Tips on How to Plan The Perfect Holiday Celebration in a Destin Vacation Rental

Celebrating the holidays at an Airbnb or vacation rental home or condominium at the beach is an easy way to make core memories and enjoy time with loved ones in a beautiful scenic location. But making a list, checking it twice and planning the holiday gathering can be stressful. The team at Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has been hosting families for their treasured holiday celebrations in Destin for more than 39 years and are here to help make your next holiday getaway the best it can be without the stress or hassle. Here are our tips on how to plan the perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza or any other holiday gathering at a vacation rental at the beach. 

Step 1: Where to Stay 

Start with a head count for the number of family members or friends who will be in attendance and any special needs, i.e. older family members who can not climb stairs or baby that will need a rental crib. Once you know your group and size, simply use the filters on our rentals page including party size, location, rental type, features, accessibility, and community amenities. As you search rental options, be mindful of the number of vehicles the property can accommodate. Perhaps a beach home with four parking spaces that can accommodate up to eight guests, such as Crew Rest, would be a good option. For larger groups of more than 20 guests, consider our large homes, which also include side-by-side homes that will allow for double the number of guests and parking. For more ideas, visit our blog on The Best Beach Homes for The Holidays in Destin or reach out to one of our friendly local vacation specialists at (850) 837-1071 for expert recommendations and service.  

Step 2: What to Pack 

Once your clothing and essentials are organized, add an extra bag or box of holiday decorations to bring holiday cheer to your vacation home's interior. Light strands take a small amount of space in the suitcase but bring big warmth and holiday cheer to any rental home. Picture sparkling garlands draping from the curtain rails and adorning the TV stand. Bring runners, place mats and/or a stunning holiday centerpiece for the dinner table. For those celebrating Christmas, stockings can be hung from the TV stand or side table with weighted hangers in the living room. Pre-wrap presents and pack them in the car or ship presents to your rental company to hold until you arrive. Or take advantage of the great shopping at local boutiques such as Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach and buy presents in Destin that are commemorative, one-of-a-kind or luxury brand merchandise at a fraction of the retail price. The easiest way to bring holiday cheer with little effort is to play holiday music and put a video of a crackling fire on the television. You'll love coming in from the beach to the sound of your favorite holiday tunes in your warm, cozy vacation rental. View basic things to bring in our What to Bring blog.

Step 3: Planning the Holiday Meal

Cherished holiday recipes are a special part of holiday celebrations. Your Airbnb and all Destin vacation rentals include a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, baking sheets, dishes, etc.--everything you need for making a holiday feast. If you find a common kitchen item missing, simply call the team at Newman-Dailey to request a replacement. Pack spices and seasonings, including salt and pepper, as these items will not be in your vacation rental due to health and safety reasons. In addition, you'll want to bring specialty knives or other specialty kitchen tools as well as aluminum foil, ziplock bags for leftovers, and trash bags for clean-up. Once in town, simply bring your grocery list to one of the area's grocery stores, including Publix, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Winn Dixie or Walmart, and gather the ingredients for all your meals. Consider skipping the shopping and use a Publix or Walmart curbside pick up or hire Be My Shopper, the Emerald Coast's grocery delivery service. Spend special moments connecting while cooking and then enjoy your reward-a delicious feast!

For those who want a break from the kitchen, Destin’s vast array of casual and fine-dining restaurants ensures there is the perfect option for any family. If your group enjoys fine dining, plan an evening to enjoy the holiday menu at Soleil, Camille’s, Emeril's Coastal, Bitteroot, Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood, or Bijoux.  If your clan is seeking a casual and family-friendly atmosphere, check out  Surf Hut, Destin’s Crab Trap, Lulu’s Destin, Dewey Destin's, or Brotula's Seafood & Steamer on the Destin Harbor. Many of these restaurants will be decked out in their holiday best and offer a water view. To see more options, check out our Dining tab.

 Step 4: Planning for Presents

While you can buy presents locally or bring them with you, it's even more fun to give gifts that are experienced locally. For a fun experiential gift, consider a breathtaking helicopter tour that provides a stunning aerial view of the coastline, showcasing the vibrant emerald waters washing upon sugar-white sands. View down into the Gulf to see many local species, including dolphins and rays, as well as the area's artificial reefs, which are positioned in the form of local wildlife, including a dolphin, a sea turtle and a seahorse, among others. Learn more about these tours at Timberview Helicopters online. For a hands-on experience that results in a one-of-kind art piece, check out The Glass Deer or the Shard Shop, where guests can craft their own unique glass art creations. The Shard Shop allows you to transform pieces of broken glass into personalized masterpieces on a provided canvas, complete with safety gear for everyone. Meanwhile, The Glass Deer offers professional-led classes on glassblowing and creates all sorts of different glass sculptures using various techniques. Another special experience is a dinner cruise aboard Sunquest Cruises' SOLARIS Yacht. This cruise offers a multi-course fine dining dinner and live music while you cruise the glimmering calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay.  Another special dining experience with customizable options is a beachside picnic. Enchanting Picnic Co. and La Dolce Vita offer personalized picnics right on the beach. Whether you choose to bring gifts, shop for presents or present a one-of-a-kind experience, your holiday will be one to remember.

Step 5: Holiday Festivities

The Destin area offers an endless array of holiday events and happenings. The iconic Destin Boat Parade has been a beloved tradition for over 30 years. Boats are decked out in holiday décor and lights as they glide along the Destin Harbor delighting spectators of all ages. The parade concludes with a fireworks show over the Harbor that lights up the night sky. This vibrant season also features diverse events like the Fall Food Truck Fest at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, weekly sunset bonfires at Royal Palm Grille every Monday and Friday, the Coastal White Christmas Parade at Grand Boulevard, among countless other options. For a comprehensive list of events, be sure to visit the “To Do in Destin” website for dates and details.

Another cherished activity that resonates with both our visitors and locals is the spirit of giving back to those in need. Since 1987, Harvest House has been a cornerstone of our community and has dedicated over 35 years of support. This organization invites anyone and everyone to embrace the reason for the season by donating to their food pantry and thrift store so that those in need can experience the comfort of a warm meal and a cozy night’s rest during the holiday season. For even more reasons to celebrate, check out our Top Reasons to Celebrate the Winter Holidays in Destin blog. 

Step 6: How to Save 

The Holidays can get expensive and taking your holidays on the road can be intimidating so here are a couple of tips on how to save on your holiday celebration vacation. Rental rates vary greatly depending on the size and location of the home or condo. Save money by booking an off-beach property or one from the value collection. Always check the Deals page to see if there are any specials or added discounts that you're eligible to receive. 

Grocery shopping and dining within your vacation rental will help keep meals affordable. In addition, guests of Newman-Dailey can save on restaurants and activities with our Be Rewarded partner offers, or receive free tickets for experiences such as dolphin cruises and the Gulfarium. In addition, businesses listed above, including Enchanting Picnic Co., La Dolce Vita, SOLARIS dinner cruise, and Glass Deer Studio all provide discounts for Newman-Dailey guests. Holiday visitors can also take advantage of free or low-cost activities, including visiting the beach, state parks, free gator shows at Fudpuckers, free musical performances, and free bonfires hosted at Royal Palm Grille, to help stretch their entertainment budget. Our last tip is to check out the incredible deals at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. With more than 100 brand name stores, finding luxury merchandise at up to 60% off retail prices is ideal for stretching your holiday shopping budget.

Book Your Holiday Getaway Today!

While there are many choices for your holiday gatherings, we're hopeful that our tips make planning the holidays at a Destin vacation rental a little easier. Our welcoming community, beautiful beaches, spectacular winter sunsets and holiday light displays all around the area make the holidays in Destin shiny and bright. View our collection of Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 850-837-1071 to let us help you find the perfect vacation rental home, and plan a memorable beach holiday. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee and no third-party fees. Check out Newman-Dailey's Holidays page for more tips.  

See you @ the beach!