Grand Boulevard at Sandestin announced an impressive line-up of events for this holiday season. Included this year are Grand Boulevard’s signature holiday celebrations, the popular Hometown Holiday Parade & Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration, and numerous festive, family-friendly activities. These events are open to the public at no cost.

The schedule will include the return of the crowd-pleasing Festival of Trees which has been expanded to 18 custom decorated trees. Festival of Trees is an enchanting charitable tree decorating contest held on National Day of Giving. Other complimentary holiday events include professional photos with Santa, free rides on elegant horse drawn carriages and the exciting “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” musical performances by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

Grand Boulevard Holiday Schedule of Events:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd, 5 PM
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY PARADE & COASTAL WHITE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

The Grand Boulevard Town Center will be awash in tens of thousands of brilliant white lights, bringing a magical spirit to the Boulevard. Coastal White Christmas officially begins with the unveiling of the holiday lights and an expansive celebratory parade down the Boulevard featuring South Walton High School Marching Band, Butler Elementary Orff Ensemble, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Dog-Harmony, Destin High School, Boy Scout Troop # 562, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles, Grand Boulevard Tenant Costume March and the arrival of Santa Claus! Enjoy faux snow while getting complementary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, refreshments and strolling throughout the Boulevard, taking in the breathtaking lights and beautifully decorated trees, while getting a start on holiday shopping and dining.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 4 PM – 6:30 PM
FESTIVAL OF TREES BENEFITING 18 LOCAL CHARITIES – KICK-OFF

Eighteen non-profit organizations will decorate trees and compete to win cash prizes totaling $8,500, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners. Held on National Day of Giving, join the fun and vote for your favorite tree to win the People’s Choice Award. The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to enjoy!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 12 PM – 5 PM
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & WALK-ABOUT

Take advantage of holiday specials and promotions from Grand Boulevard retailers and restaurants, while vying for one on Grand Boulevard’s fabulous “Taste of Grand Boulevard” prize baskets valued at more than $1,000 each. Stop by Grand Park to pick up your map for this event. Then visit participating retailers and restaurants to register for a chance to win.

DECEMBER 6th – DECEMBER 28TH, FRI & SAT, 5 PM – 8 PM
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES, “ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS” TREE MUSIC REVUE & PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Enjoy complimentary events, including horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a professional photo with Santa while listening to the lively seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue.

DECEMBER 8th – DECEMBER 22nd
EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914”

The Western Front: Christmas 1914. Out of the violence of World War I, a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first Christmas Eve of World War I, when soldiers across the Western Front laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. Based on the first-hand accounts of soldiers who lived it, this beautifully staged play with music brings these stories to life with traditional carols and patriotic songs, sung a cappella by a cast of 12, celebrating the unique way that the holiday season can bring us all together. For ticket information and performance times: Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

These festive events are part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment Program and have quickly become a tradition among South Walton residents and visitors.

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