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Holiday Season in South Walton

Thanksgiving:

Nov. 27-28: 30A Thanksgiving Day 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run

The 30A 10K is the second largest road race in South Walton with an estimated 6,000 participants, vendors and volunteers joining together throughout the community. The 30A 10K is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to serve the community by producing a fun and safe race with related events that raise money for contribution to local charities while promoting health and fitness. On Wednesday, race shirts and packets will be available for pick-up from noon to 7 p.m. during the Thanksgiving Extravaganza, which features fun for the whole family at the Hub. Race day will be on Thanksgiving Day starting at 5:30 a.m.

  • Website: 30a10k.com/
  • Address: 78 N Barrett Sq, Unit B, Rosemary Beach
  • Phone: (850) 325-0561

 

Nov. 28: Thanksgiving at Café Thirty-A: 12-4 p.m.

Reservations are available for Thanksgiving Day at Cafe Thirty-A. Dinner options include deep-fried brined turkey, pan seared snapper, and for dessert, traditional pumpkin pie. A Thanksgiving Day Takeout Menu is also available for parties of six. Takeout orders must be placed no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.

  • Website: cafethirtya.com/
  • Address: 3899 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 231-2166

 

Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet at Vue on 30A: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Vue on 30A will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving brunch, which will feature a carving station of fried turkey and prime rib. Cold and hot sides will be served.

  • Website: vueon30a.net/
  • Address: 4801 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 267-2305

 

Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Buffet Cruise: 12-2:30 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.

Cruise along the Choctawhatchee Bay this Thanksgiving as your family enjoys a Thanksgiving Buffet aboard the Solaris Yacht. The dinner will include carved meats, vegetables, sides and Chef’s dessert. The 125′ Solaris is located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at the Baytowne Marina. The Solaris will cruise twice on Thanksgiving Day, at lunch from 12-2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets include a 2.5-hour cruise and the Thanksgiving Buffet, as well as iced tea, coffee, and water. A full bar will also be available.

 

Nov. 28: Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at Cuvee 30A: 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with Cuvee 30A’s mouthwatering Thanksgiving Day Buffet menu featuring Chef Tim Creehan’s scrumptious Louisiana Fried Turkey and an appetizing array of traditional trimmings, side dishes and desserts.

 

More holiday events: 

Nov. 15: Sunquest Cruises Solaris Sparkling Wine Holiday Dinner Cruise 6:45-10:00 p.m. 

Don’t miss one of the ultimate holiday events to begin the festive season! The Holiday Sparkling Wine Dinner Cruise is exclusively 21+ and $95/guest to include the dinner cruise, four fine dining courses, wine pairings, and live entertainment. The 125-foot SOLARIS yacht is docked at the all-inclusive Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Northwest Florida. Reservations required online at www.SunQuestCruises.com or by calling (850) 650-2519.

Nov. 16: Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights: 4-6 p.m.

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. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf's choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights.

Nov. 23: The Nutcracker at Seaside Amphitheatre: 5 p.m.

Join Ballet Pensacola for the Seventh annual performance of the ballet that launched a national holiday tradition, the Nutcracker, based on the critically acclaimed Russian ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

Nov. 23- Jan. 1: Coastal White Christmas Holiday Lights

Starting Nov. 23, visit Grand Boulevard during the holiday season to enjoy decor and programming. The Town Center will feature thousands of beautiful white lights, bringing a festive and inviting spirit to the Boulevard. Open to the public at no charge.

Nov. 26: Festival of Trees: 4-6 p.m.

Festival of Trees held annually at Grand Boulevard showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees from 12 local, non-profits. The trees debut the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and remain in the park through Christmas for the public to enjoy and learn more about the missions of these organizations. The trees will remain on display through Christmas Day. Open to the public at no charge.

Nov. 29: Alys in Winter Wonderland: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Join Santa for cookie decorating and Holiday cheer! Cookies to decorate will be available for purchase in Central Park, two cookies for $5. Unwrapped children’s toys will be accepted for donation to a local Angel Tree Program and nonperishable, non-glass food items for Food For Thought Outreach Inc.

Nov. 29: A Very Merry Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Concert: 6-7:30 p.m.

Head to Alys Beach for a tree lighting ceremony and Christmas concert at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Live music will be performed by Ben Loftin and the Family.

Nov. 30: Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market: 5-9 p.m.

The WaterColor Community Association will host their 12th annual Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market in WaterColor’s Town Center & Cerulean Park. This event is a holiday extravaganza complete with snow, carriage rides around the park, bonfires and s'mores, pictures with Santa, lighting of the tree, holiday music and a winter market full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season. This event is open to WaterColor residents, guests and the public and is free of charge for attendees.

Nov. 30: Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6-6:30 p.m.

Listen to musical performances by carolers, see Santa’s big arrival and enjoy the lighting of the tree.

Nov. 30: Annual South Walton Christmas Parade: 9 a.m.

Head to 30A for South Walton’s annual parade. The parade begins in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. Meet Santa in town after the parade! Parade registration became available on Nov. 1.

Nov. 30-Dec. 21: Photos with Santa Claus: 2-4 p.m.

Every Saturday, Santa Claus will be visiting Grand Boulevard for photos. Abrakadoodle Art Education and Parties will offer free, kid-friendly, holiday arts and crafts while waiting. 

 Nov. 30: 30Avenue Winter Wonderland: 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Enjoy hot chocolate, horse drawn carriage rides, Fraser fir trees for sale, live music by Ohana students, Santa Claus, and the star lighting at 5 p.m. at 30Avenue.

Dec. 3: Photos with Santa Claus at North Beach Tortilla Co.: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Each year Chef Jim Shirley provides free photos with Santa Claus to our community. This year the event will take place at North Beach Tortilla Co. across from The Bay restaurant at the foot of the 331 bridge in South Walton. You can bring your family and friends to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him your Christmas wishes. The dock will be lit with spectacular holiday lighting and there will be a few surprises in store as well. Stay and join us for dinner and revel in our Winter Wonderland (snow and all!) on the beach of NBTC. Photos will be available a few days later via a link on the North Beach Tortilla Co. website. 

Dec. 4-Dec. 18: Wednesday Night Concert Series – Holiday Edition: 6-8 p.m.

Get in the winter spirit at the Village of Baytowne Wharf and listen to holiday classics at the Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa. The schedule is Valhala Choir on Dec. 4, Matt McCarty on Dec. 11, and Niceville Opus One on Dec. 18.

Dec. 4-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.

Dec. 6- Dec. 28: Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy a free, horse-drawn carriage ride 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 5pm and 7pm. 

Dec. 6: Café Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball: 7-11 p.m.

Café Thirty-A presents its annual Christmas Charity Ball. Guests are invited to enjoy a buffet and passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, and guests can commemorate the evening with a photo booth by Epic Photo Co. Dress is black tie optional, and there will be a cash bar. 

The event will boast a large silent auction and raffle with proceeds benefiting the Caring and Sharing of South Walton’s efforts to provide food and financial assistance to area families and individuals in need. 

Dec. 12- Dec. 22: “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Performance at 560: 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. 

Dec. 12: Merry Little Christmas Concert: 6 p.m.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will host the 2nd Annual Merry Little Christmas Concert, presented by Pizza by the Sea, at the Grayton Beer Taproom. Enjoy the sounds of the season featuring live music by Chris Alvarado, Jacob Mohr and Jessie Ritter. Guests can also get a head start on holiday shopping with a silent auction featuring gift ideas for everyone on your list. 

Tickets are available for $40 a person for the event, and all guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and one complimentary beer ticket. A cash bar will also be available. 

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. 

Dec. 14: Holiday Tour of Homes: 1-5 p.m. 

Mark your calendars for the Inaugural Holiday Home Tour in the community of Rosemary Beach. Rosemary Beach Realty & Cottage Rental Company have selected a few of the most stunning homes, decorated in their finest, guaranteed to get you into the Holiday spirit. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. Stick around and shop the streets of Rosemary Beach while experiencing something special on every turn!  Enjoy book signings, trunk shows, demos, shopping specials and holiday cheer galore.  Savor the day at any of our ten dining merchants and try their delicious specials. 

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. 

New Year’s Eve:

Dec. 31: Baytowne Countdown: 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. 

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise: 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve aboard SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS yacht with a dine, dance, cruise and fireworks experience. The New Year’s Eve Cruise is exclusively for guests 21 or older and includes five chef-inspired courses, a midnight champagne toast, live entertainment, party favors, and a view of the fireworks show at midnight.

Dec. 31: Salute 2019: 5-7 p.m.

Salute 2019 at NEAT before you ring in the New Year! Enjoy live music. Light fare and cocktails available for purchase.

Dec. 31: Countdown 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.