Top Reasons to Celebrate the Winter Holidays in Destin

It’s time to start planning for the winter holidays, and Destin, Florida provides families a fantastic location for a fun and enviable coastal holiday celebration. Whether you're seeking a location for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve, here are some of the top reasons to celebrate the holidays in Destin, Florida:

Destin Vacation Rentals Provide a Comfortable Home for the Holidays.

From spacious beach homes and comfortable condos to cozy townhomes and villas, Newman-Dailey's vast array of Destin vacation rentals can accommodate groups from two to 22. Each vacation rental comes equipped with a full kitchen as well as a washer and dryer, providing the conveniences of home within a beautiful beachside setting. The best part is that when the celebration is over you won't spend your time cleaning the house after all the guests leave. You'll head home knowing the only thing you missed out on was the holiday housework and what you gained were special memories that will last a lifetime!

The Relaxed Coastal Setting. 

Whether you’re six or 66, everyone in the family will enjoy the relaxed setting and sugar-white sand beaches. Be sure to gather for a famed beach sunset photograph. Whether you take photos with your phone, schedule one of the local professional photographers for a portrait, or just take a selfie while toasting the sun setting into the Gulf, you'll be thrilled you didn't miss out. Cheers!

Thanksgiving Feasts Taste Better at the Beach.

Thanksgiving at the beach is an unforgettable experience. Whether you decide to prepare your favorite holiday recipes in a gourmet kitchen, enjoy a take-home holiday meal from Whole Foods, Honey Baked Ham, or Sarah K’s Gourmet, or simply head out to one of the popular local restaurants for a holiday feast served right to your table, meals just taste better when eaten in a scenic coastal setting. It is easy to give thanks when you're feeling blessed at the beach. Discover the many options for Thanksgiving meal options in Destin. 

Destin Holiday Events and Activities.

There are a wide array of Destin holiday events and activities that take place along Florida's Emerald Coast. Here’s some of the highlights: 

Nov 1 - Dec. 31 - The Ice Skating Rink at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a seasonal treat and a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The first hour of each day is reserved for "kid's skate" for youths 11 years-of-age and under.

Nov. - Dec. – Holidays kick off with Santa’s arrival around town. From appearances at HarborWalk Village to Village of Baytowne Wharf to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Santa brings holiday cheer and kids enjoy free activities while sharing their Christmas wish list with Santa Claus.  Times and locations vary.

Nov. 20 - An Evening of Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights will take place on the beautifully decorated streets of Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin and feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf's choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights. Learn more and purchase tickets ($45 in advance) online at http://www.baytownesparklingwinefest.com/.

Nov. 25 - 30A 10K, 5K and Fun Run in Rosemary Beach has become an annual tradition, kicking off Thanksgiving at the Beach. For more information or to register visit https://30a10k.com/

Nov. 27 – The Turn on the Town Parade combines the small-town atmosphere of Seaside, Florida with holiday cheer. The parade begins at 4 p.m. on Scenic Hwy 30A in Seagrove Beach and proceeds west to the town of Seaside. At 5 p.m., the Town of Seaside hosts holiday festivities and pictures with the jolly-bearded one. Then, the master of ceremonies invites kids to the stage to sing to the crowd and the countdown begins to illuminate the town.

Dec. 10 - Holiday Pops featuring Nicholas Rodriguez will be Sinfonia Gulf Coast's most festive holiday concert of the year. The performance features singer/actor Nicholas Rodriguez and many of your favorite holiday classics with a festive twist. Bring the entire family to this performance with all of your holiday favorites featuring the incredible vocal selections of Mr. Rodriguez. From holiday classics to Broadway to the great American Songbook, this performance is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. Purchase tickets online.

Dec. 12 - The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer during the Annual Destin Boat Parade. Visitors are invited to enjoy live music, children’s arts and crafts, and hot chocolate. Visit with Santa Claus from 12-4 p.m. Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m.

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve celebrations are happening all along the Emerald Coast. HarborWalk Village, Village of Baytowne Wharf, Solaris Yacht, Seaside, and Pier Park all have special festivities and countdowns for all ages to ring in the New Year. Celebrate with us and welcome 2020 with a coastal flair!

Support the Local Community

Don't miss out on holiday giving! There are many local organizations that need support, especially during the holidays. Join the Newman-Dailey team in supporting a local family in need through the Fresh Start Program or donate unopened food items to Food for Thought, which provides more than 3,000 backpacks with snacks and easy-to-prepare meals each week to students on free and reduced lunch. We collect unopened food items, including peanut butter, snack packs, apple sauce, can soups, granola, etc., at any of the Newman-Dailey office locations. 

It's Time to Book Your Holiday Beach Celebration

The beaches of South Walton and Destin are filled with holiday celebrations and good cheer so be sure not to miss out by reserving your favorite Destin vacation rental for the holidays. View our premier Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to find the perfect beach rental for your holiday celebration. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee and no hidden fees.

We look forward to welcoming you to the beach for your holiday celebration!