Five Ways to Ring in the Holidays in Destin

carolers at grand boulevard
by Whitney Lee

Move over, turkey. It’s time for Christmas! If you are visiting us during December 2022, we have an entire list of fun holiday family activities for you to enjoy. Keep reading for five ways to ring in the holidays in Destin, Florida. 

12 Nights of Lights at The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas, take the family to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for a festive lights show! The show will be held in the events plaza with three dazzling shows at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. The area boasts dining, shops, and plenty of other family activities. 

Bonus: Ice skating is also taking place at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! Check out their Facebook for all of the events happening throughout December. 

Holiday on the Harbor

Waterfront holiday festivities? Yes please! Throughout December, HarborWalk Village will host numerous holiday events, including visits with Santa, Mistletoe Market, an ugly sweater pub crawl, and more! Click here for all the details.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides and More at Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard is home to shopping and dining for the whole family. The plaza is decorated with beautiful coastal white Christmas lights and you can soak it all in with horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center! To add to the festivities, get a professional photo with Santa while listening to the seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company's Dickensian Carolers singing popular holiday carols.

Jolly Jubilee at Destin Commons

Destin Commons is an iconic shopping center of Destin, boasting 85+ stores and restaurants. Throughout the holiday season, they will be hosting the Jolly Jubilee- a series of entertaining and festive events for the whole family to enjoy! Experience the joy of the holidays while surrounded by reindeer topiary, live musical performances, Christmas caroling, and of course, the beloved 50-foot Christmas tree!

Photos with the Grinch at Crab Trap

If it’s your dream to meet the Grinch, you’re in luck! You and your family will have the opportunity to take pictures with the Grinch at the Crab Trap! Photos will take place December 3, from 3-6PM, and December 4, from 12-3PM. Photos are FREE, but Toys for Tots donations are highly encouraged (toy donations must be new and unwrapped). Enjoy a FREE KIDS MEAL for the Crab Trap restaurant with each donated toy!

We hope these recommendations will help you have some holiday fun during your visit. If you haven’t booked your stay yet and want to spend the holidays on the coast, book your stay here!