December 5th
The City of Destin’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at the Destin Community Center on Thursday, December 5th at 6pm. The outdoor event includes music performances, hot chocolate and cookies & a visit from Santa. Donations of one non-perishable food item are requested.
Don’t miss the 8th annual Festival of Trees at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson on Thursday, December 5th from 6:30pm to 9. Decorated trees will be raffled, plus live music and other auction items to benefit Safe Connections.
December 6th, 7th and 8th
Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s Winter Wonderland is December 6th and 7th from 5pm-9pm at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds. Entry to the Wonderland is one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots or a donation for Panhandle Animal Welfare Society. Stroll down Pallet House Land, drink hot chocolate, meet Santa and your local police officers.
December 7th
Crestview’s Annual Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7th. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop. The tree lighting is at 5, the parade at 5:30 on Main Street.
The Niceville – Valparaiso Community Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7th at 10am, on Marc Smith Blvd, sponsored by the Rotary Club. This year’s theme, “The Magic of Christmas.”
Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 30th annual “Christmas In The Park” is Saturday, December 7th from 10 to 4. Plus a Merry Market with local arts and craftss all day long and the Christmas parade at 1 beginning at the Navarre Library.
Special Forces Association Chapter 7 presents the 46th annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K/10K run/walk. It’s Saturday, December 7th at The Island Resort on Okaloosa Island and includes a Kids Fun Run!
Pancakes with Santa, to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund for the Salvation Army is Saturday morning, December 7th from 7:30 to 10:30. It’s hosted by the Magnolia Grille on Brooks Street in downtown Fort Walton Beach.
The Navarre Chamber Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk is Saturday, December 7th at 8am at the Holley/Navarre Main Fire Station. Run, walk or crawl any distance, including “shortcuts to grandma’s house.” Show up with bells on! Strollers and leashed pets are welcome.
The Gulf Breeze Zoo 4th annual Christmas ZOObilee is December 7th and 8th from 11-3 at the zoo. The fun includes live music, winter themed bounce stations, Candy Cane holiday market, meet Santa and his merry friends, and so much more around the entire zoo.
December 13th
Planetarium Special Feature: True Crime December 13, 2024, Shows at 6:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Our galaxy can be very dark, but have you ever wondered how dark? The True Crime planetarium will answer that question, and many more. While touring through the solar system, we’ll discuss some of the most infamous crimes associated with outer space. Learn about the curious deaths of ancient astronomers such as Socrates and Hypatia of Alexandria, the cult that worshipped the 1997 Hale-Bopp comet, and numerous stories of astronauts behaving badly. Adultery, witchcraft, and moon rock robbery are only the beginning when you join us for a mysterious and murderous night under the stars. Must be ages 21 and up. Shows begin at 6 and 7 pm and last approximately 45 minutes.
Nonmembers: $15 • Members: $13. Ticket price includes access to one showing plus a drink ticket for beer, wine, or soda. http://ecscience.org/events
December 13th – 20th
The First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach presents the annual “Live Nativity” December 13th through December 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the corner of Church & 2nd Street. It’s a free event. More details at the church website.
The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus presents “Comfort & Joy,” at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Enjoy the annual holiday concert performance on at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, December 13th & 14th and Sunday, December 15th at 3pm
Emerald Coast Theatre Company performs “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Music unfolds on the battlefield as soldiers lay down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together with song. Performances are Thursday through Sunday nights with special matinee performances through December 22nd, on stage at Grand Boulevard. Details at Emerald Coast Theater dot org.
December 14th
The Gulf Breeze Zoo 4th annual Christmas ZOObilee is December 14th and 15th from 11-3 at the zoo. The fun includes live music, winter themed bounce stations, Candy Cane holiday market, meet Santa and his merry friends, and so much more around the entire zoo.
The 21st Annual Defuniak Springs Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 14th at 1pm at Circle Drive at lake Defuniak. It’s sponsored by the Defuniak Springs Women’s Club.
Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast for “The Grinch in Concert” on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30pm at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. The entire family will enjoy this live performance of the James Horner film score from Ron Howard’s film as movie magic unfolds on the screen.
The City of Destin’s Annual Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 14th at 10 am. The floats will start at the Destin Methodist Church on Beach Drive and travel west down Harbor Boulevard to Stahlman* Avenue. (*Stall-man) Watch from the north side of Harbor Boulevard. This year’s theme “Flashback to 1984” honors Destin’s 40th birthday.
The 9th Annual Niceville Ugly Sweater Run/Walk is Saturday, December 14th at Hurricane Grill & Wings in Bluewater Bay. The 5K is open to all ages at 8am, with a 1-mile fun run for kids 12 & under. Proceeds benefit the Niceville High School Track & Field Facilities Fund.
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s Yule of Yesteryear is December 14th! Crafts, food trucks, local choirs, letters to Santa, and last-minute Christmas gift ideas, from 10 – 4 at the museum, in Valparaiso. Reindeer Dash 5K/10K run/walk is on Saturday, December 14th at 8am. The run is on a flat course through the Beachview area with an awards ceremony afterwards at AJ’s on the Bayou. The event benefits Fort Walton Beach Fire Department’s Toy Drive.
Reindeer Dash 5K/10K run/walk is on Saturday, December 14th at 8am. The run is on a flat course through the Beachview area with an awards ceremony afterwards at AJ’s on the Bayou. The event benefits Fort Walton Beach Fire Department’s Toy Drive.
December 15th
The 38th Annual Destin Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade is Sunday, December 15th at 6pm. This annual event is presented by Destin History & Fishing Museum.
Winter Workshops, December 23, 26, and 27, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join the Emerald Coast Science Center for new activities December 23, 26, and 27 to celebrate the season! The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day with Winter Workshop activities from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Be sure to stop by for a Creature Feature at 1:00 p.m., and pop on over to sciPad for some interactive fun from 1:30-3:00 p.m. All activities included with general admission. Space at each activity is available on a first come, first served basis. Your RSVP helps us determine the number of guests to expect so we have ample materials. Thank you!
For a full schedule of workshop events, visit escience.org/events *PLEASE NOTE, THE CENTER IS CLOSED DECEMBER 24 & 25* General admission pricing applies: $12 per guest; kids 2 and under are free. Military discounts available.
December 30, January 2, and January 3
Winter Break Fun for Everyone
10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The holiday break isn’t over yet! Enjoy the Emerald Coast Science Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day with special activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. All activities are included with general admission. Space at each activity is available on a first come, first served basis. Your RSVP helps us determine the number of guests to expect so we have ample materials. Thank you! December 30 and January 2 – Don’t miss our Creature Features from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Then dash over to join in on winter games from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the sciPad. January 3 – Enjoy a winter-themed Chemistry Corner today! Join us for a visual chemistry demonstration 10:30-11:00 a.m. followed by hands-on chemistry activities for the whole family to enjoy from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Then dash over to join in on winter games from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the sciPad. *PLEASE NOTE, THE CENTER IS CLOSED DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1*. http://ecscience.org/events. General admission pricing applies: $12 per guest; kids 2 and under are free. Military discounts available.
January 18, 2025
Sip & Science: Wild West Edition, January 18, 2025, 6-9 p.m. at Emerald Coast Science Center.
Bring your friends, grab a drink, and saddle up for a night of fun. Guests age 21 and up only. Come dressed in your cowboy and cowgirl best and compete in various games like the Outlaw Hunt, Bull Bouncer Barrel Races, and Cowboy Bingo. Make your way through the Oregon Trail, see which of your band of outlaws can come up with a cowboy name that’s ace-high, and try your hand at the Bull Ring Toss. Lasso up a night of fun that’ll show y’all how the west was won. Yeehaw! Giddy up and grab your tickets today.
Early bird pricing: Members $25 Nonmembers $30
Week of pricing: Members $30 Nonmembers $35
Day of pricing: Members $35 Nonmembers $40
Ticket price includes admission, access to regular and special museum exhibits, themed activities, and drink tickets for adult beverages (beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail). Spork Food Truck will be on-site from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for delicious bites for purchase. Light snacks are also available for purchase within the center.
Guests age 21+ (IDs will be checked at the door) Get more details/ticket info, here.
May 3rd, 2025
The 3rd Annual Bay Area Health & Wellness Expo is Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Props Hammock Bay at 1799 Great Hammock Bend in Freeport. Don’t miss the chance to support your local community. Connect with important resources available to our community from local businesses, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities and so much more. The expo will feature nutrition and exercise education, free screenings, alternative health and wellness professionals, interactive promoting fitness and health, family services, senior services, and guest speakers. Proceeds benefit Make Your Mark for the Lupus Foundation of America. For more info, email [email protected]
