Photos By Susan Gunn

Come December, our beach communities transform into picturesque wonderlands with hundreds of holiday lights and decked up trees delighting travelers and locals alike. As 2020 draws to a close, we need magic more than ever.

We invite you to virtually navigate through some of the most festive attractions lighting up the beach this year:

WATERCOLOR

Four friends shine in the lights of Cerulean Park in Watercolor.

Starlight, star bright, Watercolor decks the night.

The gaslit homes found throughout WaterColor create a magical landscape in their own right, but WaterColor’s Cerulean Park takes the Christmas Cake with its stunning tree.

SEASIDE

These three local friends were having a last evening walk together at Seaside before one of them was to move away the following morning.

What a beautiful scene in Seaside this is! Long exposure capture of a blue evening with cars slowly passing behind on Quincy Circle.

Seaside in the late afternoon.

The Pyramid at Seaside

A simple Christmas tree stands proudly in the center of the Seaside amphitheater, directly on Scenic 30A along Airstream Row, and indeed the entire town is lit with twinkling holiday lights, making Seaside a perfect spot for a stroll to get into the holiday spirit.

ALYS BEACH

Alys Beach in the early evening.

Alys Beach in the late afternoon light.

The Perch in Alys Beach even bears a wreath while under renovation against the backdrop of a beautiful December sunset.

Alys Beach bathed in a soft glow.

Simple. Elegant. That’s Alys Beach’s trademark style, and their holiday decorations are no exception. Their massive tree is surrounded by a wonderful abundance of gorgeous gifts. Of course, Alys Beach is no stranger to pretty lights: Their annual Digital Graffiti festival is the “can’t miss” spectacle each year.

ROSEMARY BEACH

The lights of Barrett Square reflecting in the puddles of a rainy night in Rosemary Beach.

2020 has been a different kind of year. This little one marveling at the Barrett Square Tree in Rosemary Beach makes one feel hopeful for the coming year.

In Rosemary Beach, Christmas lights are draped throughout the live oaks all along North and South Barrett square, giving the entire town a soft, magical glow. While the tree in the south by Rosemary Beach’s Town Hall is given velvet rope VIP treatment, it’s the fountain positioned directly on Scenic Highway 30A that steals the tree-lit show. Looking for a daytime show? Check out 30A’s live webcam in Rosemary Beach, live from high atop Pescado’s stunning rooftop.

GRAYTON BEACH

Welcome all to the festive Red Bar in Grayton Beach. So glad she’s back!

Check out festive lights from 2019 HERE.

Craving even more holiday cheer? Check out our 30A Event Calendar for all of the best beach holiday celebrations.