December Events Along Florida’s Emerald Coast Warm the Holidays

Along Florida’s Emerald Coast within Destin and South Walton there a wide variety of events that celebrate the holidays and unite our coastal towns with the peace, love and joy of the season. If you have a trip planned or are considering a Destin vacation during December, here are some of the fun events and celebrations that are planned for 2019.

Now through Dec. 31: Baytowne on Ice

Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne on Ice. For visitors who miss the cold and ice, the seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open daily, but hours vary. For the full ice rink schedule visit the Baytowne Wharf website listed below. www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=12

Now through Dec. 21: 12 Nights of Lights: 6-8 p.m.

This December enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas. This sparkling event will also be featured during the special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=12

Now through Dec. 28: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides at Grand Boulevard: 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy a free, horse-drawn carriage ride each Friday and Saturday in December around the Town Center while faux snow falls on the Festival of Trees display in Grand Park. To add to the festivities, Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers will sing popular holiday carols on these evenings between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.  www.grandboulevard.com/free-horse-drawn-carriage-rides/

Dec. 12- Dec. 22: “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Performance at 7:30 p.m.

This holiday tale is a charming celebration of fan favorite characters from “Pride and Prejudice,” honoring the legacy of Jane Austen’s humor, playfulness and wit in a warm-spirited family holiday theatrical production. Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes with 1 intermission. For ages 12 and up.  www.grandboulevard.com/miss-bennet-christmas-at-pemberley-performance-at-560-upstairs/

 Dec. 12 - Holiday Pops Featuring Matt Morrison with Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Festive holiday concert featuring singer/actor of the stage and screen Matthew Morrison. Nominated for a Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Award, Morrison joins Sinfonia’s full orchestra for an evening of the most cherished and festive holiday medleys, plus many of the songs that he has performed during his incredible career, including his role as Mr. Schuester on Fox’s musical comedy series “Glee.” Location: Village Baptist Church. http://www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org/web/events.aspx

Dec. 13: Ice Skating Extravaganza: 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Baytowne on Ice is hosting the fourth annual Ice-Skating Extravaganza. The event will feature two performances by Dylan David Moscovitch and Kristin Cowan. Both shows are free. Before and in between the shows, lace up those skates and skate around with The Pros. Dylan and Kristin will be on the ice sharing tips and tricks. www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=12

Dec. 15: Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade 6 p.m.

The Destin History and Fishing Museum and Margaritaville will host the 33^rd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Festivities will be held along the Destin Harbor during the afternoon and the parade begins just after dark. The parade can be viewed from docks, businesses and restaurants along the Harbor and a fireworks show will begin at the end of the parade. https://allevents.in/destin/holiday-on-the-harbor-boat-parade/200018321410136

 Dec. 21: Winter Wonderland: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf's 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.  www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=12

Dec. 30: Mixology Series, Ring in the New Year at Fish Out of Water: 3:30-5 p.m.

Sip, sip, hooray! FOOW has the 101 on Bubbles for your big New Year’s Eve bash. Guests will learn how to put on fun twists on the bubbly to make your New Year’s Eve celebration the talk of the town. This event includes tastings, cocktails and bar snacks for ages 21 and older only. Reservations are required.  www.foow30a.com/

Dec. 31: Baytowne Countdown to 2020: 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

You don't want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf's end-of-the-year celebration. Enjoy the family-friendly evening featuring face painting, kids’ activities, and live music on the Baytowne Live stage, finishing off with a firework display at 8 p.m. and midnight. www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=12

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Countdown in Seaside: 9 p.m.

Head to Seaside to bring in the New Year! This event will feature live music, face painting, and crafts. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. www.seasidefl.com/events/countdown-seaside-a-nye-celebration

Dec. 31 – HaborWalk Village Countdown to 2020

Head to the Harbor for the annual New Year’s Eve countdown. A family-friendly countdown and fireworks will be held at 8 p.m. and the countdown to 2020 with fireworks display over the Destin Harbor will be held at midnight. Four different stages with live music and performances throughout the night. Visit To Do in Destin for a full list of NYE celebrations in Destin.

Still need to book your December beach getaway?

View our collection of Destin and South Walton vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. Be sure to check out our special offers page for deals on New Year’s Eve week stays and more!

See you @ the beach!