By Christopher Manson
Now-Monday, Jan. 6, 2025
A Victorian Christmas at the Wesley House
Eden State Gardens; Tours Thurs.-Mon. weekly, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.
Step back in time to the late 1800s and Christmas traditions of families in years gone by in the beautifully decorated Wesley House. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset each day; $4 per vehicle.
Troon Goon Christmas Light Show
1074 Troon Drive E., Niceville, 6-9:30 p.m.
www.troongoonchristmas.com
FREE residential graphic light show combining classic and modern Christmas songs for a fun and energetic jolt of entertainment. High tech animated dancing and limitless pixel combinations. The 30-minute show starts every hour and half-hour. Watch from your vehicle while listening to holiday music on 101.3 FM.
Sunday, Dec. 8-Sunday. Dec. 22
Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914”
560 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sundays; 6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 22.
emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Christmas 1914. All quiet on the Western Front, then a song, kicking off an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. This is the true story of soldiers laying down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together, based on firsthand accounts from the soldiers who lived through it. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s Yule of Yesteryear
114 Westview Ave., Valparaiso, 10 am.-4 p.m.
heritage-museum.org
A FREE event at Perrine Park, with a Valparaiso Garden Club sale, craft vendors, music, children’s crafts and more.
Call 850.678.2615 for more information.
Okaloosa Arts Alliance Holiday Arts Gallery
HH Arts, 12-3 p.m.
Shop one-of-a-kind art for holiday gifts while enjoying live music by Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music, art demonstrations and refreshments. Plus, there will be exciting drawings with proceeds benefiting the Okaloosa Arts Alliance and its mission to support the local arts community. Free and open to the public.
www.okaloosaarts.org
Holiday Arts Gallery: https://www.okaloosaarts.org/2024-holiday-arts-gallery.html
The Grinch In Concert
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, 7:30 p.m.
sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Dr. Seuss’ immortal classic comes to life, with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra performing James Horner’s musical score from the Ron Howard movie. Enjoy scenes from the film as your heart grows exponentially. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online.
Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15
The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus 50th Year Christmas Concert
Fort Walton Beach Civic Center, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday Matinee at 3 p.m.
Delight in this year’s theme, Comfort and Joy, while listening to old favorites with a new twist and enjoy seeing your friends and neighbors in festive song and celebration.
Tickets: https://fwbc-chorus.square.site/about or at the door.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Holiday On The Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
Destin Harbor (Harbor Docks West to Emerald Grande), 6 p.m.
destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
FREE for participants. Register your boat online. This year’s theme, in keeping with the celebration of Destin’s 40th anniversary, is “Christmas in the 1980s.”
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Concert & Visit with Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
baytownewharf.com
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Act4mystery’s “Murder Under the Mistletoe”
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi, 36120 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin
act4mystery.com
Paula Hilton’s award-winning comedy troupe puts on a hilarious holiday whodunit, complete with three-course meal. Make reservations online.
Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22
The Nutcracker presented by studio6twenty5
Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, Miracle Strip Parkway, 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday Matinee at 2 p.m.
Join Clara on her magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets as studio6twenty5 presents The Nutcracker featuring the talented dancers from the children’s program and adult/open program. Doors open one hour before each performance. Tickets range from $15-$30 available now at studio6twenty5.com.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Children’s Fiesta
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, Noon-6 p.m.
unitedforagoodcause.org
Benefiting financially challenged families. Call 850.368.3505 for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Victorian Christmas Tea
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 1-3 p.m.
850-678-2617
An enchanting tea room that would meet the approval of Queen Victoria. Menu includes traditional sweets and savories. History of Tea by Dr. Marie Hallion, Chair of the Museum Trustees. RSVP by Dec. 19.
Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 22
Free Photos with Santa at Fudpucker’s, 2-6 p.m.
Each family receives a FREE digital photo with Santa—and he’ll be holding an alligator!
Fudpucker.com
