The Best Things to Do on 30A This Week – Dec 8-14

Looking for the most festive, feel-good things to do on 30A this week? From candlelit concerts and open-air markets to cozy carriage rides and Santa sightings, the coast is bursting with holiday magic. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping something cheerful, or snapping a selfie with the Grinch, there’s a little joy waiting around every corner.

1. Shop, Dine, and Mingle This Holiday Season

Wrap up your gift list and make new connections at this festive networking lunch featuring local vendors, delicious food, and a holiday donation drive to support families in need. Hosted at Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort, it’s the perfect midday mix of cheer, community, and commerce.

Holiday Networking & Shop Local Lunch / Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. @ TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort by Vacasa

2. Unplugged Magic: A Candlelit Tribute to The Police

A hauntingly beautiful acoustic set by Killer Robot Army reimagines The Police’s greatest hits in the warm glow of candlelight. Held inside the intimate SOWAL House, this one-night performance promises stripped-back soul and unforgettable atmosphere.

The Police (Tribute): Unplugged, by Candlelight / Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. @ SOWAL House

3. Holiday THIRDsday Open Studios Bash

Step inside the Warehouses of Santa Rosa Beach for a festive evening of art, music, and holiday shopping. Mingle with local makers, explore open studios, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts straight from the artists themselves.

Holiday Thursday / Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. @ Artists Warehouse of South Walton

4. Carriage Rides and Christmas Lights at Grand Boulevard

Clip-clop through the twinkling streets of Grand Park in a horse-drawn carriage decked out for the season. This free holiday tradition brings cozy charm and photo-worthy magic to Friday and Saturday evenings in December.

Holiday Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in December / Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Grand Boulevard

5. Santa’s Camp Christmas at Topsail Hill

All aboard for a night of holiday wonder featuring Topsy’s Polar Express, crafts, carols, and cheerful visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This free family event brings festive spirit to the heart of the preserve.

Santa’s Camp Christmas / Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

6. Grinchmas at Baytowne Wharf

Snap a photo with the Mean One himself, then stick around for a festive screening of The Grinch under the stars. It’s a mischievous twist on holiday fun the whole family will love.

Grinchmas / Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5 p.m. @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf

7. Kidpreneurs Take Over: 30A Children’s Business Fair

Watch creativity and courage come to life as young entrepreneurs, ages 4 to 14, launch real businesses and sell their handmade goods at this one-day holiday market. From dog treats to art, it’s a joyful celebration of innovation, hustle, and community spirit.

Holiday Market: Children’s Business Fair / Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. @ The Big Chill

8. Brunch with Santa at Old Florida Fish House

Feast on holiday favorites while Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves mingle table to table at this festive waterfront brunch. Bring the whole family for great food, photo ops, and Christmas cheer by the bay.

Brunch Buffet with Santa / Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Old Florida Fish House

9. 12th Annual Grayt Santa Pub Crawl

Dress festive, drink merry, and jingle all the way through Grayton Beach’s favorite bars at this spirited holiday crawl. With live music, costume contests, and free shuttles between stops, it’s the ultimate night of coastal Christmas revelry. Click here to check out the venues and to register!

12th Annual Grayt Santa Pub Crawl-Red Bar / Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. @ Red Bar

10. Merry & Bright Market at The Market Shops

Sip, shop, and soak up the season at this festive afternoon market featuring local makers, holiday bites, reindeer pony rides, and free Santa photos. It’s a family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and coastal cheer.

2nd Annual Merry & Bright Market / Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. @ The Market Shops

To keep up-to-date with daily 30A events and other fun things happening here at the beach, bookmark the 30A Events page, and download the free 30A iPhone and 30A Android apps.