Top 10 Things to Do in Destin in December
Not sure what to do in Destin in December? We’ve got all of the holiday happenings right here! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or an excuse to sip on spiked eggnog, there are a variety of festive things to do in Destin, Florida this month.
1. Destin Christmas Tree Lighting on December 5
Kick off the holiday season with the 33 rd annual Destin Christmas Tree Lighting at the Destin Community Center on Thursday, December 5 at 6pm. This event is fun for the whole family and features a visit from Santa Claus, entertainment from local musical groups and choruses, and refreshments. Donations of canned food will also be collected for families in need.
2. Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl on December 7
It’s time to bring out those ugly sweaters and spread some holiday cheer! Eat, drink and be merry as you stop by several HarborWalk Village restaurants playing a game of drink specials bingo to win raffle prizes. The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl starts at 7pm.
3. Destin Christmas Parade
December 2019 marks the 35 th Christmas Parade in Destin! Watch the floats make their way down Harbor Blvd. on Saturday, December 14 starting at 10am. This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop, so get ready to see some festive floats!
4. Holiday on the Harbor Destin Lighted Boat Parade on December 15
One of the most popular things to do in Destin, Florida this month is to view the Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade . Find your favorite spot along the harbor and watch a variety of boats decked out in holiday lights and décor cruise through the water. The parade starts at 6pm and will culminate with an awe-inspiring fireworks show.
5. Sips N’ Strokes at Whole Foods Market
On December 3 and December 17, stop by Whole Foods Market for an evening of painting and wine! You will be guided through the painting exercise as you sip on a glass of vino. The Sips N’ Strokes ticket includes the canvas, paint, paintbrush and, of course, wine.
6. Jolly Jubilee at Destin Commons
Destin Commons will be making spirits bright all season long! Their Jolly Jubilee series features live performances, letters to Santa, multiple Christmas trees, Santa’s Wonderland inside Bass Pro Shops and more. Plus it’s the perfect place to do some holiday shopping!
7. Go Ice Skating at The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Dreaming of a white Christmas? It can be hard to get into the winter spirit when you’re by the beach, but there are several things to do in Destin, Florida in December that will make you feel as if you’re in the mountains. Baytowne On Ice is a seasonal ice rink at The Village of Baytowne Wharf that is open through February 1st. Dust of your skates, get a cup of hot cocoa and start new family traditions!
8. Wednesday Night Concert Series and 12 Nights of Lights
There’s no such thing as a silent night during December 2019! Listen to some of your favorite holiday songs performed live during the Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf . Each concert is free to attend and will feature a choreographed light show and visits from Santa.
Live Music Schedule:
December 4: Matt McCarty Band
December 11: Voices of Valhalla
December 18: Niceville Opus One
The free light show takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night through December 21st. Watch three dazzling displays on the Village tree at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm on the Events Plaza Lawn.
9. See a Performance at the Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Still not sure what to do in Destin in December? You can’t go wrong with a live production. The Emerald Coast Theatre Company will be featuring “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly” during December 2019. This holiday tale is a charming celebration of fan favorite characters from “Pride and Prejudice ,” honoring the legacy of Jane Austen’s humor, playfulness and wit in a warm-spirited family holiday theatrical production.
Show Times:
December 12 – 14 at 7:30pm
December 15 at 2pm
December 19 – 21 at 7:30pm
December 22 at 2pm
10. Ring in the New Year
There’s no better place to welcome 2020 than by the beach! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly celebration or a wild night out, there are numerous things to do in Destin, Florida on New Year’s Eve.
Baytowne Countdown : Celebrate the New Year with not one, but TWO breathtaking fireworks shows at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy family-friendly festivities from 6pm – 8pm including face painting, kids activities, live music and a fireworks display at 8pm. The live music from Groovy 7 will continue until 1am and a second fireworks display will start at Midnight.
Fireworks Dinner Cruise Aboard SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS Yacht . Dine, dance and cruise your way into 2020 with an experience like no other. Enjoy a five-course meal, dancing under the stars with live entertainment and a beautiful fireworks display and champagne toast at midnight.
Noon Year’s Eve at Lulu’s . No need to stay awake until midnight thanks to this kid-friendly event. Starting at 10am, there will be a sandcastle building contest, arts & crafts, inflatables, face painting, live music and more family-friendly activities. Then countdown to Noon with kid-safe “fireworks” and a huge Beach Ball Drop.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Village Door Music Hall . Rock and roll your way into 2020 with a live band playing Journey and Bon Jovi tributes. Tickets include a welcome drink, delicious buffet, Champagne toast at midnight and $1,000 in casino chips.
Hopefully you’re no longer wondering what to do in Destin in December. As you can see, there are a lot of holiday happenings by the beach. If you want to stay close to all of the action, My Vacation Haven has a variety of vacation rentals in Destin that will be perfect for you and your family during this festive time of year. Contact us today with any questions – we’d love to help you find the ideal winter abode.