Destin Events from Thanksgiving to Christmas 2020

The list of 2020 holiday events in the Destin area may be slightly pared down from previous years, but there is still plenty to look forward to. Keep in mind that organizers have worked hard to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and clean environment for everyone involved, let’s all do the same. Enjoy the upcoming holiday season and stay safe.

November 2020

22nd Annual Pinfish Classic – Sat., November 7, 2020,
Space is limited and you must pre-register for the event at the Destin Community Center. Last day to register is Friday, November 6th at 5:00 p.m. Time slots are available at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 9:00 a.m. Participants must bring a pole and staff will provide the bait. The catch and release event is open to children ages 14 and under. Weigh-in on the dock behind AJ’s Restaurant, located at 116 Harbor Boulevard.

Veterans Day Celebration on the Harbor – November 11,2020, 3 pm
The ceremony will include historical remembrance and recognition of all branches of the services, patriotic entertainment, and vintage flyover air show! We honor those who have served our country and local charities that serve our community.

Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights – November 14, 2020 | 4 – 6 pm
Location: Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights will take place on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf and feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf’s choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights. Get tickets here

Holiday Craft Show – November 13, 14,2020 | Fri: 9:30 am – 4 pm, Sat: 9 am – 3 pm
Location: Destin Community Center
There will be hand-crafted jewelry, wreaths, books, concessions, and much more from over 50 vendors! Admission to the public is free. Please call the Community Center at 850-654-5184 for any additional information.

Sinfonia- Moonlight Serenade: Classi-Palooza – November 15, 2020 | 4 pm – 6 pm
The greatest hits of the 18th – 21st centuries hosted al fresco by Sinfonia assistant conductor Aaron King Vaughn. Ten musicians from Sinfonia’s orchestra will perform snippets of the most famous and popular “classi” music of our time. This light, humorous, and educational program is sure to have surprises around every corner (or page turn). The program will include a curated musical timeline including everything from Baroque to Broadway. Each ticket includes a savory & sweet bites bento box from Bijoux. Limited seating of 2-10 people is available. Please contact our office for specific requests. Bijoux is offering a special post-concert three-course meal for those interested in dining after the performance.

Location: The Lawn at Bijoux Restaurant | Fees/Admission:$75 per person (includes Bijoux bento box with savory & sweet bites) | Call (850) 460-8800 for ticket info

Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting – November 20, 2020 | Starts at 6 pm
Head over to Destin Commons to see Santa arrive and the annual tree lighting. Starting at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy holiday music, face painting, hot chocolate, and Santa with all his helpers. Grab a “holiday card worthy” family photo in front of their 50 foot, immaculately decorated Christmas tree or snap a shot with Frosty, the snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Santa’s parade starts at 7 p..m. and watch Santa arrive in a Bass Pro Shops boat. The parade is topped off with a holiday fireworks display. Then visit Bass Pro Shops, where the little ones will find Santa, enjoy free crafts, and games at Santa’s Wonderland.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Cooks Up Tasty Thanksgiving To-Go – November 26, 2020 | p/u 10am – 4pm
The Thanksgiving To-Go will feature traditional holiday menu items such as chef carved roasted turkey breast, and bourbon and mustard glazed ham. Chef Vargo will also prepare a variety of traditional sides, including Yukon gold mashed potatoes; roasted root vegetables; brussels sprouts; cornbread dressing; slow-roasted sweet potato casserole with candied pecan crunch; green bean casserole; and cranberry sauce. An assortment of holiday desserts will include classic pumpkin pie and bourbon pecan pie.

The cost is just $48.95 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and orders can be picked up at the resort on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is limited availability, so everyone is encouraged to reserve their meal by calling 850-267-9500 ext. 44. Orders must be placed no later than Nov. 19.

26th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner – November 26 ,2020 | 11 am -7 pm
Drive through Thanksgiving dinner giveaway benefitting Habitat for Humanity and Destin Harvest will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at Harbor Docks in Destin. This traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be offered at no cost, with donations accepted to benefit local charities.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner – November 26 ,2020 | 11 am -4 pm
AJ’s on the Bayou, will host their annual free Thanksgiving Day meal. Aj’s Grayton Beach will also be offering dinner from 1-5 pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a full holiday dinner including: turkey, ham, stuffing, turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, garden salad, dinner rolls, and assortment of pies. While there is no charge, donations are accepted and will be used to benefit Kids on the Coast Foundation.

Polar Express – Friday, November 27, 2020 | 6 pm
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Watch a holiday favorite with this special showing of the Polar Express on the big-screen.

Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village – Saturday, November 28, 2020 | 1 – 4 pm
Location: HarborWalk Village
Come out and enjoy a Rudolph-themed scavenger hunt, holiday activities, and pictures with Santa. Plus, guests will receive one free 4×6 photo with Santa. All season long HarborWalk will donate $1 for each letter to Santa written to PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society), and Santa’s boat carriage will stay in the Destin harbor for toy donations to Toys for Tots Emerald Coast until Dec. 13.

Here Comes Santa Claus – Saturday, November 28, 2020 | 6 pm – 9 pm
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to Baytowne and watch as he lights the Village tree! Enjoy face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display!

December 2020

Subaru to the Rescue – December 5,2020 | 9 am – noon
Dogs and cats ready to be adopted from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society will be showcased at Subaru Fort Walton Beach, 916 Beal Parkway, from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 5. Adoption fees range from $45 to $125 for dogs, and $45 to $100 for cats. Fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm control and microchip.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents- A Christmas Carol – December 4-20, 2020 | 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: 560 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL | Get Tickets Here
This theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ spirited classic uses only five actors to bring our most beloved holiday characters to life. From Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim to Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig, Patrick Barlow’s take on A Christmas Carol uses nothing more than some simple props, fresh physicality and the power of imagination to convey this timeless story of redemption.

Cafe 30A Christmas Charity Ball – December 12, 2020 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: 3899 East Scenic Hwy. 30A Seagrove, FL | Get Tickets Here
Café Thirty-A will host its annual Christmas Charity Ball benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. From 7- 11 p.m., the restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday décor. Attendees will be greeted upon arrival with a glass of champagne and enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet, and a cash bar. There will be music by DJ 30A and a commemorative photo booth provided by Epic Photo Co. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional.

Christmas Parade – December 12,2020 | Time TBD
Event details still under review

34th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade – December 13, 2020, 6 pm
The Destin History and Fishing Museum and Margaritaville will be hosting the 34th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the Harbor and the Lighted Boat Parade will start at 6 P.M. Judging will take place at Margaritaville. The fireworks show will begin after the boat parade. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 P.M.. The parade can be viewed from docks, businesses and restaurants from Grand Harbor Condominiums to HarborWalk Village.

Boats of all sizes and types are invited to register to be in the parade. Thousands of locals and visitors include this event in their holiday celebration. Register your boat today at the Destin History & Fishing Museum. 108 Stahlman Avenue 850-837-6611

Popular Ongoing Events

Baytowne on Ice – October 26- January 31/2021 – Every day, times vary – Get schedule here
Ice skating at the Village of Baytowne Wharf

FREE! Holiday Concert Series – Wednesdays in December | 6 – 8 pm
Enjoy a Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series on Wednesdays in December. Each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa.
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf

12 Nights of Lights | 3 Shows at 6, 7, & 8 pm
Enjoy a FREE festive light show from Dec. 2-23, every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas! This sparkling event will also be featured during our special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows each night!
Location: Events Lawn Village of Baytowne Wharf

Winter Wonderland | 9 am – 1 pm
The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Slide down our ice slide, make snow angels, and enjoy a day of frosty fun for the whole family.
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf