Destin holiday events 2022-2023

Destin Events from November to January, 2022/23

This list of holiday events in the Destin area has most of your old favorites, plus some new events thrown in. Keep in mind that organizers have worked hard to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and clean environment for everyone involved, let's all do the same. Enjoy the upcoming holiday season and stay safe.

November 2022

Baytowne on Ice
October 30/22 - February 5/23

Ice skating at the Village of Baytowne Wharf - Daily, times vary.
Get skating schedule here


27th Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day
November 6 | 7 am to 1 pm

Location: Harbor Docks
To make a reservation or get additional information call Harbor Docks at 850-837-2506, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and ask for Jackie. Pre-registration is required.


Tribute Concert Weekend at The Village of Baytowne Wharf
November 4-5: 7 pm to 9 pm  | Nov. 6: 2pm to 4 pm

Enjoy live music all weekend from great tribute bands. Free - just bring your blankets or lawn chairs to the events plaza lawn. Get more info here


Island Concert Series
November 6, 13, 20th/22 | 4:00 PM - 6:00

Location: HarborWalk Village
Dance to the sounds of paradise on the Destin Harbor! Join us for free live concerts that will have you tapping your feet to the island beat!
Learn More on the HarborWalk Village Event Page


10th Annual Wine Walkabout
November 10: 5:30 pm to 7 pm

Chef Ruston Johnson has created a special menu featuring multiple culinary stations with heavy hors d’oeuvres paired with select fine wines courtesy of a variety of vintners. This event will again be held in the East Bar and Courtyard at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Destin.
Tickets are $95 per person or $75 for MKAF members. Purchase tickets here


Veterans Day Celebration on the Harbor
November 11/22 | 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: HarborWalk Village
The ceremony will include a performance by Reid with Autism Sings, a presentation of colors, speakers, and veteran-owned businesses. We honor those who have served our country and local charities that serve our community.


Veterans Eat Free at Holi Indian Restaurants
November 11/22 | Various Times

Location: Holi Indian Kitchen Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach & Panama City
All veterans & active military members will be treated to a free entree on Veterans Day November 11, 2022, at any three Holi Indian Restaurant locations! Available for in-restaurant only. Military ID badge must be presented to receive this offer. The free entree is only applicable to veterans or active duty service members meals only.


Free Burger & Fries for Veterans Day
November 11/22 | 10 am to 10 pm

Location: Fatboys- Destin, 104 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
All veterans & active military members will be treated to a free burger with fries on Veterans Day November 11, 2022, at any three Fatboys locations! Available for in-restaurant only. Military ID badge must be presented to receive this offer. The free entree is only applicable to veterans or active duty service members meals only.


Band Together for Autism
November 12: 5pm to 8 pm

Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village 4323 Commons Dr W, Destin
Dust off your 80s gear and join us Saturday, November 12, 2022, for a LIVE energetic performance from The Molly Ringwalds!
Purchase your tickets


Half Shells on the Harbor
Saturday, November 12/2022 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: HarborWalk Village
It'll be an oyster + cocktail filled day at Half Shells on the Harbor! November 12 from 1pm-4pm -- Limited VIP tickets left for our Meet the Farmers Experience with Distillery 98's new Half Shell Oyster Vodka, AND to get early access to the event! Grab yours before we sell out:
Learn More & Get Tickets


Flutterby Arts Festival
Sunday, November 13/22 | 10 AM - 4 PM

Location: Watersound Origins | Cost: Free
The Flutterby Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, celebrates its 30th year of the migration of the Monarch Butterfly through our area with art activities, live performances, art exhibits, and a butterfly parade!
Learn more about the arts festival


Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting
November 18, 22 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Destin Commons
Destin Commons & Bass Pro Shops welcome Santa to light our Holiday Tree! Enjoy free face painting, free photos with Rudolph & Frosty, as well as a holiday photo booth while you listen to festive tunes. At 7:00 pm, sit back and marvel at the holiday parade as Santa arrives on Main Street to light 50 feet of the most spectacular Christmas tree on the Emerald Coast! It all comes together with an extravagant finale of FIREWORKS!
Learn More


Grand Boulevard's Christmas Holiday Lights Kick Off
November 18/22 | 4:30 pm to 5 pm

Location: The Grand Boulevard Town Center
Tens of thousands of brilliant white lights, bringing a festive spirit to the Boulevard. Coastal White Christmas officially begins with the unveiling of the holiday lights and a celebratory short parade down the Boulevard. Enjoy faux snow while taking complementary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, refreshments and strolling throughout the Boulevard, taking in the breathtaking lights and beautifully decorated trees.
More Info at Grand Boulevard Website


Northwest Florida Ballet Opens with The Nutcracker
November 18/22

Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center
In its 43rd year, NFB’s production of The Nutcracker remains the only full-length version of the classic holiday fairytale in the area and features live musical accompaniment by the Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) Symphony Orchestra, led by David Ott.
For tickets and times


City of Destin's 16th Annual Holiday Craft Show
November 18-19/22

Location: Destin Community Center
Time: Friday, November 18:9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, November 19: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
There will be over 60 vendors displaying hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, food items, and much more. Vendor booths are available for $45 for Destin residents and $55 for non-residents. The price includes one 8ft x 10ft space, one 6ft table, and two chairs ($10 extra for a corner booth or an extra table). Register early, as space is limited. Admission and parking to the public is free. Call the community center at 850-654-5184 for more information.


Resin Ocean Christmas Ornament Class
November 19: 4pm to 6pm

Location: Artesano Boutique 180 Miracle Strip PkwySE, Fort Walton Beach, FL
1-hour class taught by Kaylee Colbert, Resin Artist, and owner of KCC Art. Your very own resin ocean Christmas ornaments (4) – Create it in class and take it home the next day


Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
Saturday, November 19 2022 | 4 - 6 pm

Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights will take place on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf and feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the season with carolers, and a sneak peek of our first tree lighting of the season!
Purchase Tickets Here


Grand Boulevard's Festival of Trees
November 22 - December 25/22

Location: The Grand Boulevard Town Center
On Nov. 22 from 4 - 6 p.m., 12 non-profit organizations will decorate a tree and compete to win cash prizes totaling $8,500, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners. The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to enjoy!
More Info at Grand Boulevard Website


Polar Express
Friday, November 25/22 | 6 pm - 8 pm

Watch the holiday classic The Polar Express at the Village of Baytowne Wharf on the Events Plaza lawn. Grab a lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars. Admission is free and open to the public.


Here Comes Santa Claus
Saturday, November 26/22 | 6 pm - 9 pm

Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to Baytowne and watch as he lights the Village Christmas tree! Have a blast in The Village with face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display over the water at 8pm!


Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market
Saturday, November 26/22 | 3 pm - 9 pm

Location: WaterColor Town Center & Cerulean Park
The Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market holiday extravaganza is complete with snow, a horse-drawn carriage, a bonfire with s’mores, pictures with Santa Claus, the lighting of the tree, live music, and beautiful luminary lighting throughout the WaterColor community.


December 2022

12 Nights of Lights
From December 2 - 23rd/22 | 3 Shows at 6, 7, & 8 pm

Location: Events Lawn Village of Baytowne Wharf
Enjoy a FREE festive light show from Dec. 2-23, every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas! This sparkling event will also be featured during our special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows each night!


Ice Skating Extravaganza
Friday, December 2/22 | 6 pm to 8 pm

Baytowne on Ice is hosting its annual Ice-Skating Extravaganza featuring two performances by professional ice skaters on Friday, December 2nd at 6:00pm & 7:30pm. Both shows are free.


Grand Boulevard's Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Carolers & Photos with Santa
December 2 - 23/22 | 5 pm to 8 pm

Location: The Grand Boulevard Town Center
Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a complementary professional photo with Santa while listening to the seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers singing popular holiday carols.
December 2nd – 17th / Friday and Saturday Nights / 5 PM – 8 PM
December 19th – 23rd / All Week / 5 PM – 8 PM
More Info at Grand Boulevard Website


Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents- A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 2-10/22

Location: ECTC is located at 560 Grand Boulevard, Suite 200 in Miramar Beach
Discover the true meaning of Christmas with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts Gang in this classic adaptation of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Presented by ECTC’s talented Junior Company teen players.
Times & Ticket Info


Café Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball
December 2/22 | 6 pm to 10 pm

Location: Café Thirty-A, located at 3899 East County Hwy 30A
The restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday decor for this annual charity event benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Enjoy valet parking upon arrival, complimentary champagne, hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffet, cash bar and dancing. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional. A huge silent auction will follow. Ticket prices will be $125 per person with one hundred percent of the ticket sales and auction proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton
Charity Ball Event Info


Holiday Arts Gallery
December 3/22 | 10 am to 7 pm

Location: HH Arts 100 Beal Parkway SW, FWB
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) would like to invite all Okaloosa County artists, art & culture organizations to participate in the Holiday Arts Gallery. Spaces can be reserved by artists to sell and demonstrate their art work. The Gallery event will be free to the publick
Event Info


"UGLY SWEATER PUB CRAWL
Saturday, December 3/22 | Time: 4 pm to 8 PM

Location: HarborWalk Village
Drink and be merry with a game of drink specials bingo, live music, and an Ugly Sweater Contest!.
Learn more:


"Tuba Christmas at Baytowne Wharf
Sunday, December 4/22 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Come out to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for Tuba Christmas, a wonderful concert with some of your favorite holiday classics on the Event Plaza. It's a beautiful holiday tradition in Sandestin. Admission is free and open to the public. More than 30 brass instruments play some of your favorite holiday classics. Don't forget to stop by the Events Plaza and take your photo with Santa!


FREE! Holiday Concert Series
Wednesdays in December from the 7th - 21st || 6 - 8 pm

Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Enjoy a Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series on Wednesdays in December. Each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa.


The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8-18/22 | 10 am to 7 pm

A fun and entertaining adamptation of this touching holiday classic.
Ticket Info


Winter Wonderland & Pallet House Stroll
December 9/22 | 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Location:Chester Pruitt Park, 15 Hollywood Blvd NE, Fort Walton Beach
Incredible night of holiday magic where you stroll down Pallet House Lane, drink hot chocolate, meet Santa - all for the price of a new unwrapped toy benefitting Toys for Tots. Tour the pallet houses decorated by the Police Dept., City facilities and local businesses and charities. This is a festive, fun night that helps kids in need. Winter Wonderland Event Information


Holiday Pops featuring The Doo Wop Project
December 9/22 | 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Location: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
The Doo Wop Project boys will get you into the holiday spirit! Hear old school Holiday classics like The Drifters’ White Christmas, and so much more. Fees: Choice Seating: $30 Preferred Seating: $45 Premiere Seating: $55
Event Info


38th annual “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade
December 10/22 | 10 am to 12 pm

Location: The floats will begin at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue. Spectators are asked to stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard to watch the parade
For those who wish to participate in the parade the application is available online


Destin Boat Parade
Sunday, December 11/22 6 pm

Location: Boshamps HarborWalk Village
The celebration begins at 6PM 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. The evening ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky.


The Mean One
Friday, December 16/22 | 5 pm to 7 pm

Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Have your photo taken with Grinch himself, and then watch a movie screening of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7:00pm.


FREE! Baytowne Countdown NYE
Saturday, December 31/22 | 6 pm to 1 am

Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
You don't want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf's end-of-the-year celebration! Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8pm & midnight. Enjoy our family friendly evening from 6pm-8pm with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Finish off the family friendly evening with our first fireworks display at 8pm. The fun doesn't stop there! Dance the night away with LIVE music from 7pm until 1am, featured on the Events Plaza Stage! End the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show.


January 2023

30A Songwriters Festival 2023
January 13-16/23 | 8 AM on Nov. 12 & 8:30 AM Nov. 13

Location: Various venues throughout Destin
We are very pleased to announce the initial round of confirmed artists for the 14th Annual 2023 30A Songwriters Festival, with all mainstage performances taking place at Grand Boulevard! Headliners will include legendary artists: LYLE LOVETT, GIN BLOSSOMS, RICKIE LEE JONES, YOLA, STEVE EARLE, and MORGAN WADE.
Learn More


Posted by Tim Shepard - Broker on

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