From Navarre Beach to the Blackwater River in Milton and beyond, Santa Rosa County has food, fun, parades and more for the whole family to enjoy throughout December.

Here are some of the county’s biggest events:

Holley Hill Pottery and Art Studio Kiln Openings
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7507 Buckeye Dr., Navarre, Fla. – Holley Hill Pottery has been making pottery in Santa Rosa County for over 40 years capturing the lifestyle, scenery and sea life of the Gulf Coast using local clays and their own glaze formulas. For more information visit holleyhillpottery.com or call 850-939-2744 or email [email protected].

Milton’s Lighted Boat Parade by Blackwater Pyrates
Dec. 1, 5 p.m., Milton Riverwalk, Willing St. Milton, Fla. – One beautiful expression of the holidays on the Blackwater River Is Milton’s Lighted Christmas Boat Parade set against our city’s waterfront Festival of Lights. Each year our community comes together, lights up their boats and conducts one of the largest lighted boat parades in Northwest Florida.

Let it Glow 4th Annual Holiday Decorating Competition
Dec. 1 – 31, Navarre, Fla. – The Navarre Chamber invites businesses, organizations and residents to join us this season by beautifying your home/business in our Let It Glow Competition! The chamber encourages you to deck your home/office with lights, lawn ornaments, wreaths and more to help bring holiday cheer to the Navarre area and south Santa Rosa County. You even have a chance to win one of three cash prizes! Register online: www.navarrechamber.com

The 2023 Bagdad Village Christmas Tour of Homes
Sat., Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bagdad, Fla. – Come stroll through the village of Bagdad decorated in its beautiful Christmas splendor. Visit four historic homes and hear the stories of the families that lived, worked and played in early Bagdad. This one day event will also feature tours of the Bagdad Methodist Church (built in 1885) and the Bagdad Museum, where the tour begins and ends. There will also be music, bagpipers and a stop at the Bagdad Irish Pub for coffee, hot chocolate and mingling. The homes will be open at 10 a.m. and the last tour leaves the museum at 4 p.m. Bathrooms on site. The gift shop will include a selection of antique and modern jewelry, and a limited selection of charcuterie boards made from local milled heart pine from the 1800s. Souvenirs, decorations, Christmas ornaments, and many other gifts are also available at the gift shop. Text 850-380-2104 or 850-208-2941 for more information. Tickets are limited.

Milton Christmas Parade
Sat. Dec. 2, 6 p.m., 5629 Byrom St. Milton, Fla. – The Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Milton Christmas Parade “A Toy Christmas” presented by Sport & Wheat Certified Public Accountants. The parade starts at the Milton Community Center; runs North to James St.; East on James St. to Stewart St.; South on Stewart St. to Elva St. For more information, visit srcchamber.com or call 850-623-2339.

Highway 87 Outdoor Market at Pik-itz
Dec. 2 & 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1922 Hwy. 87, Navarre, Fla. – This monthly outdoor market takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month. Farm to table vendors are available along with various arts and crafts. Don’t miss out on shopping inside Pik-itz! For more info, visit pikitz.com or call 850-710-7128.

Navarre Jingle Bell Run
Sat. Dec. 2, 8 to 9 a.m., Holley Navarre Main Fire Station 8618 Esplanade St., Navarre, Fla. – Navarre Chamber Foundation will help you start your holiday season with “Bells on” with this family fun run through the local neighborhood. Start and finish at main fire station. Any distance, run, walk, or crawl. Shortcuts to grandma’s house! Strollers and leashed pets welcome. This is a non-scored event and has the best long sleeve T-shirts you will find! Feel free to dress for the holiday spirit. https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Navarre/NavarreJingleBellRun  

Christmas in the Park Merry Market
Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Navarre Park | 8513 Navarre Pkwy. – The Navarre Beach Area Chamber Area Chamber of Commerce’s 29th Annual Christmas in the Park “Cheers to 50 Years” presented by Wabi Sabi Aveda Salon in celebration of the chamber’s 50th Anniversary. Where local artists and crafters will gather with great gift ideas for everyone on your list. More than 40 vendor booths made up of local businesses and crafty individuals will have wonderful and unique items.   Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 2., 1 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck in the parade and will be available for photos with children in Navarre Park (8513 Navarre Pkwy.) as soon as the parade ends. Free baked goods and beverages will be available at Mrs. Claus’ Bakery Sponsored by: Okaloosa Gas District

Pancake Breakfast @ Holley-Navarre Senior Association
Sat., Dec. 9, 7 to- 10:30 a.m., 8476 Gordon Goodin Lane, Navarre, Fla. – Great breakfast made to order – eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage or bacon. Cash only, $7. More information can be found at https://holley-navarre-seniors-associates.business.site/.

Annual Sea Turtle Soiree: Holidays Under the Sea
Sat. Dec. 9, 6 to 10 p.m., St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway – With the theme of “Holiday Under the Sea,” you’ll be transported to a magical world where you will be surrounded by stunning decorations and mesmerizing music that will make you feel like you’re swimming with the fishes. You’ll also get to indulge in delicious dinner and deserts that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you energized to dance the night away. You will also have a chance to win amazing prizes through our raffles and silent auction. Recommended attire for this event is semi formal! More information and to purchase tickets, visit https://navarrebeachseaturtles.org/soiree-2023. Individual tickets: $75 Couples tickets: $140  

3rd Annual Christmas Festival at St. Michael’s Brewing Co.
Sun., Dec. 10, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 2199 Hwy. 87, Navarre, Fla. – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rise & Swine food truck serving breakfast & brunch deliciousness. 12 p.m. seasonal beer release. From 12 – 6 p.m., the St. Michael’s food tent will be set up featuring soup/chili and loaded baked potatoes. Hot chocolate and gluhwein will also be available. Enjoy Christmas village booths from 12 – 5 p.m.

Navarre Beach Christmas Market
Sat., Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Andy D’s on Navarre Beach 8649 Gulf Blvd, Navarre Beach, Fla. – ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we’ve got just the place for you to get into the holiday spirit! Join us at the Navarre Beach Christmas Market, a festive extravaganza you won’t want to miss! Shop local – explore over 20 plus incredible craft vendors. Each offering a unique selection of gifts and goodies. Holiday art, delicious eats, possible Santa sightings, live entertainment, bounce house, family fun and much more.

Free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Sat., Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Andy D’s on Navarre Beach 8649 Gulf Blvd, Navarre Beach, Fla. – Santa & Mrs. Claus will be available for free photos with your kids and family. No purchase necessary… but bring your own camera!

Navarre Beach Pier Plunge
Jan. 1, 2024, 12 to 1 p.m., 8579 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach, Fla. – Ring in the new year by plunging into the Gulf of Mexico! After the plunge enjoy live music at the afterparty hosted at Windjammers on the Pier. A portion of profits from T-shirt sales will be donated to the Navarre Centennial Celebration Fund. Admission is free to the public.

Events listed are highlights of activities in Santa Rosa County. The Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office is not responsible for any changes or cancellations. For more information, visit www.getrelaxing.com or call 850-981-8900. If your business/organization would like to have events added to future lists as well as to the Tourist Development Office events calendar, email [email protected].