Animoré Weekend of Compassion for Animals
Friday–Saturday, Nov. 7–8 | Alaqua Animal Refuge, Freeport
Alaqua’s signature weekend fundraiser returns! Friday’s 100 Point + Cult Wine Dinner (5 p.m.) features rare vintages, gourmet dining by Café Thirty-A, and a live auction. Saturday’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) brings live music, local food and family fun for a great cause. Tickets required. Details: alaqua.org
33rd Annual Flutterby Arts Festival
Sunday, Nov. 9 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Watersound Town Center
Celebrate art, creativity, and the Monarch migration with family activities, student art exhibits, and a whimsical butterfly parade. Free and family-friendly. Info: culturalartsalliance.com
Birds & Brews
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, 4956 St. Hwy. 20 E, Freeport
Sip, stroll, and spot native species at this fun mix of birdwatching and brews. Enjoy local craft beer and guided nature walks through the beautiful Biophilia Center grounds.
Free admission. Details: eowilsoncenter.org
Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration
Friday, Nov. 21 | 5 p.m. | Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade, live entertainment and the lighting of Grand Boulevard’s towering Christmas tree.
Free community event. Info: grandboulevard.com
Ruthlake Farm Christmas Market
Friday–Saturday, Nov. 21–22 | Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Shop unique holiday gifts from local vendors, enjoy Santa photos, raffles, and festive cheer—all while supporting small businesses. Free admission. Info: ruthlakefarm.com
Christmas at the Garden
Friday–Sunday, Nov. 28–30 | The Garden at Peach Creek, 4401 U.S. Hwy. 98 E, Santa Rosa Beach
Get in the spirit with fresh trees, wreaths, garlands, kids’ crafts, hot cocoa and photos with The Real Santa of 30A (Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.). Free admission. Info: facebook.com/TheGardenatPeachCreek
Turn on the Town & Seaside Holiday Parade
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 3 p.m. | Scenic Highway 30A, Seaside
Join Seaside for its charming holiday parade and tree lighting. Enjoy vintage cars, joyful music, and family festivities by the Gulf. Free event. Info: seasidefl.com
Mistletoe Market
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 3 p.m. | Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs
Shop local vendors, sip cocoa, and enjoy live holiday entertainment at this festive small-town market. Free admission. Info: defuniaksprings.net
Here Comes Santa Claus
Saturday, Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Santa arrives in style for Baytowne’s annual holiday kickoff, complete with festive lights, music, and a fireworks finale! Free admission. Info: baytownewharf.com
Freeport “Story Book Christmas” Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6 | Check-in 1:30–4 p.m. | Parade begins 5 p.m. | Downtown Freeport
One of Freeport’s favorite holiday traditions returns! The “Story Book Christmas” Parade invites individuals, businesses, clubs, churches, and organizations to bring their favorite tales to life with festive floats, cars, golf carts, trucks, motorcycles, horses, tractors, bikes or marching groups.
The 1-mile parade route begins at Freeport Learning School Track & Field (360 Kylea Laird Drive) and travels left on Business 331, right on State Highway 20 W, left on 83A E, then left on North Street before dispersing. Float Judging: 4–4:45 p.m. (entries arriving after 4 p.m. not eligible for awards)
Note: No Santa costumes, please — Santa makes his own special appearance!
Applications and liability forms are due by Nov. 28. Entries may be submitted online, by mail, or dropped off at Freeport City Hall (112 State Hwy. 20 W). Approved entries will receive confirmation by email. Free to attend and open to the community. Float registration: freeportfl.rja.revize.com/forms/10179
