How to Spend the Holidays on 30A - 30A

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How to Spend the Holidays on 30A

If you’re lucky enough to have a white-sand Christmas this year, 30A offers plenty of activities to celebrate the holidays.

Our beach communities go all out decking up entire neighborhoods in festive holiday lights. So enjoy the slight nip in the air and take a walking tour.

Besides that, check out our round-up of events leading up to Christmas:

1. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Carolers & Photos with Santa

Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a complimentary professional photo with Santa while listening to the seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s Dickensian Carolers singing popular holiday carols.

When: 5 pm – 8 pm – December 2 – 17 | Friday and Saturday nights. 5 pm – 8 pm – December 2 – 17 December 19-23 (all week)



Venue: Grand Boulevard, 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

2. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem and soon everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s now up to the Bradleys to help the community see the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. For more information regarding performance times and to purchase tickets click here.

When: 7:30 p.m. December 8-18
Venue: Grand Boulevard, 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

3. 12 nights of Lights

Enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to a Holly Jolly Christmas. This Sparkling event will be featured during the special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series hosted at the Village. Watch three dazzling shows on the Village tree at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Also, Make your Christmas an almost-white one by visiting the ice skating rink at the Village Baytowne Wharf. The popular Baytowne on Ice will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day.

When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in December
Venue: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

4. Santa’s Camp Christmas

Join the family fun at the second annual “Camp Christmas” at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on December 9th and 10th! There will be many activities for the kids, including crafts, music, and food! Families can take our Topsy’s Polar Express past Santa’s Workshop and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus up at the North Pole! Kids will be able to mail their letters to Santa there as well. Time for some Holiday Shopping?? We have some fantastic gifts available at our Silent Auction open both evenings. Our local artists have shown their support, and many of the Artist of the Year winners have pieces available to put under your tree.

Time: 4-8 p.m., Friday, December 9 and 3-8 p.m., Saturday, December 10
Venue: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

5. Winter Extravaganza

Mark your calendars for our Winter Extravaganza. There will be fun for everyone, including a special visit from Santa himself. This year, you can also make donations for their food drive, so please bring any non-perishable goods you can spare!
When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, December 10
Venue: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, 4956 State Hwy 20 East, Freeport, FL 32439

6. Santa Paws

Calling all dog lovers! Santa will be on-site at Aj’s Grayton Beach on Sunday, Dec 11th from 11AM till 3PM visiting with all his furry friends. Bring your fur pups for brunch in our outdoor courtyard and get their photo taken with Santa. Enjoy Tito’s Drink specials, and live music with TJ & Brad, and grab some Tito’s swag for your favorite fur baby from Tito’s team.

When: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Sunday, December 11
Venue: AJ’s Grayton Beach, 63 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach, FL 32459

7. Holiday Concert Series and Visits with Santa

Visit with St. Nick and share your holiday wish list! Join us December 14th, and 21st from 6 -8 p.m. for a Holiday Concert and Visits with Santa.

When: December 14 and 21 from 6 -8 p.m.



Venue: The Village of Baytowne Wharf. 9100 Baytowne Blvd, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

8.  The MEAN One

During this holiday season, put a little snark in your holiday spirit with The MEAN One on December 16th! Meet the maven of mischief himself for a photo opportunity from 5 – 7 pm, then enjoy a movie showing of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7 pm. Don’t miss out on this Who-liday spectacular!

When: 5 p.m., Friday, December 16
Venue: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

9. Photos with Santa

Here comes Santa Claus! Join us in SEASIDE® for complimentary photos with Santa at the Lyceum Tree, between Seaside Yacht Club and Cabana by The Seaside Style.

Time: 4-5 p.m., December 16-22
Venue: Seaside Lyceum Lawn, Smolian Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

10. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) 

Kick off the magic and wonder of the holiday season as Every Christmas Story Ever Told goes on tour! During Thanksgiving week, spread some holiday cheer as we take performances of our beloved holiday smash-hit to Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside. It’s the perfect way to begin the holiday season and get festive! Every Christmas Story Ever Told Tour performances are complimentary event thanks to The Merchants of Rosemary Beach, the Alys Foundation, and the Seaside Merchants.

When: 3 p.m., Saturday, December 10
Venue: NatureWalk at Watersound Origins, 37 Pennekamp Ln, Watersound, Florida 32461

11. Rosemary Beach Holiday Markets

30A Farmers Market at Rosemary Beach will host a special Holiday Market on Sunday, December 18th, and Thursday, December 22nd & 29th in North Barrett Square. Stroll under the trees in this beautiful park and visit with farmers, makers, and bakers.

When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – December 18, December 22, December 29
Venue: North Barrett Square, North Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach,

12. The Farmers Market at Grand Boulevard

Local small businesses bring a lovely brand-new farmers market to Grand Boulevard. Come shop with local farmers, bakers, local fresh seafood and gourmet, beef, local honey, fresh pressed juices, and much more!

When: 9 am – 1 pm – December 21, 24, 28,  31
Venue: Grand Boulevard

13. Candy Land Christmas

The Watersound community invites you to join them for Candy Land Christmas on Friday, December 23rd, from 4 – 8P M under The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Free and open to the public. Enjoy live music, face painting, train rides, bounce houses & slides. Sip hot cocoa with ready-to-eat foods. Shop the farmers’ market featuring culinary goods as well as clothing, jewelry, and holiday gifts. Be sure to stick around for a meet and greet with Santa from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.!

When: 4-8 p.m., Friday, December 23
Venue: The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center, 75 Origins Main Street, Watersound, FL 32461

14. Baytowne on Ice

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

Time: October 30th – February 5th. Hours vary daily.
Venue: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

15.  Score a Holiday Deal at a 30A Store near you.

Don’t forget to visit the 30A Stores in Gulf PlaceSeagrove, and Rosemary Beach and enjoy fun, festive decor as you browse our Holiday Collection and great specials on gear up to 40% until stocks last! Don’t forget to grab a cold 30A Beach Blonde (or a steaming cup of coffee) while you’re there.

If we missed anything, please let us know. Happy Holidays 30A!

 

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