December 1
The City of Destin’s 36th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held at the Destin Community Center on Thursday, December 1st at 6pm. The outdoor event includes music performances, and a visit from Santa. Donations of one non-perishable food item is requested.
December 3
Crestview’s Annual Christmas Parade, “Sweet Treats of Christmas” is Saturday, December 3rd. The parade takes place with the tree lighting at 5 p.m. followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street and ends at the north end of Main after the Courthouse.
December 3
The Town of Shalimar annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Saturday, December 3rd at 5pm with the lighting at 6pm. Join the countdown with the tree lighting in front of town hall and the lights in Marquee Park. Enjoy music from Megs Middle School and appearance by Santa!
December 3
Join hundreds of other runners in one of the area’s largest running events- the Special Forces Association Jingle Bell Jog-presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union. It’s December 4th in Crestview, with a virtual option! The Annual Jingle Bell Jog is perfect for the entire family, with awards for several age groups, medals for all 10K finishers and a kids fun run. The Jingle Bell Jog is December 4th. Get info here.
December 3
The 7th Annual Niceville Ugly Sweater Run/Walk is Saturday, December 3rd at Hurricane Grill & Wings in Bluewater Bay. The 5K is open to all ages at 8am, with a 1 mile fun run for kids 12 & under. Proceeds benefit the Niceville High School Track & Field Program.
December 3
Pics with Pups & Santa is Saturday, December 3rd from 9 to 2 to benefit Freedom House. Bring yourself, your favorite pet, and your family to get your photos with Santa for the holidays!! It’s 10 dollars per photo at the Niceville Dog Park.
December 3
Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce “Christmas In The Park” is Saturday, December 3rd from 9 to 4. There’s a Jingle Bell Run/Walk at 8am. Plus a Merry Market with local arts and craft vendors, and the Christmas parade at 1 beginning at the Navarre Library.
December 3
Crestview Manor is having a Winter Festival Saturday December 3, 2022. 9 A.M.-2 P.M. at 603 N. Pearl Street, in Crestview. There will have food trucks, Vendors and live music. Also inflatables for the children. All proceeds from this event will go towards facility maintenance . Crestview Manor is a private non-profit 501 (C) (3) . The facility is committed by the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners to provide affordable supportive living for low and modest income elderly and disabled person. For more information, visit https://www.elder-services.org/
December 3rd, 4th and 10th
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. Discover the true meaning of Christmas with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts Gang in this classic adaptation of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Presented by ECTC’s talented Junior Company teen players. There are three chances to watch – Saturday, December 3, at 9:30 a.m., Sunday December 4, at 2:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m.
December 4
The Jingle Jet Movie Matinee is Sunday, December 4th at Suds-n-Cinema, sponsored by ERA American Real Estate. See the movie ELF on the big screen at 2pm with all the ticket money going to Jingle Jet 2022. Buy your tickets and get more information here.
December 5
The City of Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade is Monday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Nursery Rhymes & Fairy Tales.” View the parade all along Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Street.
December 8
Planetarium Special Feature: Sordid Secrets of the Starts.
Discover the sizzling stories behind the constellations in this planetarium event for adults (21+). Explore the Norse legends and mythology hidden in the sky and listen to the action-packed stories of various Norse gods like Thor, Loki, Odin, and Freya. Much like all our Sordid Secrets, this is an adult event, as those wily gods definitely didn’t keep things rated PG!
The Planetarium is an inflatable dome. Guests sit on cushions on the floor of the planetarium to view the show. Due to size, space is limited to 25 patrons at a time. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended for this reason. On show nights, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled showing. In case of no-shows/late shows: reserved spots will be released at show time to make space for the next party. Shows begin at 6 and 7 pm and last approximately 45 minutes.
Seating is limited and very popular. We encourage purchasing your tickets in advance, as this is a first come, first served event. Please call 850-664-1261, stop by the Science Center, or use our online ticketing option to purchase your tickets. The planetarium is sponsored by FPL
Nonmembers: $15 • Members: $13
Ticket price includes access to one showing plus a drink ticket for beer, wine, or soda. Event for guests ages 21 and up
For more information, visit http://ecscience.org/events
December 9
Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s Winter Wonderland is Friday, December 9th from 6pm-10pm. Entry to the wonderland is one new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Stroll down Pallet House Land at Chester Pruitt Park on Hollywood Blvd., drink hot chocolate, meet Santa and your local favorite officers.
December 9 – 11
“Keep a Little Christmas in Your Heart”, A Christmas show put on by the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus. Performances are Friday, December 9 at 7 pm, Saturday, December 10 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 11 at 3 pm at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium.
Join the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus as we sing through a lovely and humorous collection of Christmas songs sure to get you into the holiday spirit. From traditional tunes like “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger” to more modern hand-clapping toe-tapping pieces like “The Big Guy in Red” and “Jingle All the Way”!
December 8 – 18
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Mainstage Holiday Musical
560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Thursday-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec 14 at 2:30 p.m.
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.
December 9
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents: Holiday Pops Featuring The Doo Wop Project – 7:30pm – Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
The Doo Wop Project boys will get you into the holiday spirit. Hear old school Holiday classics like The Drifters’ White Christmas, The Temptations’ Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town along with “Doowopified” contemporary hits like This Christmas and Last Christmas. It’s sure to be a jolly good time. Tickets are $20 to $55 per person. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
December 10
The 38th annual “Elf on the Shelf” Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 10th, at 10 a.m. The floats will begin at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and travel west down Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Avenue. Spectators are asked to stand on the north side of Harbor Boulevard to watch the parade. For those who wish to participate in the parade the application is available online at www.cityofdestin.com/DocumentCenter/View/15248/Christmas-Parade-Application.
Applications must be received no later than Thursday, December 1st, and can be dropped off in person at the Destin Community Center (101 Stahlman Ave), faxed to 850-654-8998, or email to recreation@cityofdestin.com. In lieu of an entry fee, each applicant must donate a toy, which will be given to a local charity. All donations can be dropped off at the Destin Community Center.
December 10
Reindeer Dash 5K/10K on Saturday, December 10th at 8am. The run is through downtown Fort Walton Beach with an awards ceremony afterwards at KC’s Sandbar. The event benefits Toys for Tots
December 10
The Niceville – Valparaiso Community Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 10th at 10am, on Marc Smith Blvd, sponsored by the Rotary Club.
December 10 & 11
The Gulf Breeze Zoo 4th annual Christmas ZOObilee is December 10th and 11th from 11-3 at the zoo. The fun includes live music, holiday market, The Grinch & Santa, and so much more around the entire zoo.
December 11
Billy Claus, Santa’s warm weather-loving brother, pays a visit to Lulu’s in Destin on Sunday, December 11th. Stop by from 1-3, get your photo taken with Billy, share you wish list, and enjoy fun activities…as well as Storytime with Lucy Buffett.
December 11
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra performs festive favorite as at free holiday concert. The program begins at 5pm at Destin High School. For information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra email Margaret Gordon at (850) 460-8800.
December 14th & 17th
Let the Christmas Cabaret at the Boulevard to sing you into the Christmas spirit, Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m. Mix, mingle and enjoy live musical selections performed by our talented actors. Enjoy classic holiday songs and join in some carols as well. Like a mug of hot cocoa, this limited-run event will warm your heart and get you in the holiday spirit!
These performances will be staged in ECTC’s main space located on the second floor of 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach. Tickets range from $12 – $40 depending on the show. There is an additional processing fee for ticket purchases. Purchase tickets online at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
December 21 – 23
Join Emerald Coast Science Center from 10am to 3pm each day with Winter Workshop activities starting at 10:30am. All activities included with general admission:
DECEMBER 21: COL-AR: SCIENCE MEETS MAGIC
Our Augmented Reality coloring technology creates engaging, immersive coloring experiences. Watch your holiday pictures come to life with COL-AR! Color beautiful winter masterpieces from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pictures can be taken home without the AR technology. After the workshop, head over to the Reptile Room and enjoy a Creature Feature from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 22: HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS
Make your own holiday ornament using our 3D pens: Christmas trees, Santa hats, reindeer…what magical ornaments can you create to take home and hang on your own tree? Stop by our workshop and get to crafting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Then head on over to play sciPad winter games from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 23: THE GREAT OZOCLAUS
Help Ozoclaus don his hat and deliver presents to the houses of the good girls and boys before the time runs out on Christmas Eve. Can you avoid the Grinch and get home to the North Pole by Christmas morning? Complete the mission between 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Then head on over to play sciPad winter games from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
General admission pricing applies. $12 adults/$10 seniors/$10 kids/ages 2 and under free. Learn more: http://ecscience.org/events
December 28 – 30
The holiday break isn’t over yet! Enjoy the museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day with special activities beginning at noon. All activities are included with general admission. Spaces for the Creature Feature available on a first come, first served basis.
December 28 & 29 – Don’t miss our Creature Features from 12:00-12:30 p.m. Then dash over to join in on winter games from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the sciPad.
December 30 – Make peppermint polymers and fizzy candy canes from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Then dash over to join in on winter games from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the sciPad.
General admission pricing applies. $12 adults/$10 seniors/$10 kids/ages 2 and under free. Learn more: http://ecscience.org/events
January 20 – 29
“The Odd Couple” Emerald Coast Theatre Company Mainstage Comedy
560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Clash of the Titans has nothing on Oscar and Felix. When Oscar the slob and fastidious Felix decide to room together, hilarity ensues as the two have a showdown of epic proportions. A Broadway classic that never goes out of style, “The Odd Couple” is non- stop comedy you won’t want to miss.
January 21
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents: Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration – 7:30m Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Get Happy celebrates the life and artistry of the legendary Judy Garland. Broadway’s Jessica Vosk brings Garland’s unforgettable songbook back to life, accompanied by rare performance footage and interviews of The Judy Garland Show with nostalgic outtakes of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra that make an entertaining trip down memory lane. This one-night-only celebration of an artist whose legacy continues to inspire fans around the world. Tickets are $20 to $55 per person. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
January 28
Sip & Science: Mardi Gras, 6pm-9pm. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let the good times roll. We’re bringing Mardi Gras magic to this Sip & Science, and you don’t want to miss this night at the museum.
Between our Bourbon Street bead toss, Canal Street coin challenge, and Mardi Gras sciPad trivia, this night will transport you to New Orleans–literally! Snap your photo in front of our green screen and pose with your krewe in front of some of The Big Easy’s most famous locations. Carnival season has arrived!
Buy tickets online now and save! Early Bird pricing: $20 for Science Center members • $25 nonmembers
Tickets purchased day-of: $25 for Science Center members • $30 nonmembers
Ticket price includes admission, access to regular and special museum exhibits, drink tickets for adult beverages (beer, wine, and Hurricane Punch), and food. Guests age 21+ (IDs will be checked at the door)http://bit.ly/sip-science-mardi-gras
February 10 – 19
“The Last Five Years”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Cabaret Stage: Dramatic Musical
560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m, Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically. The two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show. With brilliantly intricate music that is both gorgeous and heartbreaking, “The Last Five Years” is a beautifully compelling chronicle in the book of love.
February 23
Planetarium Special Feature: Stars & Stories of Africa. Celebrate Black History Month with a special planetarium event! Space is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Celebrate Black History Month with a special planetarium event! We’ll travel the cosmos to learn more about the ancient Kush people, exactly what the Kenyan Borana Star Calendar was, and identify the Swahili names for the planets. You’ll get to hear African folklore stories and even discover how enslaved African Americans were able to follow the stars to freedom in the north.
Shows begin at 6 and 7 p.m. All shows last approximately 45 minutes.
Our Planetarium is an inflatable dome. Guests sit on cushions on the floor of the planetarium to view the show. Space is limited, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended for this reason. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled showing. In case of no-shows/late shows: reserved spots will be released at show time to make space for the next party.
Seating is limited and very popular. We encourage purchasing your tickets in advance, as this is a first come, first served event. Please call 850-664-1261, stop by the Science Center, or use our online ticketing option to purchase your tickets.
Our planetarium is powered by FPL
Nonmember $12 Adult • $10 Child • $10 Senior, Member $10 Adult • $8 Child • $8 Senior
Planetarium Special Feature shows do not qualify for free member admission; reduced pricing is available for members.http://ecscience.org/events
February 24 – March 5, 2023
“Steel Magnolias”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Mainstage Dramatic Comedy
560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Make an appointment at Truvy’s Beauty Salon and get all the latest gossip from Shelby, M’Lynn, and the rest of the magnolias as they navigate life’s greatest joys and tragedies. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, you will find a little piece of yourself in each of the characters. Filled with so much heart and warmth, Steel Magnolias touches on the gentle strength and courage that every woman carries within them as they support each other through the good times and bad.
February 24 & 26, 2023
Crescendo! 2023 – February 24, 2023| 6PM, February 26, 2023|11:30AM
This highly anticipated event extravaganza kicks off on Friday with a series of intimate Vintner Dinners. On Sunday, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will transform into a chic ebony and ivory-themed fete. Crescendo! Main Event features world-class vintners and spirit purveyors, delectable bites, a seated lunch, amazing auction items and live entertainment. Tickets are $195. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education programs. SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
March 11, 2023
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents Classical Connections Featuring Geneva Lewis, Violin – 7:30 pm – Destin High School
New Zealand-born violinist Geneva Lewis has forged a reputation as a musician of consummate artistry whose performances speak from and to the heart. Lauded for “remarkable mastery of her instrument” and hailed as “clearly one to watch,” Lewis is the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Lewis has performed with prominent musicians such as Jonathan Biss, Glenn Dicterow, Miriam Fried, Kim Kashkashian, Gidon Kremer, Marcy Rosen, Sir András Schiff, and Mitsuko Uchida, among many others. Tickets are $15 to $35 per person. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
April 21-23, 2023
The Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival is on April 21-23, 2023 at the Ft. Walton Beach landing. This is a free event, showcasing Native American dancing, drumming, playing flute and singing. There will also be vendors and great food, especially Native American Fry Bread. Get more details at https://www.musicalechoes.org
April 29, 2023
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents Beethoven Vs Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants – 7:30pm – Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Description: Beethoven Vs. Coldplay transforms the Eroica into an oratorio, weaving the melodies and lyrics of Coldplay into the original Beethoven, pairing them together based on content and context. It is the alternate Eroica Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Three vocalists join the full symphony, and conductor/composer Steve Hackman alternates between conducting the orchestra and playing the piano. Many of Coldplay’s most well-known songs are interpolated, including Yellow, Viva La Vida, Clocks, and The Scientist. Tickets are $20 to $55 per person. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
May 5 – 14, 2023
“The Sound of Music”
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Mainstage Family Musical
560 Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the world’s most beloved musical based on the true story of the Von Trapp family. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number “The Sound of Music,” this is one inspiring musical that brings joy to audiences of all ages.
