By Christopher Manson

There are many holiday celebrations, tree lightings and Santa arrivals around 30A and South Walton starting in November. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Hometown Holiday Parade And Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration Nov. 22

Grand Boulevard Town Center, Miramar Beach, 5 p.m.
Thousands upon thousands of brilliant white lights and an expansive celebratory parade featuring the South Walton High School Marching Band, Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Destin High School, Dog-Harmony, Santa Claus and more. grandboulevard.com

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting Nov. 22

Destin Commons, 6-8 p.m.
A magical holiday celebration for all ages, with face painting, complimentary photo booth, balloon sculpting, Santa’s sleigh, and a fireworks finale. destincommons.com

Northwest Florida Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Nov. 22-24

Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
The 45th annual production of the classic seasonal fairytale, and the only full-length version presented on the Emerald Coast. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children ages 12 and under. Purchase tickets online. nfballet.org

SEASIDE® Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town

Stay for the magic that follows—at 5:00 p.m. as the Turn on the Town ceremony takes place as Santa himself lights up SEASIDE®, illuminating the square and town with dazzling holiday lights. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition. seasidefl.com

Santa’s Arrival Nov. 30

HarborWalk Village, Destin, 12:30-4 p.m.
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. emeraldgrande.com

Kick-Off for Festival of Trees Benefiting Local Charities Dec. 3

Grand Park, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach, 4-6:30 p.m.
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. grandboulevard.com

Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa Dec. 4

The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides! “Rock Around The Christmas Tree” Music Revue! Photos With Santa! Dec. 6-28

Town Center, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
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. grandboulevard.com

Holiday Open House and Walkabout Dec. 7

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
Enjoy holiday specials and promotions from Grand Boulevard merchants and restaurants while vying for “Taste of Grand Boulevard” prize baskets valued at more than $1,000 a pop. grandboulevard.com

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce Of 1914” Dec. 8-22

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.
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. emeraldcoasttheatre.org

Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa Dec. 11 & 18

The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach, 6-8 p.m.
Holiday classics and quality time with Mr. Claus. baytownewharf.com

Photos with Santa in SEASIDE® Dec. 13-19

Seaside, 4-6 p.m.
Capture the magic of the season with Photos with Santa in SEASIDE®’s enchanting Christmas Village (Pop-Up District) for a festive, picture-perfect experience where Santa himself will be waiting to hear your holiday wishes. The photos are complimentary, so bring the whole family and create lasting memories in our winter wonderland. Don’t miss this joyful holiday tradition in SEASIDE®! seasidefl.com

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