Spring
Coming out of the colder months of winter (December through February) and jumping right into Spring, there is a lot to look forward to. The waters are warming; the marine life react and express excitement as they move closer to the shoreline in search for easy hatched prey. The beaches are majestic and quiet, awaiting the first large flows of vacationers left absent the past couple months. Locals gear up for incredible new events and activities awaiting the season with open arms. Yes...Spring is in full bloom and we are all excited for what awaits us in this new year. Life is picture perfect this time of year. The water is beginning to clear from the rainy months and life that had traveled south for the winter is returning with the same level of excitement as the thousands of snowbirds up north still awaiting the thaw of spring to come to their cold bones.
Summer
It's the first Thursday of the summer, there is an expectation in the air of amazing things to come. The crowds gather throughout the day at live outdoor concerts and food trucks lined up awaiting hungry guests for a fun filled night to come. The clock shows 8:45pm and a trace of sparks shoot through the sky like a flaming arrow followed by the explosive boom of the firework that was set off letting everything know of the show about to come. 9:00pm is finally upon us, the boats in the harbor are lining the shorelines and the pass by the hundreds as the night sky erupts in fire and sparks as thousands peer from boats, docks, restaurants and homes at the amazing spectacle that will go on every Thursday and Tuesday throughout the summer. It's only just begun...it's about to get even better. The water, perfect in temperature and clarity for swimming, paddle-boarding and snorkeling and all of life celebrates together in one uniform expression of excitement as we gather together to celebrate life together along our amazing Emerald Coastline.
Fall & Winter
The season has been a success and with bellies full, skin tan and smiles on everyone's faces, we can all sit a little taller and relax knowing that was one fun summer. The locals are the most excited for what is to come. The beaches rest from the volume of people that kissed its shorelines with their bare skin. The locals are reminded of how beautiful the beaches are as there are fewer and fewer people to interrupt the tranquility that can only be found in a quiet place. As things slow down though, there are still amazing events and activities to look forward to. Fall festivals, seafood festivals, boat shows and the occasional firework shows shot off every night we can find a legitimate excuse to watch them. Fall is a magical time to enjoy with your families and our favorite time of the year for sure. Lets not forget the Holiday season. From Thanksgiving lighting of the Christmas Tree in Destin Commons to the extravagant New Years Parades and firework shows, Destin is an unforgettable place to come and celebrate the Holidays with all of your friends and family.
LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS
2019-2020 Upcoming Events for Destin and Surrounding Towns
Christmas in Destin:
Christmas Activities for Kids in Destin
Make your time with family and friends even more special this Christmas by taking part in some fun Christmas activities. Destin has some fantastic venues that host Christmas events for families, teenagers & kids. Christmas activities includes Christmas dinner, kids carnivals, breakfast with Santa and christmas crafts workshops. Here are some places which are hosting Christmas events in Destin.
- Holiday Camps at Resolute! is hosted by Resolute Martial Arts.
- Breakfast with Santa is hosted by The Henderson.
Christmas Parades in Destin
There are lot of events happening around Destin Christmas Parades. Live performances & fancy dresses to special guests. Many city parades have various attractions like fireworks, circus wagons, a calliope, live reindeer and various parade floats. Here are some holiday parades events in Destin.
Secret Santa, Decorative Lights, And The Vibe Of Christmas In Destin
Is your Christmas Bucket List ready because the festivities have just begun. Christmas is this beautiful festival filled with all the glitzy-shiny decor, delicious food and exchanging of gifts. Be it a local Christmas festival or a tree lighting ceremony, there are so many things to do in Destin on Christmas. This holiday season celebrate with fun and exciting Christmas events in Destin. Christmas could be a festival for kids who wait for Breakfast with Santa, gifts in the empty stocking or writing letter to Santa. But yet, it very much is a festival that is celebrated by each and every age. There is a lot to enjoy on Christmas in Destin; from Christmas markets to fun activities and events the list is endless. There are iconic locations in the city that celebrate Christmas with major extravaganza. Don’t miss going there by any chance.
Christmas Events In Destin To Have It All This December
As we said, there are so many things to do in Destin on Christmas that you’d be in fits, what to miss and what to attend. There are fun activities like ice skating in Destin where you can glide around the snow-filled rink. You could choose to buy artistic craft pieces, decor-items and interesting gift articles at the Christmas Markets In Destin. For the creative artist in you; there are a bunch of Christmas Wreath Making Workshops where you can learn to create this lovely decor piece and bring all the festive feels at your space. Apart from this, there are other interesting events that will fill your heart with joy. There is this Christmas Cookie Baking Workshop, Christmas Light Walks, Candlelight Tours, Christmas Craft Show and a lot more. Oh, how could we miss one of the best events that celebrate this festival like crazy; the amazing Christmas parties in Destin. Witness the city in its full glory at top party events; extensive choices for dinner and scrumptious dinners with endless dancing. Well, this is how you celebrate a festival.
Alternative Things To Do In Destin On Christmas
Apart from all the popular events and interesting activities, there’s a lot more in store for you. You can choose to visit some of the hotspots of the city to soak in the festive vibes. Kiss someone under the mistletoe, have your own Christmas tradition like going to watch the lights with your family, book tickets to a ballet performance, go to a midnight marathon and a lot more. Take on an adventurous activity, head to an unconventional event or indulge in the absolute crazy Christmas parties in Destin. Find out things that interest you the most and do that again and again.
Discover some of the best Christmas events near you and make it a festival to remember.
Upcoming Events:
12 Nights of Lights
Name: 12 Nights of Lights Date: December 4, 2019 – December 21, 2019 Website: http://www.baytownewharf.com
Event Description: This December enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas! This sparkling event will also be featured during our special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows on the Village tree at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm
Baytowne on Ice
Name: Baytowne on Ice Date: October 26, 2019 – February 1, 2020
Website: http://www.baytownewharf.com
Event Description: Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, our seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions. Ice rink is open October 26th – February 1st. Hours vary daily.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway
Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Date/Time Information: October 26 – February 1
Hours vary daily. Set a Reminder: Enter your email address below to receive a reminder message.
Saturday, December 21 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit with Santa
Celebrate the Holidays on the Harbor with free kid’s crafts, a Letters to Santa station and a visit with St.Nick every Saturday & Sunday through December 22nd! All of Santa’s guests will receive a special treat and a FREE 4×6 photo by SB Photos Biz.
Throughout the month of December, the North Pole Post is open at HarborWalk Village. Drop your letter to Santa in our special mailbox located near the Main Stage. For every letter received, we will donate $1 to Children in Crisis, Inc. Florida
Saturday, December 21 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Holiday Movie Night
Enjoy dinner at your favorite HarborWalk Village restaurant and then join us to watch Elf under the stars!
Sunday, December 22 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Celebrate Chanukah
Join HarborWalk in a special Menorah lighting featuring traditional foods, crafts, live music and more!
Places To Celebrate The New Year In Destin
Destin has some fantastic venues that host New Year events every year. That includes New Year celebrations in five-star hotels in Destin, events in various party plots and restaurants, and multiple concerts and fireworks at public places in Destin. Here are some locations which are hosting New Year events this year.
- HarborWalk Village is hosting “New Year’s Eve | 5 Parties on the Harbor”.
- Henderson Beach State Park is hosting “14th Annual Polar Plunge “.
- AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is hosting “AJ’s New Year Celebration”.
- Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village is hosting “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve”.
- 790ontheGulf is hosting “New Year’s Eve Party at 790”.
- Sunshine Yoga is hosting “New Year’s Day Yoga & Manifestation”.
- The Harbor Tavern is hosting “NYE celebration with Grape Drink!”.
- Marlin Grill is hosting “New Year’s Eve Dinner at Marlin Grill”.
- LuLu’s Destin is hosting “Noon Year’s Eve at LuLu’s Destin”.
- Coyote Ugly Saloon- Destin is hosting “2020 New Years Eve Party”.
- The Village Door Music Hall is hosting “New Year’s Eve Titans of Rock! *Journey vs. Bon Jovi*”.
- Pazzo Italiano is hosting “New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebration”.
- The Surf Hut is hosting “New Year’s Eve Dinner on Miramar Beach”.
- Beach Walk Henderson Park is hosting “New Year’s Eve Dinner”.
Tuesday, December 31 | 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
New Year’s Eve | 5 Parties on the Harbor
Ring in the New Year with 5 Parties on the Harbor!
Ball Drop Countdown
Fireworks at 8:00pm and MIDNIGHT
M A I N S T A G E
7:00pm: Flash Flood
9:30pm: The Resolutions
Starting at 10:00pm
Harry T’s Lighthouse // Karaoke the Night Away
Coyote Ugly Saloon- Destin // Party Like It’s 1999
Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi // Neon & Retro DJ Dance Party
Margaritaville, Destin // Masquerade Party
FREE to attend!
Tuesday, December 31 | 7:00 pm – 12:30 am
Rockin’ New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year in GRANDE style at Emerald Grande’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve!
Enjoy a cocktail hour, TWO fireworks shows, a 4-course dinner and dance all night long with The Midnight Kiss!
$125++ per person
AJ’s New Year Celebration
Ring in the new decade at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar! Live music by Jason Tyler Findley, DJ Charles, Black Eyed Blonde (Club Bimini Stage), and Yeah, Probably (On the Jumbotron Stage) party favors, and a FREE champagne toast! The best part is NO COVER!
When: Tue Dec 31 2019 at 04:00 pm to Wed Jan 01 2020 at 04:00 am
Where: AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541, Destin
14th Annual Polar Plunge
Join us for the 14th Annual Polar Plunge on New Years Day 2020. The first 150 Registered Polar Plungers will receive a Polar Plunge Goodie Bag. There is a $20 fee to pre register or $25 fee the day of event. The registration fee includes the registered plunger’s state park entrance fee. Please note that any guests not registering for the plunge but attending the event will be charged a $2.00 fee to enter the park upon arrival. All proceeds benefit The Destin Fire Rescue Foundation that supports the Junior Life Guard Programs and The Friends of Henderson Beach State Park that provides funding and assistance to the state park. Do not forget to wear your favorite costume! There will be live music, refreshments and prizes!!!!
Registration opens at 9:00am and the Plunge into the Gulf will take place at 11:00am.
Please email events.annemarie@gmail.com with any questions. We look forward to seeing you take the plunge.
Sunday, January 12 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Brunch, Rhythm & Brews
Enjoy brunch and brews at Harry T’s, Jackacudas and Margaritaville with a live concert on the main stage starting at 2:00pm!
Saturday, January 18 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Best of the West Jazz Competition
High School Bands across Northwest Florida battle to be Best of the West! Intermission performance featuring Port O’Call.
Participants
Blue Thunder Big Band
Walton High School Braves Jazz Ensemble
Pace High School Jazz Ensemble
Booker T. Washington High School Symphonic Jazz Orchestra
South Walton Jazz Combo
Tate High School Jazz 1
Escambia High School Jazz “A”
Choctawhatchee High School Jazz Band
Friday, February 21 | 6:30 pm – 12:00 am
Mardi Gras Big Easy Bar Crawl
Dress in your Mardi Gras best for a bingo style bar crawl! Pick up bingo cards at 6:30pm and turn back in by 9:30pm for raffle drawing! Compete for the title of Mardi Gras King & Queen at Coyote Ugly starting at 10:00pm.
Saturday, February 22 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mardi Gras Parade & Pawdi Gras
Fais Do-Do takes the stage at 2:00 pm followed by beads, dazzling floats & street performers as the parade rolls at 4:00pm. Enter your pup in a spirited Pawdi Gras Pet Costume contest following the parade! Registration starts at 5:00pm.