There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than Walton County. Whether you want to enjoy twinkling lights and holiday decorations or ring in the New Year with champagne and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Walton County. 

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Christmas Reflections

Orchestrated by the City of DeFuniak Springs, Christmas Reflections is an annual, month-long display in December of 10 million Christmas lights around historic Lake DeFuniak. Hosted nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Baytowne on Ice

Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, this seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. The ice rink is open through Feb. 5; hours vary daily. Skaters must be at least 3 years of age and fit into appropriately sized skates. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent or adult family member.

  • Website: baytownewharf.com
  • Address: 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach, Fla. 32550
  • Phone: (850) 267-8110

Holiday Concert Series + Visits with Santa

Get in the winter spirit with and listen to some of your favorite holiday classics. Enjoy a Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series; each concert will feature a festive choreographed light show and visits with Santa. On Dec. 14, Niceville High School; Dec. 21, Matt McCarty Band.

  • Website: baytownewharf.com
  • Address: 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach, Fla. 32550
  • Phone: (850) 267-8110

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – The Musical Showing

The Emerald Coast Theatre company presents, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Thursday through Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays are at 2:30 p.m until Dec. 18. Watching this production, you’ll learn all about the Herdman kids. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem and soon everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s now up to the Bradleys to help the community see the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

Merry Main Street

Merry Main Street on Main Street DeFuniak Springs takes place Dec. 17, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Mistletoe Market showcases gift ideas, delicious treats and unique finds catered to the holiday season. They also have photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, characters, snow machines and live music.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Movie Night

Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf this holiday season to put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One on Friday, Dec. 16! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., then enjoy a movie showing of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on this Who-liday spectacular!

Janca’s Jingle Bell Jamboree

A group of locals has come together to help Chef Brannon Janca, owner of Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, who is fighting cancer. The holiday fundraiser, called Janca’s Jingle Bell Jamboree, will be held at Down Island Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 – 9 p.m. and will include live music, a wine walkabout, local area chef demos, a large silent auction, a professional photo booth and more. Tickets are $100 (food and wine included). The group is still securing volunteers, silent auction donations and sponsors. Contact Jill Tanner at [email protected] if you would like to help, donate, or sponsor.

Sweater Fun Run- Fra-Gee-Lay 2K

Blue Mountain Bakery will host a tacky Christmas Sweater Fun Run – Fra-Gee-Lay 2K on Sunday, Dec.18 at 9:30 a.m.

  • Website: bluemountainbakery.com
  • Address: 2217 W County Highway 30A, Suite E Unit 9, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 267-0400 

Holiday Markets at Rosemary Beach

30A Farmers Market at Rosemary Beach will host a special Holiday Market on Sunday, Dec. 18 and Thursday, Dec. 22 and 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in North Barrett Square. Stroll under the trees in this beautiful park setting and visit with farmers, makers and bakers.

  • Website: 30A Farmers’ Markets
  • Address: 28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 745-4555

Holiday Markets at Grand Boulevard

Join us for the Holiday Farmers’ Market at Grand Boulevard on Wednesday, Dec. 21, Saturday, Dec. 24, Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Candy Land Christmas

Visit the WaterSound Center Pavilion Friday, Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for Candy Land Christmas! The event will include a Santa meet and greet, face paintings, train rides, shopping, food and more!

  • Website: Candy Land Christmas
  • Address: 85 Origins Main St., Inlet Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 499-4697

TO-GO ORDERS

Blue Mountain Bakery

Blue Mountain Bakery will have our annual Christmas and New Year’s Eve Reheat Menus available online. Christmas pickups are Dec. 23 and New Year’s Eve pickups are Dec. 31. Full menus are available at BlueMountainBakery.com. Pre-order is open until Dec.16 for Christmas and Dec. 26 for New Year’s Eve.

  • Website: bluemountainbakery.com
  • Address: 2217 W County Highway 30A, Suite E Unit 9, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 267-0400 

Edward’s Fine Food and Wine

Edward’s Fine Food and Wine will be offering to-go orders for Christmas Dinner. All orders must be placed by Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. Pick up is set for Dec. 24, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Marrow Private Chefs

Marrow will be taking orders for a complete Christmas Eve or Christmas delivery meal, plus our signature breakfast casserole for the next morning. Full menu, details, and order form can be found at marrowprivatechefs.com/Christmas. Simple reheating instructions will be provided with the delivery. 

  • Website: marrowprivatechefs.com
  • Address: 3906 Highway 98 W #20, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 830-0000

Swiftly Catered

Swiftly Catered will have our annual Christmas and New Year’s Eve Reheat Menus available online. Christmas Pickups are Dec. 23, and New Year’s Eve Pickups are Dec. 31. Full menus available at SwiftlyCatered.com. Pre-Order is open until Dec. 16 for Christmas and Dec. 26 for New Year’s Eve.

  • Website: swiftlycatered.com
  • Address: 2217 W County Highway 30A, Suite E Unit 9, Santa Rosa Beach Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 267-0400

Gather Kitchen + Bar Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Our festive Dinner To-Go serves four for $275. The full menu is available online at watercolorresort.com. All festive pick up/delivery orders can be placed at [email protected].

CHRISTMAS EVE HAPPENINGS

The Bay

Cool bayside hangout with a bar and deck for seafood dishes, sushi, craft cocktails, and live music. The Bay will be open for regular business hours on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas day.

  • Website: baysouthwalton.com
  • Address: 24215 Highway 331 S, Santa Rosa Beach Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 622-2291

Cuvee 30A

‘Tis the season for Cuvee 30A’s very merry Christmas Eve Dinner, featuring Chef Tim Creehan’s award-winning cuisine and seasonal specials including juicy Prime Rib au Jus and succulent Rack of Lamb. Book your family’s holiday table at Cuvee30A.com. 

Emeril’s Coastal

The 5th annual Feast of Fishes at Emeril’s Coastal will feature a special seafood tasting menu, available Friday, Dec. 23 and Saturday, Dec. 24; reservations recommended. 

Great Southern Cafe & C-Bar

Southern specialties come with a twist at this warm spot that gives classic recipes a modern spin. Great Southern Cafe & C-Bar will be open until 8 p.m. Christmas Eve and open at 4 p.m. Christmas Day. 

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at the Pearl Hotel

This year Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel will be offering a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu on Christmas Eve. Reservations are required, and seating times are available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Christmas Eve Dinner is available for $95 for adults ages 13 and older. The regular children’s menu will be available for those 12 years old and younger.

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882 

Ovide

Spend Christmas Eve at Ovide! Our exclusive Christmas Eve dinner menu is available from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. 

North Beach Social

North Beach Social will be open until 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Occupying the space below the popular Farm & Fire restaurant and speakeasy, North Beach Social reflects the natural beauty of its scenic surroundings, namely some of the best sunsets overlooking the bay in South Walton. Outside seating is aplenty at the bar and deck with a large white sand beach where kids and adults can play. 

  • Website: northbeach.social
  • Address: 24200 Highway 331, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 622-8110

CHRISTMAS DAY HAPPENINGS

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at the Pearl Hotel

This year Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel will be offering a 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner Menu on Christmas Day. Reservations are required, and seating times are available 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Christmas Day Dinner is available for $95 for adults ages 13 and older. The regular children’s menu will be available for those 12 years old and younger.

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882 

Ovide

Spend Christmas at Ovide! Our exclusive Christmas dinner menu is available 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

NEW YEAR’S EVE HAPPENINGS

Baytowne Countdown

You don’t want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-the-year celebration! Ring in the New Year with an evening to remember, with two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8 p.m. and midnight. Enjoy a family-friendly evening with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage with DJ TreVy 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Dance the night away with LIVE music from Bay Kings Band 7 p.m. – 1 a.m., featured on the Events Plaza Stage!

  • Website: Baytowne Countdown
  • Address: 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd., Miramar Beach, Fla. 32550
  • Phone: (850) 267-8110

Cuvee 30A

Join us for Cuvee 30A’s New Year’s Eve 2023 celebration of culinary artistry paired with fine wine and bubbly. See Chef Tim Creehan’s exquisite menus and book your seats now at Cuvee30A.com/NYE. Early reservations are strongly recommended.

  • Website: cuvee30a.com/NYE
  • Address: 12805 Highway 98, Unit D101, Inlet Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 909-0111

Edward’s Fine Food and Wine

Join us at Edward’s for a thoughtfully created five-course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is one of the rare occasions that Edward’s accepts reservations. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (850) 231-0550.

Fish Out of Water New Year’s Eve

Come celebrate with us as we drown out this year and offer cheers to the new year. Ring in 2023, 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 31, with a multi-course dinner, champagne and a night full of memories. Enjoy live music, Chef features and a photo booth to capture the evening’s festivities. 

  • Website: foow30a.com
  • Address: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 534-5050 

George’s at Alys Beach

George’s is hosting a delicious four-course meal on New Year’s Eve 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (850) 641-0017 or emailing [email protected]. 

Havana Beach Bar & Grill at the Pearl Hotel

The Pearl will be offering brunch during regular hours on New Year’s Eve, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Havana Beach Bar will be open 11 a.m. to midnight. 

  • Website: thepearlrb.com
  • Address: 63 Main St., Rosemary Beach, Fla. 32461
  • Phone: (850) 588-2882 

NEAT Tasting Room

NEAT will host a special, extended Wine & Song event to help you stock up for your New Year’s celebrations. We are offering special wine tastings on Friday and sparkling/Champagne tastings on Saturday, Dec. 31, with live music and a seasonal cocktail and small bites menu, you’re invited to come enjoy the holiday cheer at NEAT in Alys Beach. 

  • Website: alysbeach.com/neat
  • Address: 11 N Castle Harbour Drive, Alys Beach, Fla. 32413
  • Phone: (850) 213-5711

The Courtyard at Pescado

The 2022 year will soon be signed, sealed, and delivered. Pescado is ready to celebrate! For more information on the event and to secure a reservation please visit rooftop30a.com. 

  • Website: rooftop30a.com
  • Address: 74 Town Hall Road, Suite 4B, Rosemary Beach, Fla 32413
  • Phone: (850) 213-4600 

Hotel Effie Sandestin

Ring in 2023 at Hotel Effie’s Rocking New Year’s Eve Spectacular! Enjoy an evening full of dining, dancing, and entertainment with family and friends at any one of Hotel Effie’s renowned venues: Ovide, Ara and the Lobby Bar. You are not going to want to miss out on the biggest party along the Emerald Coast! 

  • Website: hoteleffie.com
  • Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach, Fla. 32550
  • Phone: (833) 873-3343 

Gallion’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 31st to celebrate the end of 2022 with a gourmet four-course dinner at Gallion’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Rosemary Beach! 

  • Website: gallions30a.com
  • Address: 104 Barrett Square Unit C, Rosemary Beach, Fla. 32413
  • Phone: (850) 399-4909

North Beach Social

Occupying the space below the popular Farm & Fire restaurant and speakeasy, North Beach Social reflects the natural beauty of its scenic surroundings, namely some of the best sunsets overlooking the bay in South Walton. Outside seating is aplenty at the bar and deck with a large white sand beach where kids and adults can play. North Beach Social will be open until 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. 

  • Website: northbeach.social
  • Address: 24200 Highway 331, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 622-8110 

The Bay

Cool bayside hangout with a bar and deck for seafood dishes, sushi and craft cocktails, plus live music. The Bay will be open for regular business hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. 

  • Website: baysouthwalton.com
  • Address: 24215 Highway 331 S, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. 32459
  • Phone: (850) 622-2291

Great Southern Cafe & C-Bar

Southern specialties come with a twist at this warm spot that gives classic recipes a modern spin. Great Southern Cafe & C-Bar will be open until midnight on New Year’s Eve and open regular business hours on New Year’s Day.