pm. It's a local holiday adventure on bikes. Meet at the starting place in costumes and decorated bikes at Van Ness Butler, Jr. Beach Access parking lot on Western Lake Dr in WaterColor and make the trek to the SWFD's Fire Station at WaterColor Crossings. Participants will walk, bike or longboard the 1.5-mile distance to the fire station on Hwy 395 at WaterColor Crossings. If you aren't able to make the trek you can meet up with everyone at the SWFD firehouse party!
Participants are asked to bring at least one unwrapped gift to benefit the SWFD's Angel Tree Program.
There will be prizes for Best Costume and Best Bike Decor! Click here for more info.
When: December 13th
Where: Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host the fourth annual Ice Skating Extravaganza at Baytowne on Ice skating pavilion. The event will feature two performances from well-known skaters, Dylan David Moscovitch and Kristin Cowan, on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6:00pm & 7:30pm. Both skaters will be sharing tips and tricks. Free and open to the public. Before and in between the shows, lace up those skates and glide around with the pros.
33rd Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade
Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes
When: December 14th
Where: Rosemary Beach
Description: Mark your calendars for the Inaugural Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, December 14th at 1pm in the community of Rosemary Beach. A few of the most stunning homes have been selected, decorated in their finest, guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.
Tickets available at Rosemary Beach Foundation Facebook Event: Holiday Tour of Homes. Or click purchase tickets online here.
$10 per person. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast.
33rd Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade
When: December 15th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the 33rd Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade. The celebration begins at Boshamps where boats festively decorated with holiday lights and décor line-up and begin drifting along the Harbor past HarborWalk Village toward the Destin Bridge and Norriego Point. Margaritaville and Harry T’s offer the perfect spot for parade viewing. The evening ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky. Enjoy a Sunday of holiday fun! A fireworks show sponsored by HarborWalk Village will light up the sky at the end of the boat parade. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor with the true Destin spirit. To enter your boat in the parade stop by the Destin History and Fishing Museum or contact the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
Description: The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the 33rd Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade. The celebration begins at Boshamps where boats festively decorated with holiday lights and décor line-up and begin drifting along the Harbor past HarborWalk Village toward the Destin Bridge and Norriego Point. Margaritaville and Harry T’s offer the perfect spot for parade viewing. The evening ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky. Enjoy a Sunday of holiday fun! A fireworks show sponsored by HarborWalk Village will light up the sky at the end of the boat parade. All commercial, charter, and private boats are invited to help light up the Harbor with the true Destin spirit. To enter your boat in the parade stop by the Destin History and Fishing Museum or contact the Destin History & Fishing Museum.
Winter Wonderland
When: December 21st
Where: Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites you to experience some holiday magic with them on Saturday, December 21 beginning at 9am. The Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Slide down an ice slide, make snow angels, and enjoy a day of frosty fun for the whole family.
Come out and stroll The Village of Baytowne Wharf after dark. Beautiful holiday decor and sparkling lights throughout the Village will fill your family with the spirit of Christmas.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
12 Nights of Light
Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday @ Baytowne Wharf
Seaside Holiday Market
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Seaside
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
Every Friday & Saturday @ Grand Boulevard
Farmer's Markets
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin.
Planning to be in town?
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