‘Tis the season for Santa Claus spotting and photo opportunities with the big guy. Also some outdoor markets and family oriented outdoor events. Here are a few ideas:
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.
Address: Central Park, Alys Beach
Nov. 30
Hometown Christmas in DeFuniak Springs
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The annual Hometown Christmas will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Walton County Fairgrounds on Highway 83 North in DeFuniak Springs. The shopping event brings thousands of holiday shoppers to historic DeFuniak Springs and features activities for children, food, entertainment, and hundreds of unique one-of-a-kind gifts for every taste. Free admission. For more information, call (850) 830-1661.
Nov. 30
South Walton Christmas Parade
9 a.m.
Head to 30A for South Walton’s annual Christmas parade. The parade begins in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. Meet Santa in town after the parade.
Address: Seagrove Beach to Seaside along Scenic Hwy. 30A.
Nov. 30
Turn on the Town – Seaside Amphitheater
5 p.m.
It’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities, and of course, pictures with Santa, as the master of ceremonies asks all the kids to the stage to sing to the crowd of smiling faces. And after a few versus of “Jingle Bells,” the countdown begins in unison to Turn on the Town and light the Seaside Christmas tree.
Nov. 30
Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market at WaterColor
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 tp tje public and is free of charge.
Every Saturday Nov. 30 – Dec. 21
Photos with Santa Claus 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.
495 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach
Dec. 3
Photos with Santa Claus at North Beach Tortilla Co.
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Free photos with Santa Claus. 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. On December 3, 2019 from 5:30 – 8:00 PM you and your family can take a photo with Santa with the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay and sunset as your backdrop. The dock will be lit with spectacular holiday lighting and there will be a few surprises in store as well. Photos will be available a few days later via a link on the North Beach Tortilla Co. website northbeachtortillaco.com
Dec. 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 27-28
Horse-drawn carriage rides at Grand Boulevard
5 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a free, horse-drawn carriage ride every Friday and Saturday in December. Enjoy 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 – 7 p.m.
Dec. 7
Grayt Holiday Market at Grayton Beer
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grayton Beer Company will host Grayt Holiday Market on Saturday, December 7. In addition to vendors, the event will include festive craft beers as well as the local brewery’s year-round styles, an appearance by Santa at 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 dog receive 10% off their tab.
Call (850) 399-7004 for more info.
217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach
Dec. 7
Freeport Christmas Parade and tree lighting
4:40 p.m.
The City of Freeport’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting is Dec. 7, 2019, beginning at 4:40 p.m. This year’s celebration is expected to be the largest ever held in Freeport. This year’s parade theme is “Christmas Dreams.” State Senator George Gainer is the Grand Marshall. Other participants will include festively decorated floats, vehicles, horses, and marching bands. Immediately following the parade, Mayor Barley will light the city’s Christmas tree and kick off a program featuring dance and musical numbers.
Free children’s crafts and photo opportunity with Santa will be available. Vendors will offer food and drinks for sale.
The public is invited to watch the parade along its new route that begins at Freeport Elementary School and will proceed south on Business Hwy. 331 then turn west onto Hwy. 20. Parade participants will pass in front of Freeport City Hall then turn north onto Blueberry Road. Parking is available at Destiny Worship Center and other locations on Business 331 as well as on Hwy. 20. The route will be closed to traffic during the parade.
Dec. 14
DeFuniak Springs Christmas Parade
1 – 3 p.m.
Annual DeFuniak Christmas parade around Circle Drive. Hosted by the DeFuniak Springs Woman’s Club.
Dec. 14
Holiday Pops Concert featuring Sinfonia Gulf Coast – Seaside Amphitheater
5 p.m.
A special holiday pops performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast is guaranteed to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Dec. 21
Winter Wonderland at Baytowne Wharf
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.
Address: 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach.