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What's Happening in December in South Walton

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Spotlight Events:

 

Dec. 1-31: Baytowne on Ice

Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Baytowne on Ice. For visitors who miss the cold and ice, the seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open daily, but hours vary. For the full ice rink schedule visit the Baytowne Wharf website listed below.

 

Dec. 3: Theo-Themed Party at Clint Eagar Design Studio: 5-8 p.m.

Join Clint Eagar for a special holiday party at the Clint Eagar Design Sutdio in the Uptown Grayton Shopping Plaza for a night of fun. In addition to viewing Eagar's award-winning art, enjoy holiday spirits and light refreshments and save 20-50% off of select decor and accessorites. Theo-themed items will be 10% off, with proceeds benefitting the Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles. 

 

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 at Grand Boulevard: 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy a free, horse-drawn carriage ride each Friday and Saturday in December 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 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

 

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. 7: Holiday on the Lawn: 2-5 p.m.

The Watersound Origins community will host the first-ever Holiday on the Lawn event. Enjoy an afternoon of free holiday activities including Christmas Carolers, a festive photo booth with Santa, kids' games and holiday crafts. A special performance of The Seaside REP’s “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” will be also be featured. End the evening with an outdoor showing of the Holiday classic movie, “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” 2 Birds Coffee + Café will be open serving warm beverages and holiday goodies.

Activity Times:

2 p.m.: “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” - a condensed, kid centered version of The REP Theatre’s classic holiday play

5 p.m.: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” – outdoor movie on the lawn

2:30-5 p.m.: Christmas Carolers, Seasonal photo booth, holiday kids' games and crafts

  • Website: watersound.com
  • Address: 530 Pathways Dr., Watersound
  • Phone: (850) 231-6428

 

Dec. 7: 4th Annual Grayt Holiday Market: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This annual event at the Grayton Beer Taproom will include vendor exhibits and festive craft beers as well as the local brewery’s year-round styles, an appearance by Santa around noon and food for purchase by Grayton Beer Brewpub. The 4th Annual Grayt Holiday Market will be held in tandem with the Taproom’s regularly scheduled Dog Days Are (R)over where patrons who bring in their dogs receive 10% off their tab.

 

Dec. 7: Wine & Tapas at the Backyard of Love: 4-8 p.m.

Hibiscus will be hosting a "Wine and Tapas" event. Beer, Wine, Coffee, Espresso and Small Plates of food will be available.

 

Dec. 7: Christmas at the Beach: 12-3 p.m.

Gulf Place is having a big Christmas at the Beach party featuring Cubby Caboose train rides, huge bounce house, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, music, food and more. This is a free event open to the public. Donations or canned foods are welcomed benefitting the Hurricane Michael Food Pantry.  

  • Website: www.gulfplacefl.com/
  • Address: 45 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 687-0171

Dec. 7: 5th Annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner

Mark your calendars, because Restaurant Paradis' 5th Annual Prohibition Repeal Wine Dinner is on Saturday, December 7! This year, proceeds will benefit Westonwood Ranch.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests are invited to don their favorite 1930s inspired outfit, and delight in vintage cocktails, exceptional wines, and a delicious four-course meal prepared by Chef Mark Eichin!

Space is limited and tickets are $125 per person. To purchase a ticket, please call 850-534-0400 or email paradisinformation@gmail.com. Credit cards are required to reserve but will not be charged unless the party does not show up. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required or the credit card on file will be charged 50% of the cost of the tickets.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2442742469144670/

  • Address:82 South Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
  • Phone: 850-534-0400

Dec. 12- Dec. 22: “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Performance at 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. 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. 13: 5th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party: 6-10 p.m.

Celebrate with Amavida Coffee at the 5th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party - A Customer Appreciation Event. Party guests can play the Cash-for-a-Claus Raffle or participate in the Ugly Sweater Contest for prizes. Enjoy food, drink, holiday festivities, music, and more!

  • Website: amavida.com/
  • Address: 712 Serenoa Rd., Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 213-1965

 

Dec. 13: Art Party -- Studio Open House at The Warehouses of Santa Rosa Beach: 5 p.m.

Love art? Head over to the Warehouses of Santa Rosa Beach for an artists open house. Mix and mingle with local artists like Allison Wickey, Brett Martin, Doug Foltz, Ginger Leigh, Karla Reilly, Krista Vind, Merry Beth Myrick and Russ Gilbert. 

  • Phone: (850) 267-0910
  • Address: 3/4 of a mile South of U.S. Hwy. 98 on Hwy. 393 South, Santa Rosa Beach

 

Dec. 14: Holiday Happenings in Rosemary Beach: 1-4 p.m.

Shop the streets of Rosemary Beach and experience a special something on every turn! Enjoy fashion, beauty, home and gift shopping, book signings, trunk shows, demos and holiday cheer galore! Savor the day at any of our 10 dining merchants and try their delicious specials. 

 

Dec. 14: Slicing All the Way at Southside Slice : 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Southside Slice! Join us on Saturday, December 14th from 4pm-6:30pm for Santa's elves will be taking over and turning Southside Slice into their workshop wonderland. The elves will help each kiddo make their own Christmas pizza to enjoy! There will be fun games with prizes, letters to Santa, hot chocolate and presents from the elves!

Ticket Price: $28 plus tax
*Limited Spaces Available*
For children age 5 yrs-13 yrs and must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

  • Website: www.slice30a.com
  • Address: 74 Town Square Rd. Suite 1B, Rosemary Beach
  • Phone: (850) 368-7952

 

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. 

 

Dec. 30: Mixology Series, Ring in the New Year at FOOW: 3:30-5 p.m.

Sip, sip, hooray! FOOW has the 101 on Bubbles for your big New Year’s Eve bash. Guests will learn how to put on fun twists on the bubbly to make your New Year’s Eve celebration the talk of the town. This event includes tastings, cocktails and bar snacks for ages 21 and older only. Reservations are required.  

  • Website: www.foow30a.com/
  • Address: 34 Goldenrod Cir., Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 534-5050

 

Dec. 31: Baytowne Countdown to 2020: 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: 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: New  Year's Eve Dinner at George's at Alys Beach, 6 p.m. 

George's at Alys Beach is currently taking reservations for a New Year's Eve four course dinner at the popular restaurant. There are four seatings that night (6:00, 6:30, 8:00 and 8:30), but they will book fast. The menu, created by Chef Camille Withall, features diverse first and second course options and main dishes including a seafood bowl, Wagyu filet, lamb rack and roasted half poulet. Your last meal of the year will be divine if you have it at George's. For reservations email info@georgesatalysbeach.com or call (850) 641-0017. $130 for adults and $40 for kids.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Countdown in 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.

 

Find Santa Claus in South Walton:

 

Santa at Grand Boulevard: 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. 

 

Santa at Havana Beach Bar & Grill

Join Havana Beach Bar & Grill for a kid-friendly breakfast buffet, featuring the one and only Santa Claus on Dec. 15 from 8-11 a.m.! Santa will be on hand for pictures during the duration of breakfast, as well as handing out small gifts in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas holiday. The Breakfast Buffet will feature breakfast items for both children and adults. This breakfast is open to the public, but reservations are required.

 

Santa at Village of Baytowne Wharf; 6-8 p.m.

Each concert during the Wednesday night concert series will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa.

 

Santa at Pecan Jacks

Santa will be visiting Pecan Jacks on Dec. 14 and 21 from 12:30-3:00 p.m. Each child will receive their favorite chocolate lolly. Samples of the pralines, brittles, chocolates and ice cream will be available along with face painting and fun games for the kids on the patio.

  • Website: pecanjacks.com/
  • Address:4368 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 622-0011

 

Santa in Seaside

Head to Lyceum Lawn for pictures with Santa each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December before Christmas. Along with Santa, the Seaside Holiday Market will feature skating on an artificial ice rink, face painting, Christmas treats, and Holiday market vendors. The market will be open Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Santa at North Beach Tortilla Co.

Visit North Beach Tortilla Co. on Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for free photos with Santa Claus during “Santa on the Dock of the Bay.”

 

Santa at Grayton Beer Taproom

Santa will pay a visit at noon to the Grayton Beer Taproom during the 4th Annual Grayt Holiday Market on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The taproom asks that attendants bring their own cameras. Food will be available for purchase.

 

Recurring Events:

 

Tuesdays:

Wine & Song at NEAT – Alys Beach: 5 p.m.

Enjoy light bites and live music while tasting select wines every Tuesday night 5-7 p.m. 21 and up only, $15 per person.

   

Wednesdays:

Wednesday Night Bonfire on the Beach at The Bay: 6-9 p.m.

Enjoy the Bay’s private beach, live music from local artists, and cozy fires every Wednesday Night.

The Shakedown - December 4
The Pickled Pickers - December 11
Will Thompson Band - December 18
Christmas Day - Closed

  • Website:baysouthwalton.com/
  • Address:24215 Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 622-2291

 

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. The schedule is Matt McCarty on Dec. 4, Voices of Valhalla on Dec. 11, and Niceville Opus One on Dec. 18.

   

Thursdays:

Grayton Beer Brewpub Trivia Night: 6-8 p.m.

Join the staff of Grayton Beer Brewpub every Thursday night to test your knowledge against other teams. Enjoy $12 pitcher specials, small-batch beers, craft cocktails and dinner. Teams of 6 are best, if you don’t have a team you can make some new friends at the brewpub! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners each week.

  • Website:graytonbeer.com/
  • Address:170 E County Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach
  • Phone: (850) 213-4000

 

Saturdays:

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.

 

Seaside Farmer’s Market at Seaside Amphitheatre: 9 a.m.

Seaside Farmers Market takes place in the Seaside Amphitheater every Saturday rain or shine 9 a.m.-12p.m.! Seaside Farmers Market is on a mission to educate the public about sustainable practices by providing a well-rounded, green living experience. Vendors offer farm fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, beef from happy cows, heirloom seeds, artisan breads and cheeses, organic eggs, preserves, and doggie treats, to name a few.

 

Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine, the Grand Boulevard Farmer's Market features dozens of unique vendors offering mostly locally sourced food-based items such as produce, grass-fed beef, chicken, and pork, local honey, pickled vegetables, gourmet jams, unique homemade hummus, flowers, herbs, soaps and lotions and much more.

 

Family Challenge Saturdays at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: 9 a.m.

Every Saturday bring the family to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a fun challenge you can complete together. Challenges range from geocaching, photo scavenger hunt, a beach scavenger hunt, or an art challenge! Check in at the Park Store between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for your family challenge packet. Upon completion, return the packet to the Park Store for your treat.

  

Sundays:

30A Farmer’s Market in Rosemary Beach: 9 a.m.  

Come out to do your food shopping and pick up fresh from the farm produce, baked goods and pastries, delicious prepared foods, and much more. Take in the stunning views of Rosemary Beach where you'll find vendors lining the park with tents and all the good stuff.

 

Sunday Brunch at Pescado: 10:30 a.m.

Chef Ken Duenas has prepared an elegant and sophisticated brunch menu. Take in the relaxing views of Rosemary Beach from Pescado’s rooftop while drinking Mimosas and Rose – all day. Live acoustic music from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with weekly rotating artists. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.

  • Website:rooftop30a.com
  • Address:74 Town Hall Rd. #4b, Rosemary Beach
  • Phone: (850) 213-4600

 

Sunday Brunch at Stinky’s Fish Camp: 10 a.m.

Every Sunday you can enjoy brunch at Stinky’s Fish Camp, complete with live music from The Steenos and Stinky’s famous Mimosas and Bloody Marys. Every Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

  • Website:stinkysfishcamp.com
  • Address:5960 West County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 267-3053

 

Sunday Pickin’ at The Bay: 3-7 p.m.

Every Sunday enjoy live music from Mike Whitty and friends.

  • Website:baysouthwalton.com
  • Address:24215 Hwy. 331, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Phone: (850) 622-2291

 

Sunday Funday Ranger Program at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: 9 a.m.

Every Sunday come discover more about the park’s natural and cultural history with a Park Ranger. Program begins at 9 a.m. Free with regular park admission.