Destin and 30A for the Holidays: Events, Dining, and Family Fun

November 18, 2024

The holidays are certainly a magical time of year. Whether your idea of celebrating the season includes shopping, dining out with friends, or attending festive events, you’ll be happy to know you can do it all, even while on vacation! The beautiful communities of Destin and 30A eagerly anticipate this time of year, and their calendars are chock full of exciting Thanksgiving and Christmas events and activities. Plus, you’ll have no problem dining out, as we’ve got a run down on restaurants open during the holidays, and there are plenty! So warm up the cocoa, kick back in your favorite chair, and start planning your holiday getaway to the Emerald Coast! 

Thanksgiving Activities in Destin and 30A

Nothing better than spending Thanksgiving at the beach! It’s a lovely time of year, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lots to explore. If you’re looking for fun things to get your family in the spirit of the season, here are a few of our favorites!

How about a little ice skating to get the kids excited for the holidays? Baytowne on Ice delivers with a seasonal ice rink that’s also the perfect backdrop for some great holiday photos. Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights is another popular event, with food and drink samples, jolly merchants, and shops decked out in lights and holiday cheer. We’re sure you’ll find something for everyone on your Christmas list, and the kids enjoy seeing Santa light the Village Christmas tree!

Want to get in a bit of exercise before the holidays kick in? Consider the Sandestin Turkey Trot or hit the 30A 5K, 10K, and 1-Mile Fun Run on Thanksgiving day. Both will see cheerful participants, many donning creative costumes to celebrate the season. The Destin Community Center will offer a holiday baking class and craft show, and bourbon lovers might find a new favorite at Bourbon at the Bay at Regatta Bay. The Seaside Holiday Parade and Turn on the Town offer a delightful parade filled with festive floats and holiday performers. Stick around to see Santa light up the town square with festive lights! 

Where to Eat on Thanksgiving Day

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find several restaurants open on Thanksgiving day in Destin and 30A. For menus and locations, reference the details below!

Destin Restaurants Open Thanksgiving

30A Restaurants Open Thanksgiving

Another option is to just relax in your vacation rental and grab Thanksgiving To Go at Sandestin. If you’re in 30A, call Chanticleer Eatery or North Beach Social, but be sure to preorder!

Christmas and Holiday Events

If you’re fortunate enough to experience our kind of white winter, you might find Christmas in Destin or 30A a refreshing change. The weather’s still beautiful, the beaches are always open, and the entire month promises merriment and lots of holiday cheer!

December kicks off with Nights of Lights at the Village of Baytown Wharf. Catch the light show on the events plaza lawn each evening throughout the month. Vote for your favorite decorated tree at the Festival of Trees at Grand Boulevard and take the kids on a horse-drawn carriage ride. The Emerald Coast Theatre Company offers a holiday performance, and the whole family will enjoy the sounds of Holiday Pops, a seasonal production presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

If you still have some shopping to do, swing by Harborwalk Village in Destin for the Mistletoe Market and hang out for the Destin Christmas parade!! It’s also a great place to catch the Destin Boat Parade, a long-time favorite for residents and guests alike. Whether enjoying cocktails with friends or catching a show at Club LA, you’ll find plenty to see and do!

If you’re looking for holiday activities near Rosemary Beach, check out the Christmas Tree Lighting. Santa will arrive, carollers will sing, and you can even take the kids on a carriage ride! The REP Holiday Show at Seaside runs throughout December and you can even get a cute pic of the kids with Santa at Seaside!

Looking for more family fun? Check out the Destin Chamber calendar and the Walton Area Chamber for more holiday activities in Destin and fun things to do in 30A!

Christmas Dinner in Destin and 30A

After so much merriment, let someone else prepare the holiday meal! You certainly have some delicious options. Enjoy a Christmas Eve meal and incredible Gulf views at Beach Walk Cafe at Henderson Park Inn in Destin. If you’re celebrating Christmas on 30A, Fish Out of Water will offer Breakfast with Santa and serve a delicious brunch on Christmas Eve, while Cuvee 30A will be open for dinner the same night. Of course, you could always whip up a holiday meal in your Destin or 30A vacation rental, but that’s your call!

Other Fun Things to Do During the Holidays

The festivities don’t end after Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring in the New Year at Baytowne New Year’s Eve Countdown, Seaside New Year’s Eve Celebration, or a New Year’s Eve Cruise!

Of course, you’ll need a cozy place to stay near the action, so browse our beautiful vacation rentals to find your favorite. All are beautifully appointed, centrally located, and the perfect launchpad for all your Destin and 30a holiday activities!

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