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HOLIDAYS · NOV 9, 2026

Top 5 Things To Do in Destin for the Holidays

Holiday Season in Destin

When the holidays come to town, Destin swaps sand castles for twinkle lights and decorated boats and harbor-side cheer. If you’re planning a winter getaway or you’re a local looking for new traditions, here are the 5 things to do in Destin for the holidays that belong on your list.

1. Tree Lightings at HarborWalk Village, The Village of Baytowne Wharf & Destin Commons

The holiday season in Destin starts with a flip of the switch. Join us at Destin Commons on Friday, November 20, from 5–9 PM for Santa’s Arrival & Holiday Tree Lighting????✨ Enjoy festive music, complimentary face painting, free photos with Rudolph and Frosty, and a holiday photo booth. At 7 PM, watch Santa arrive in a festive parade before lighting our iconic 50-foot Christmas tree, followed by a dazzling fireworks finale!

At The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, Santa arrives on the Event Plaza Lawn the Saturday after Thanksgiving to light the Village Christmas Tree. After that, the tree hosts a light show at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. through December. Stay for a spin on Baytowne on Ice, the village’s seasonal skating rink.

Over on the harbor, HarborWalk Village celebrates by bringing Santa to the Destin Harbor on Saturday November 28 at 12:30pm. His arrival marks the kick off Visits with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-4pm until Christmas. Stay on the 28th for the Holiday Tree Lighting outside Emerald Grande 4:30pm along with beautiful Christmas carols performed by the Crestview High School Chorus and delicious hot chocolate from Drizzle.

The City of Destin also hosts its own annual tree lighting on December 3 at 6pm at the Destin Community Center (101 Stahlman Ave, Destin). Grab some hot cocoa and make it a family night.

2. Horse & Carriage Rides at Grand Boulevard

Few things say “holiday magic” like a horse-drawn carriage. Starting December 11, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin offers free carriage rides through its Town Center, on Friday and Saturday evenings, with extra rides in the days just before Christmas. Check out the full schedule of rides here.

The rides go well with Grand Boulevard’s other holiday traditions: photos with Santa, musical performances from the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and the Festival of Trees in Grand Park. Do some holiday shopping, grab dinner, then climb aboard for a ride under the lights. Check Grand Boulevard’s website for this year’s schedule.

3. The Destin Boat Parade

The Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade is one of the most popular holiday events in Destin. The parade kicks off Sunday December 13 at 6 p.m. with a parade route up and down the Destin Harbor, from Harbor Docks to Harborwalk Village. Dozens of decorated boats glide through Destin Harbor, and the night ends with fireworks over the water.

Watching from the HarborWalk is free, so arrive early to claim a good spot. Other restaurants like The Edge Seafood & Skybar offer reserved seating with a view. Several local charter operators sell boat parade cruises so you can see the lights from the water. It’s a Destin tradition that’s been running for nearly four decades, benefitting the Destin History and Fishing Museum and it’s a must for any holiday visit.

5 Things To Do in Destin Holidays - Destin Boat Parade

4. Find Holiday Cocktails at La Paz, Sandos Beachside, The Edge Seafood & SkyBar

The holidays call for a festive drink, and Destin has plenty of places to raise a glass.

    • La Paz Restaurante & Cantina (950 Gulf Shore Drive) transforms into a Holiday Bar with lights, decor and a full Holiday Drink menu, the day after Thanksgiving.

    • Sandos Beachside (36 Terra Cotta Way) has an upstairs cocktail bar that will become Holiday heaven with decor, lights and delicious holiday cocktails in Instagram worthy cups. Limited to the month of December only.

    • The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar (302 Harbor Blvd) sits right on Destin Harbor. Head up to the adults-only SkyBar, a rooftop lounge with craft cocktails, live music and some of the best sunset views in town. The Holiday Cocktail menu always has a variety of festive drinks, including the Christmas Cookie (our fave).

Ask your bartender about holiday specials. Seasonal sips are the best way to warm up on a cool coastal evening.

Holiday Cocktails at Sandos Beachside in Destin Florida

5. Interactive Fundraisers Like the Turkey Trot & Dock the Halls at Boathouse Oyster Bar

Some of the best holiday memories come from giving back. Start the season with the Boathouse Oyster Bar Turkey Trot (288 Harbor Blvd), a pre Thanksgiving “race” where participants complete a series of games while drinking, like toilet paper toss, donut eating, finding a prize under the whipped cream, spinning on a bat and more. 12oz curls are the best training there is for this one! Benefitting Food For Thought, donations are welcome and your best Turkey Day attire requested!

Then in December, head to the harbor for Dock the Halls at the Boathouse Oyster Bar (288 Harbor Blvd), the Boathouse’s yearly holiday give-back event. Last year it partnered with Children in Crisis: guests brought toys in exchange for extra drink tickets, and teams competed in games like hula hooping, toilet paper toss and cornhole. It’s usually held the same weekend as the boat parade, so you can do both.

Boathouse Oyster Bar Turkey Trot - Top Things To Do in Destin for the Holidays

Plan Your Holiday Getaway to Destin

From glowing trees and carriage rides to lighted boats and cocktails with a view, these 5 things to do in Destin for the holidays show why the Emerald Coast is a great winter escape. Dates and times change from year to year, so check each venue’s official calendar before you go. Then pack a light jacket and enjoy the season on the coast.

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