By Christopher Manson
Friday, Nov. 22
Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting
Destin Commons, 6-8 p.m.
destincommons.com
A magical holiday celebration for all ages, with face painting, complimentary photo booth, balloon sculpting, Santa’s sleigh, and a fireworks finale.
Friday, Nov. 22
Saturday, Nov. 23
Sunday, Nov. 24
Northwest Florida Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
nfballet.org
The 45th annual production of the classic seasonal fairytale, and the only full-length version presented on the Emerald Coast. Features a cast of more than 140 performers, including international guest artists and over 100 local children. Music performed by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. David Ott.
Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children ages 12 and under. Purchase tickets online.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Santa’s Arrival
HarborWalk Village, Destin, 12:30-4 p.m.
emeraldgrande.com
Mr. Ho-ho-ho hits the Destin Harbor, with a parade at 12:30, followed by visits with the kiddos and a special holiday performance from 1 to 4.
Monday, Dec. 2
Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade
Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, 6:30 p.m.
fwb.org
This year’s theme is “Winter Sports.” Download your parade application online.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Kick-Off for Festival of Trees Benefiting Local Charities
Grand Park, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach, 4-6:30 p.m.
grandboulevard.com
Eighteen nonprofits compete to win cash prizes totaling $8,500 in a tree-decorating specacular. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show. Trees remain on display through Christmas Day.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Holiday Concert Series & Visits With Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
baytownewharf.com
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus.
Friday, Dec. 6
Holiday Pops: Christmas On Broadway
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7-9 p.m.
mattiekellyartscenter.org
The popular symphony event features Broadway actress-singer Grace Morgan, with favorites from the Great White Way and Disney, along with holiday classics. Also – the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Chorale, Unified Gospel Choir, and Voices of Northwest Florida. Cost is $45 for adults and $16 for youth ages 18 and under and military.
Call 850.729.6000 for tickets.
Friday, Dec. 6- Saturday, Dec. 28
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides! “Rock Around The Christmas Tree” Music Revue! Photos with Santa!
Town Center, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
grandboulevard.com
Enjoy complimentary carriage rides while soaking in the Coastal White Christmas Lights and Festival of Trees display. Seasonal sounds provided by Emerald Coast Theatre Company.
Sunday, Dec. 8-Sunday. Dec. 22
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce Of 1914”
560 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and 6pm Sunday, Dec. 22 | Field Trips Friday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.
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.
Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 18
Holiday Concert Series & Visits with Santa
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
baytownewharf.com
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus.
Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
The Ft. Walton Beach Community Chorus 50th Year Christmas Concert
Fort Walton Beach Civic Center,
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.
Friday, December 20th at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 21st at 6 p.m., Sunday, December 22nd at 2 p.m.
The Nutcracker presented by studio6twenty5
Experience Clara’s 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.
