By Christopher Manson
Through Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Baytowne on Ice
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach | Times vary daily
The seasonal ice rink returns to the Emerald Coast! Cost is $15 for a 90-minute session plus $3 skate rental. Skaters must be at least 3 years old; children under 6 require adult accompaniment.
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 6 p.m.
Movie Night: Will Ferrell’s Holiday Classic “Elf”
Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater, Niceville
Enjoy the beloved Christmas comedy on the inflatable outdoor screen.
Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker 2025
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
The Northwest Florida Ballet’s 46th annual production of the holiday classic features more than 140 performers and live music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra under conductor David Ott.
PHOTO: nutcracker2025.jpg
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ruthlake Farm Christmas Market
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach
Shop from local vendors, snap photos with Santa, and enjoy raffles, gift wrapping, and more. Admission $10 (includes a shopping bag and raffle ticket).
Sunday, Nov. 23 | 2:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker 2025
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
Final matinee performance of NFB’s annual holiday ballet.
Friday, Nov. 28 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Grande Tree Lighting Ceremony
HarborWalk Village, Destin
Start the season with caroling and festive drinks from the hot chocolate bar.
Friday, Nov. 28 | 5 p.m.
Light Up the Night Christmas Tree Lighting
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the official lighting countdown at 5:30 p.m., plus live choral performances and family fun downtown.
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Downtown Fort Walton Beach Holiday Market
Fort Walton Beach Landing
Enjoy stilt walkers, balloon artists (10 a.m.–noon), cookie decorating (noon–2 p.m.), and photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus (2–4 p.m.), plus food trucks, artists, vendors, and live music.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Christmas Tree Lighting | 3-5 p.m.
Freedom Tech Center, Fort Walton Beach
Experience a magical afternoon as the 200-foot flagpole is transformed into the tallest Christmas tree in the region! Enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors for early holiday shopping, and a special visit from Santa. Kids can even write letters to Santa on-site—fun for the whole family!
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 12:30–1 p.m.
Santa’s Arrival Parade
HarborWalk Village, Destin
Welcome Santa as he arrives in a shiny red T-Bird with the Village Brass Band, cheerful elves, and festive surprises.
Saturday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 21 | 1–4 p.m.
Visits with Santa
HarborWalk Village, Destin
Get your free photo with Santa, join the Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, and drop letters at the Santa Station. Held every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21.
Monday, Dec. 1 – Saturday, Dec. 13
ADSO Christmas Arts & Crafts Market
Arts and Design Society, 17 First St. SE, Fort Walton Beach
Shop local art, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and handmade holiday gifts.
Monday, Dec. 1 | 6:30–8 p.m.
City of Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade
Eglin Parkway, Downtown Fort Walton Beach
This year’s theme: “’Tis the Season for a Zoo Animal.” Parade applications due Nov. 26 at noon.
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 6:30–9 p.m.
9th Annual Cruisin’ into Christmas
Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, Fort Walton Beach
Enjoy dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and decorated trees raffled for charity. Admission $50 in advance / $65 at door.
Friday, Dec. 5 | 5 p.m.
Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting
Hurlburt Field Air Park
Celebrate the season with a base tree-lighting ceremony and winter festivities.
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
December Holiday Market
DeFrance Indoor Flea Market Antiques & Collectibles, 230 Eglin Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach
Outdoor vendor market with grilled burgers and hot dogs sold to benefit children in need.
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Scoops with Santa
Pink Coyote Dessert Co., 30 Walter Martin Rd. NE, Fort Walton Beach
facebook.com/pinkcoyotedessertco
Meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, face painting, and sweet treats. Donations benefit unpaid Okaloosa County Schools lunch accounts.
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Holiday Craft Fair at Bob Hope Village
92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar
Shop handcrafted gifts, décor, and baked goods to support the Air Force Enlisted Village.
Thursday, Dec. 11 | 5–8 p.m.
Christmas on the Coast
Rockin’ Tacos Grill & Tequila Bar, Fort Walton Beach
Hosted by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy fajitas, fish, mac and cheese, hushpuppies, and holiday networking.
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Festival of Trees
Freedom Tech Center, 1900 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach
This festive event brings the community together to support local schools and charities. Stroll among beautifully decorated trees, enjoy live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and capture photos with Santa and the Grinch. Proceeds benefit and empower local educational and charitable programs.
Friday–Saturday, Dec. 12–13 | 6–8 p.m.
Winter Wonderland 2025
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, Fort Walton Beach
Hosted by FWB Police Department. Family-friendly event with games, movies, decorated pallet houses, raffle prizes, food trucks, and local vendors.
Friday, Dec. 12 | 7 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 14 | 3 p.m.
FWB Community Chorus Presents “Keep on Following the Star”
Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium
facebook.com/FWBCommunityChorus
Enjoy timeless Christmas classics and uplifting new pieces celebrating the hope and joy of the season.
Saturday, Dec. 13 | 2 p.m.
A Christmas Story – Interactive Movie
Suds N Cinema, Fort Walton Beach
Join the fun as the audience becomes part of this holiday classic. Tickets $7.50; proceeds benefit Lotus Learning.
Saturday, Dec. 13 | Noon–4 p.m.
Beachy Little Christmas: A Sandcastle Spectacular
The Island Resort, Fort Walton Beach
A free family event featuring sandcastle building, crafts, vendors, live music, and coastal holiday fun.
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Brunch & Santa at Soundside
Soundside Waterfront Bar, Fort Walton Beach
Enjoy brunch with Santa, cookie decorating, and a family-friendly holiday movie.
Sunday, Dec. 14 | 6 p.m.
Destin Boat Parade
Destin Harbor
Boats sparkle with lights from Boshamp’s to the Destin Bridge. Stay for fireworks and the fire-spinning finale by Autumn Lyfe.
Friday & Saturday, Dec. 19–20 | 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 2 p.m.
Studio6twenty5 Presents The Nutcracker
FWB Civic Auditorium, Fort Walton Beach
Step into the enchanting world of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Dew Drop Fairy in this beloved holiday tradition. Featuring dancers from the children’s and adult programs. Doors open one hour before each performance. Tickets on sale soon.
Friday, Dec. 19 | 4 p.m.
Mid-Bay Shores Tree Lighting & Ugly Sweater Night
Maxwell-Gunter Mid-Bay Shores Recreation Area, Niceville
Wear your most festive sweater and join in the community tree lighting.
Sunday, Dec. 21 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Christmas Brunch Market
Soundside Waterfront Bar, Fort Walton Beach
Enjoy holiday brunch, live music, and last-minute shopping before Christmas.
