As the holiday hustle-and-bustle amps up, the simple little joys that force us to slow down become even more delightful. Sipping hot cocoa while touring stunning holiday light displays with our favorite people is one of our favorite ways to relax and to make beautiful new memories with those we love most. These are our favorite places to see the holiday lights in Destin and on 30A (and why you’ll love them, too!).
The 12 Nights of Lights Twinkle at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf is always full of cheer and excitement from light displays to live music to some of our favorite holiday “celebrities” (ahem, Santa) during the holidays. There’s even an ice rink. Glittering orbs dangle from live oak trees as icicle lights rain down. The giant Christmas tree sparkles from top to bottom while nearby tree trunks are festively wrapped in holiday lights. Lights are strung throughout the village along the water and at the shops.
For an extra special treat, visit the Events Lawn at Baytowne Wharf on the 8th and 15th of December from 6 to 8 PM for the Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series Holiday Edition. This is only one of the fun events lined up for what’s known as the 12 Nights of Lights. A light show for the Christmas tree as well as snow is one the agenda.
Needless to say the Village of Baytown Wharf’s lights and all of their fun to-dos make us feel like we’ve stepped into a village at the North Pole (minus the snow and freezing temperatures!). Pure holiday perfection!
The Destin Commons are Dazzling
Not to be outdone by Baytowne Wharf, Destin Commons has their own staggering Christmas tree located in the venter plaza. Palm trees surrounding the Commons are wrapped tight in sparkling lights, almost like candy canes! Meanwhile reindeer topiaries shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose. A little train sits alongside the tree and strings of lights hang throughout the Commons. It really puts everyone in the holiday spirit (and the giving spirit!).
It’s a Coastal White Christmas at Grand Boulevard
Throughout the month of December, Grand Boulevard is a winter-white wonderland! Their holiday light extravaganza, The Coastal White Christmas Holiday Lights dazzle the holiday shopping and dining hot spot making it a must-see. It’s one of our favorite places to grab a warm drink and to stroll through the wonderland and marvel at the stunning lighted displays and the towering jewel of a Christmas tree, sparkling at the center of the Boulevard.
Seaside Sparkles During the Holiday Season
Seaside is a favorite place for visitors to stay and see year-round, but the holidays are extra-special. The community’s iconic post office is adorned with brightly-lit garland and is flanked by lush palms richly-wrapped in strands of glittering lights. Meanwhile, a fairy-lit Christmas tree towers at the base of the amphitheater just across from the post office. The Airstream diners get into the spirit by draping lights under the awnings of their venues, and the pavilions granting access to the beach glow brighter than lighthouses.
It’s truly a site to behold in one of the most treasured spaces along 30A. We can’t get enough of Seaside during the holiday season.
WaterColor’s Christmas Tree Glows like Rudolph’s Nose
The 30A WaterColor community members keep their homes decorated for the holidays, but the real stunner that we can’t miss is the tree located in WaterColor’s Cerulean Park. Lit with so many lights that the tree burns like a flame through the night, the WaterColor tree is nothing shy of incredible and seeing it warms our hearts.
Rows of Lights Brighten Rosemary Beach
On the far end of Highway 30A at Rosemary Beach, is another one of our favorite places to see holiday lights. The display of white slights snaking up tree trunks and into the interlocking branches makes us feel like we’re in a web of wonder. Lights are draped throughout the tree’s canopies lighting the fountain and walkway beneath. Nothing beats it!
Needless to say, there are other beautiful holiday lights along 30A and in Destin, which you’ll surely see as you jingle all the way from one side of the Emerald Coast to the other touring our favorite holiday haunts. Share pictures of your favorite lights…we love the way they help us step back and embrace joy throughout the holiday season!
There is always something wonderful happening in Destin and along 30A. This is why it’s such a great place to spend the holidays. If you want to getaway this holiday season while still enjoying the magic of the holidays, contact us at My Vacation Haven. Helping you get away and make magical memories year ‘round is what we do best!