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Holiday Happenings on 30A 2024

Holidays Amy Willis Pecht November 27, 2024

It’s the holiday season here along 30A and our “snow” on the Emerald Coast may be a bit different during the winter months. Instead of cold and wet, you’ll find the sugar, white sand crisp and beautiful against the contrast of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are looking for festive fun this holiday season, the communities along 30A and surrounding areas have much to offer. From holiday markets, Christmas parades, tours of homes, community theatre, and the annual Christmas Reflections along Circle Drive in Defuniak Springs – there is holiday sparkle and spirit plenty to explore. Don’t forget to take a family photo with some Florida “snow” and send it to your friends up north and out west to remind them how beautiful it is here around the holiday season.

While you’re getting in the holiday spirit, give these ideas some consideration for adding some festive fun to your days and nights:

Parades: 

Holiday Markets:

In the mood for some seasonal shopping? Looking for locally made gifts for your loved ones? There are multiple holiday markets happening along the 30A drive. Between pop-up night markets and regular Saturday farmers' markets with a holiday flair- you'll find gifts, groceries and more when you stop to peruse.

  • Watercolor, Old Florida Holiday and Winter Market,November 30, 3-9 p.m. 
  • Seacrest Beach, 30A Holiday Market, December 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Peddler's Pavilion.
  • Seaside, Seaside Holiday Market December 7-9.
  • Rosemary Beach, 30A Farmers' Markets is featuring a Holiday Market with special days on December 18, 22 and 29. Their normal market runs every Sunday from 9-1 p.m. at Barrett Square.
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Community Events:

Baytowne, now through February 8, times vary. Baytowne on Ice brings the opportunity to ice skate all winter long at this yearly seasonal ice rink. Make sure you fill out the online waiver before you go!

Blue Mountain Beach, December 8, 9:30ish. Fra-gee-lay 2K, The Official Tacky Sweater "Christmas Race," for those who don't race. 

Watersound Origins, December 9, 1-7 p.m. Winter Wonder at Watersound. Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, live music, REP theatre show, carolers, cookie decorating and ELF movie. 

Santa Rosa Beach, December 14, 8 a.m. Jolly Elf 30A Half Marathon and 5K

 

Holiday Home Tours:

Do you enjoy the sparkle of a well decorated home during the holidays? There are two opportunities to do holiday home tours in Walton County each year during Christmastime. Drive a little to the north to historic Defuniak Springs and take in the beauty of the small town where many of the homes and buildings are part of the Historic Register. Drive to the east and see stunning homes on a self-guided walking tour in Rosemary Beach. If you're feeling adventurous, why not do both! 

  • Rosemary Beach, December 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  6th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Self-guided walking tour, advanced tickets required. Cost $55. Charities benefitted include Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring & Sharing of South Walton.
  • Defuniak Springs, December 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., A Christmas Tour of Homes, driving and walking tour of the large historic district, $25 donation suggested. Funds benefit the historic preservation fund for needed repairs to three structures on Circle Drive. 

Performances:

Rep Theatre at Seaside: 14th Annual "Every Christmas Story Ever Told", Select days in December at 11 a.m., FREE to the public

Emerald Coast Theatre Company: All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914, December 6-22, located at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.

Tuba Christmas at Baytowne Wharf: December 14, 5-7 p.m., Gather to hear local tuba and euphonium players from the regional area as they perform in the annual "Tuba Christmas." This is an event with concerts taking place all over the world in December for the past 50 years. Come for the music, stay for the holiday lights and pictures with Santa!

Christmas Reflections

Historic Circle Drive in Defuniak Springs:

Christmas Reflections: A time honored tradition along the Emerald Coast. Take the drive to historic Defuniak Springs where you’ll encounter more than 10,000 lights in a fantastic display as you make your way around the circle of Lake Defuniak. Make a reservation in advance and see the lights from a horse-drawn carriage for something extra special. 

  • Open the day after Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, 5:30-9:30 p.m., cost is $5 per person
  • Festival of Trees, November 29- December 9, located inside the Chatauqua Hall of Brotherhood

Whether you attend a parade, shop a local holiday market or go take in the light display in Defuniak Springs – we hope your holiday season is full of special moments and festive cheer!

Blog post written by Anne Nuffer Hinze, November 26, 2024

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