Holiday and New Year activities around Walton

December 13, 2017

Christmas Reflections in DeFuniak Springs through Dec. 31

Christmas Reflections in DeFuniak Springs runs from 5 – 9 p.m. nightly Nov. 24 – Dec. 31. See how six million Christmas lights multiply to 12 million when reflected on the perfectly round lake which is the centerpiece of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District. This incredible display on the original grounds of Florida’s Historic Chautauqua has no equal. $3/person, Season Passes $35, ages 6 and under free. Enter at Live Oak Ave. and Circle Drive along the lake.

Carriage rides by High Horse Farm LLC will be available for an additional fee. Sponsored by the Christmas Reflections Committee of the City of DeFuniak Springs.

For more information call Carolyn Mora at 850-892-3950.

Baytowne on Ice through Feb. 3 – Baytowne Wharf – Sandestin

The Community Broadcasters Ice Skating Pavilion is a 40 ft. by 60 ft. ice rink enclosed in a tent at the event plaza of the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Operating hours vary per day, with extended hours on the weekends. For pricing and schedule click here.

Wednesday concert and visit with Santa at Baytowne Wharf every Wed. through Dec. 20

Every Wednesday this December enjoy a holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin. Each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa starting at 6 p.m.

Seaside Pops concert Dec. 16

Holiday Pops concert featuring Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Seaside Amphitheater.

South Walton Children’s Chorus Winter Concert – Dec. 17

Christ The King Episcopal Church will be hosting a Winter Concert featuring the South Walton Children’s Chorus at 1 p.m. Christ The King is located at 480 CR 393, Santa Rosa Beach.

Bands of 30A concert in Seaside Dec. 17

Bands of 30A brings the talented musicians of our area together to raise monetary help and awareness to charities who need community support. This event will be benefitting Food For Thought Outreach, an organization fighting child hunger in Walton & Okaloosa Counties. A $10 donation is requested for the fun filled family day enjoying local music at the Seaside Amphitheater from 12 – 5 p.m.

The lineup includes The Graytones starting at 12 pm, Casey Kearney, Jacob Mohr, Will Thompson, and Luke Langford Band to finish the day.

Santa will be coming in on the official 30A mascot Land Rover “Truman” ready to take photos with the little ones. Great Southern is offering half price drinks when you present your official “Bands of 30A” cup available for purchase at the donation table

New Year’s Eve Dec. 31

Baytowe Wharf – Enjoy our family friendly evening from 6-8 pm with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music form DJ 30A on the Baytowne LIVE stage, finishing off with a fireworks display at 8 pm. Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8p & midnight. Dance the night away with LIVE music from Bantum Rooster until 1 am, featured on the Events Plaza stage.

Seaside – Countdown Seaside with music, activities, and fireworks. Enjoy festive hat making and face painting while Future Thieves and The High Divers play on the stage followed by a fireworks spectacular over the Gulf of Mexico to ring in 2018 at midnight.
7 -11 PM – Face painting & crafts
8 PM – Midnight –  Live music on the Seaside Amphitheater Stage
Midnight – Gulf of Mexico fireworks show

Pier Park in Panama City Beach festivities begin on New Year’s Eve at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a family celebration complete with live music, street vendors, stilt walkers, balloon artists, face painters and the popular countdown to 8 o’clock, featuring a ball drop of 10,000 beach balls onto Pier Park Drive.

This is followed by the midnight celebration with live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks display and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop that features an 800-pound LED illuminated beach ball.

The Beach Ball and Celebration Tower constructed by the Panama City Beach CVB is a holiday favorite, as well as the digital lounge that is open to the public. Guests are invited to kick back and enjoy the soft seating, digital photo booth and jumbo LED screen broadcasting the live main stage entertainment. Bring the whole family and ring in the new year at Pier Park!

5:30 p.m.- Family celebration begins
5:35 p.m. – The Barry Fish Band performs
7:30 p.m. – Kids countdown to 8 p.m.
8 p.m. – 10,000 beach balls drop over Pier Park Drive
8:15 p.m. – Terry Brock and Friends perform
10 p.m. – 12 – South performs
11:55 p.m. – Final countdown to Midnight – Midnight fireworks ring in the New Year from City Pier

Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32413