Hometown Holidays — Freeport and the Surrounding Area
The holidays have arrived across Freeport and the Emerald Coast, bringing twinkling lights, hometown parades, Christmas concerts, festive markets and family traditions old and new. From Freeport’s beloved “Story Book Christmas” celebration to concerts, light shows and magical winter happenings throughout the area, there’s something joyful for every age. Here’s your guide to the season’s can’t-miss events!
Monday–Saturday, December 1–6
Festival of Trees – Freeport City Hall | 112 State Hwy. 20 W.
The holiday season lights up as local businesses, churches, schools and organizations decorate festive Christmas displays throughout City Hall for Freeport’s annual Festival of Trees, part of this year’s “A Story Book Christmas” celebration. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully themed trees all week, enjoy the creativity of local participants and cast votes for their favorites.
Festival Details:
- Public Display: December 1–6
- Set-Up: November 30, 12–5 p.m.
- Public Voting: All week
- Winner Announcement: December 6 at 6:30 p.m. during the Tree Lighting Ceremony and after the Story Book Christmas Parade at 5:15 p.m.
- Break-Down: December 7–8
This free community display is a joyful way to kick off the season and celebrate hometown creativity. Apply to decorate a tree: freeportfl.rja.revize.com/forms/10244
Saturday, December 6
Freeport “Story Book” Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Check-in 1:30–4 p.m. | Parade 5:15 p.m. | Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m.
Freeport City Hall & Downtown Freeport
One of Freeport’s most beloved holiday traditions returns as the “Story Book Christmas” Parade brings favorite tales to life with festive floats, decorated golf carts, classic cars, horses, tractors, marching groups, bikes and more. Families line the streets each year to celebrate the season with hometown spirit and creativity.
Event Schedule:
- Check-In: 1:30–4 p.m.
- Float Judging: 4–4:45 p.m. (entries arriving after 4 p.m. are not eligible)
- Parade Begins: 5:15 p.m.
- Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6:30 p.m. at Freeport City Hall
Parade Route:
Begins at Freeport Elementary School (US-331) → Left on Business 331 → Right on State Hwy. 20 W → Left on 83A East → Left on North Street → Dispersal.
Additional Information:
- No Santa costumes, please — Santa makes his own special appearance!
- Free to attend and open to the community.
- Applications due Nov. 28 — submit online, by mail, or drop off at City Hall.
- Approved entries will receive email confirmation.
- Float registration: freeportfl.rja.revize.com/forms/10179
Through Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Baytowne on Ice
Times vary daily | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach | baytownewharf.com
The seasonal ice rink returns to the Emerald Coast, bringing a taste of winter to Sandestin. Lace up your skates and enjoy a 90-minute session on the ice—perfect for date nights, family outings or group fun. Skaters must be at least 3; children under 6 require an adult on the ice. Tickets are $15 per 90-minute session plus $3 skate rental; schedule and details at baytownewharf.com.
Friday–Sunday, Nov. 28–30
Christmas at the Garden
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | The Garden at Peach Creek, 4401 U.S. Hwy. 98 E., SRB
Kick off the season among fresh Fraser fir trees, handmade wreaths and garlands, kids’ crafts, hot cocoa and photos with The Real Santa of 30A (Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.). A cozy, woodsy setting makes this a charming stop for families and tree-shoppers alike. Free to attend; trees, wreaths and greenery available for purchase. Details at thegardenatpeachcreek.com.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Turn on the Town & Seaside Holiday Parade
3–8 p.m. | Scenic Highway 30A, Seaside
The magic of the season comes alive as the Holiday Parade winds from Seagrove to Seaside, leading to the grand lighting of Seaside’s spectacular Christmas tree. Enjoy caroling, children’s theatre, live performances and photos with Santa in the Christmas Village until 8 p.m. Free event; more info at seasidefl.com.
Mistletoe Market
3 p.m. | Baldwin Ave., Downtown DeFuniak Springs
Sip cocoa, shop local makers and enjoy live holiday music along historic Baldwin Avenue. This festive open-air market is a great spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts and soak in small-town charm. Free admission; details at defuniaksprings.net.
Here Comes Santa Claus – Santa’s Arrival
6–9 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach
Santa arrives “Baytowne-style” with a sparkling fireworks show, festive lights and music. Meet Santa in his sleigh and catch him again during the Wednesday Night Concert Series – Holiday Edition throughout December. Free to attend; visit baytownewharf.com for full holiday schedule.
Sunday, Nov. 30
The Polar Express
6–8 p.m. | Events Plaza, The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a special outdoor showing of The Polar Express on the LED video wall. A cozy, family-favorite movie night under the stars. Free event; information at baytownewharf.com.
Dec. 1–Jan. 6
Geek Lights on the Corner
Shows nightly: 6–9:30 p.m. (Sun–Thu) & 6–10:30 p.m. (Fri, Sat & holiday eves)
Bluewater Blvd. & Antiqua Way, Bluewater Bay
Thousands of synchronized lights, towering displays and a custom soundtrack make this tech-savvy light show a must-see. Park, tune your radio to 101.3 FM and watch the 30-minute show dance across the house, mega-tree and arches. This season supports the Junior League of the Emerald Coast’s Child Clothing Project, which outfits hundreds of local students with new clothes and supplies. Admission is free; donation boxes and QR codes on-site accept gifts for the featured charity.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Multi-Chamber Young Professionals Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
5–6:30 p.m. | 3rd Planet Brewing, Niceville
Area Young Professionals from multiple chambers are invited to mingle in their ugliest holiday sweaters for networking, one drink and light bites. Prizes, laughs and new connections guaranteed. Tickets are $10 and include one drink ticket and small bites; register at business.waltonareachamber.com.
Coastal White Christmas (Multiple Dates)
Festival of Trees Kick-Off – Dec. 2, 4–6:30 p.m.
Holiday Open House & Walk-About – Dec. 6, 12–5 p.m.
ECTC Musical Revue, Photos with Santa & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Dec. 18–23, 5–8 p.m.
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Grand Boulevard transforms into a winter-white wonderland with parades, open houses, live performances and more. Most activities are free and open to the public; some specialty experiences and refreshments may have individual costs. Event details at grandboulevard.com.
Saturdays, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6, 13 & 20
DeFuniak Springs Mistletoe Market
3–8 p.m. | Baldwin Ave., Downtown DeFuniak Springs
Each Saturday, Baldwin Avenue fills with artisan vendors, food trucks, music and twinkling lights. Shop local, enjoy festive treats and soak in the historic charm of downtown DeFuniak Springs. Free admission; information at defuniaksprings.net.
Friday, Dec. 5
First Friday Concert Series & Holiday Art Bazaar
4 p.m. Art Bazaar | Concert to follow | The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center
Browse local artists and makers at the Holiday Art Bazaar, then settle in for a free, family-friendly concert featuring Martha’s Trouble and headliner Shawn Mullins. Bring chairs and your crew for an evening of music, art and community. Free to attend; RSVP and details at culturalartsalliance.com.
December 3–21
Annie
Various showtimes | Emerald Coast Theatre Company |Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Leapin’ lizards! Share the holiday spirit with the beloved musical Annie as she charms Daddy Warbucks, tangles with Miss Hannigan and reminds everyone that “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” With classic songs, lavish staging and professional local talent, this production is a feel-good favorite for all ages. Tickets range from $30–$65 and are available at emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Eden Gardens Christmas Candlelight Open House & Luminaries
5–8 p.m. | Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington
Walk garden paths lined with more than 2,000 luminaries, tour the Wesley House decked in vintage holiday décor and enjoy live music, cookies and hot beverages at this treasured South Walton tradition. Regular state park entry fees may apply; event details at floridastateparks.org (Eden Gardens).
Baytowne Wharf Lantern Parade
6 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach
Light up the night with a whimsical parade of glowing, handmade lanterns through the Village streets. Spectators and participants of all ages are welcome, with plenty of spots to dine and linger afterward. Free to attend; information at baytownewharf.com.
Holiday Pops Concert in Seaside
5–7 p.m. | Seaside Amphitheater, 30A
Spread a blanket on the lawn and relax under the stars as Sinfonia Gulf Coast performs holiday favorites in central Seaside. It’s an elegant yet easygoing way to ring in the season with friends and family. Free concert; no tickets required. Info at seasidefl.com.
Café Thirty-A Charity Christmas Ball
6–10 p.m. | Café Thirty-A, 3899 E. County Hwy. 30A, Seagrove Beach
Dress to the nines for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, desserts, champagne toast, cash bar, DJ and photo booth. This glamorous tradition benefits Caring & Sharing of South Walton, helping provide food and financial assistance for local families in need. Tickets are $150 in advance or $175 at the door and can be purchased at cafethirtya.com.
Troon Goon Christmas Lightshow
Nightly Dec. 6–Jan. 6 | 6–9:30 p.m. | 1074 Troon Dr. E., Niceville (Bluewater Bay)
A high-tech residential lightshow with animated pixels choreographed to classic and modern Christmas music. Shows run every half hour, and guests vote online for their favorite song versions while listening on car radios at 101.3 FM. Free to view; details at troongoonchristmas.com.
Sunday, Dec. 7
Sinfonia Gulf Coast: Toast ’n Jam – Broadway Holiday the “Calla-way”
10:30 a.m. | Hotel Effie, Sandestin
Enjoy a sparkling Sunday brunch concert with Broadway sisters Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway as they deliver beloved show tunes and holiday favorites in rich harmony. Brunch, performance and valet are included. Tickets start at $135 per person, with limited front-row seating at $195; purchase via Sinfonia’s ticketing at sinfoniagulfcoast.org (Toast ’n Jam).
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Santa Night
5–8 p.m. | North Beach Social, SRB
Kids can share wish lists and snap photos with Santa while families enjoy bayside views, festive snacks, live music and drinks. A relaxed, coastal take on holiday fun. Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase.
Friday–Saturday, Dec. 12–13
Santa’s Camp Christmas
Friday, Dec. 12, 4–8 p.m. | Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 p.m.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach
Holiday magic fills the park with music, food, kids’ crafts, family activities and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the “North Pole.” Ride Topsy’s Polar Express past Santa’s Workshop and explore festive camp displays. Event admission is free; tickets for Topsy’s Polar Express are a suggested $6 donation per rider and can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite (link from topsailparkfriends.org, search “Santa’s Camp Christmas 2025”).
Saturday, Dec. 13
Yule of Yesteryear
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Heritage Museum of NWFL | Perrine Park, 115 Westview Ave., Val’p
Step back in time for a festive day of old-fashioned holiday fun. Enjoy craft vendors, children’s crafts, a bake sale, school choirs and special activities with the Valparaiso Garden Club and the Walton Guard. Don’t miss a visit from the Grinch, greeting guests from noon to 2 p.m. Free community event; more information at heritagemuseum.org or 850-678-2615.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast: Holiday Pops Spectacular
7:30 p.m. | Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Celebrate the season with a full orchestra, vocalists and a program that blends classics like “Winter Wonderland” with modern hits such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” plus beloved tunes from Broadway and film. A big, bright holiday concert for the whole family. Tickets range from $40–$69.50 and are available through Sinfonia’s ticketing at sinfoniagulfcoast.org (Holiday Pops Spectacular).
Sunday, Dec. 14
Santa Paws
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | AJ’s Grayton Beach
Bring your furry family members for brunch in the courtyard and photos with Santa Paws. Enjoy Tito’s drink specials, live music and plenty of tail-wagging holiday cheer, with rescue partners on site sharing how to adopt or foster this season. Free to attend; food, drinks and optional donations benefit local rescue efforts.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Reindeer Run & Ugly Sweater 5K
Race time varies (morning start) | The Windmills at Hammock Bay | Freeport
Get ready to dash, prance and maybe set a new PR at the 2nd Annual Reindeer Run & Ugly Sweater 5K, sponsored by The Windmills at Hammock Bay! This fun, family-friendly race invites runners and walkers of all ages to don their tackiest sweaters and hit the holiday course while supporting a great cause. All proceeds benefit the South Walton High School Track & Field and Cross Country programs.
Registration required: thewindmillsreindeerdash5k.itsyourrace.com
Sponsor inquiries: Contact Dalton Cooper at 850-974-1539.
Victorian Christmas Tea
1–3 p.m. | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso
Slow down for an elegant afternoon tea complete with Victorian-style décor, light bites and holiday treats. Perfect for girlfriends, mothers and daughters or anyone who loves classic Christmas tradition. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members; RSVP by Dec. 17 at heritagemuseum.org or 850-678-2615.
