November 13, 2025Who says Christmas needs snow? On 30A, the palm trees twinkle, the sand glows under sparkling fairy lights, and the Gulf hums its own carol.
December here means T-shirts by day, sweaters by night, and plenty of cheer in between.
2025 is shaping up to be another season packed with beachside sparkle, community fun, and that cozy “locals know” kind of magic.
THE NUTCRACKER!
The Nutcracker Ballet Act II
- Sunday, November 23, 5-6pm
Join us as we kick off the holiday season with Ballet Pensacola’s enchanting performance of The Nutcracker on Seaside’s Amphitheater Stage. A beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Bring your blankets and chairs, and enjoy this complimentary, first-come holiday classic.
HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOWS THAT SPARKLE
12 Nights of Lights – Baytowne Wharf
The Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration – Grand Boulevard
- November 21, 5-6:30pm
Carriage rides clip-clop down the boulevard, Santa waves, and a jazz band turns “Jingle Bells” into pure magic. It’s classy, merry, and perfectly Grand (Boulevard!). Enjoy the festive parade, live music, the Christmas tree lighting, and a visit from Santa himself.
- After the Parade 6:30-8pm
Photos with Santa: Complimentary family photos in Grand Park
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy free rides in one of two festive carriages
Hot Chocolate Bar: Sip delicious hot cocoa
Neighborhood & Resort Displays
Take a slow drive through Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, and WaterColor, where palm trees and porches shine like movie sets. It’s the kind of drive where you roll down the windows, cue up Mariah, and just grin.
TREE LIGHTINGS & SANTA MOMENTS
Seaside’s Holiday Parade & Turn on the Town
- Saturday, November 29, 3-8pm
3pm: Holiday Parade (Seagrove to Seaside)
5pm: Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting
5-8pm: Photos with Santa in the Christmas Village
When the tree lights up, the crowd goes (Seaside-level) wild. Santa’s there, the music’s merry, and the kids are buzzing with sugar-cookie energy. From the lively 30A parade to the grand tree lighting and live theatre, Turn on the Town is pure Seaside holiday magic.
- December 12-21, 4-6pm
Continue the celebration in the enchanting Christmas Village, where Santa awaits to hear your wishes. Enjoy complimentary photos, festive cheer, and timeless memories in this beloved Seaside tradition.
HOLIDAY MARKETS, PERFORMANCES & FESTIVE EVENTS
Seaside Holiday Market & REP Theatre
- Saturday, December 6, 9am–4pm
- Sunday, December 7, 10am–4pm
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Browse handmade gifts while carols float through the air. Join us in Central Square as local artisans, unique vendors, and festive creators fill the square for holiday shopping!
Then… grab a seat under the stars for The Seaside Repertory Theater’s (REP) Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) at the amphitheater. It’s clever, chaotic, and a little like every family holiday you’ve ever had, just funnier.
Holiday Pops Concert
- Saturday, December 6, 5-7pm
Join us in Seaside as we fill the town with holiday spirit as we listen to the beautiful sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast perform holiday classics in the Amphitheater. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
Rosemary Beach Tour of Homes
- Saturday, December 6
Here’s your chance to peek inside some of 30A’s dreamiest homes, all decked out for the holidays. Take a self-guided stroll through beautifully decorated coastal spaces filled with elegant touches, seaside sparkle, and enough inspiration to light up your whole Christmas season.
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES & UNIQUE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
Ice Skating at Baytowne Wharf
- Friday, October 31st – Sunday, February 8th
An ice rink. In Florida. Because why not? Glide (or wobble) your way around the rink from late October through February and pretend you’re in a snow globe: one with palm trees and 70-degree weather. Times vary daily.
Eden Gardens Candlelight Open House
- Saturday, December 6, 5-8pm
One of 30A’s most peaceful spots turns into a twinkling wonderland (Over 2,000 luminaries will light the paths) for a night of live music, cookies and hot beverages, and a little Old Florida magic. Bring someone you like. It’s that kind of evening.
Santa Paws at AJ’s Grayton Beach
- Sunday, December 14th, 11am-3pm
Dogs. Santa. Brunch. Need we say more? Dress your pup in their holiday best and let them steal the spotlight. It’s all for a great cause (and even better photos). Road Dogg Rescue will host holiday adoptions, with Tito’s Vodka spreading extra cheer!
COMMUNITY, GIVING & FESTIVE SPIRIT
30A’s heart shines brightest this time of year. From toy drives and turkey trots to black-tie galas for a cause, locals make sure everyone feels the warmth. No fireplace required.
Café Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, this beloved gala (Dec 6) raises funds for Caring and Sharing of South Walton, supporting families in need and embodying 30A’s giving spirit.
30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races
Now in its 14th year (Nov 27, Rosemary Beach), this Thanksgiving tradition has nearly reached $1 million in donations to local nonprofits. Run, walk, or cheer for a good cause!
Annual Toys 4 Tots Ride on the Emerald Coast
The 46th annual ride (Nov 16) begins at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, benefiting Children in Crisis and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. Bring a toy or make a donation to join the fun.
The Crab Trap Holiday Toy Drive
Happening Dec 6–7 at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Donate a new toy for Toys for Tots and enjoy free photos with The Grinch plus a free kids’ meal!
Caring and Sharing of South Walton & Local Food Pantries
Year-round, these organizations accept food and monetary donations to support local families. Drop off non-perishables at The Church at the Bay or toys at local fire departments participating in Toys for Tots.
COZY COASTAL TRADITIONS
There’s nothing quite like a beach bonfire on a cool December night… hot cocoa, marshmallows, and laughter carried on the sea breeze. Some swap gifts, some swap stories, and everyone ends up sandy and happy.
Local chefs also bring the holiday flavor, from festive prix-fixe dinners to coastal takes on Christmas classics (think grouper instead of goose).
Beach bonfires with s’mores, hot cocoa, often arranged by private rental companies
Festive dining at local restaurants: coastal interpretations of classic holiday dishes
Holiday markets and events in Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach
Outdoor performances (like Every Christmas Story Ever Told)
Holiday parades and town lighting ceremonies
Unique local touches, like Santa in flip-flops or jingle bell bike rides
RINGING IN 2026
New Year’s Eve on 30A? Think fireworks reflecting off the water, champagne toasts in flip-flops, and friends huddled around fire pits counting down to midnight. No velvet ropes. No freezing cold. Just warm nights and even warmer memories.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS
If you’re dreaming of a coastal Christmas, book early, homes and dinner tables fill fast. Bring layers for those crisp nights, but don’t forget your swimsuit. And skip the traffic when you can: bikes and golf carts were basically invented for this time of year.
A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER
Christmas on 30A is the kind of holiday that sneaks into your heart and stays there.
It’s laid-back, a little sparkly, and full of simple joy, the sound of waves under twinkle lights, families laughing around bonfires, and a Gulf breeze carrying the scent of pine.
Celebrate your way. Pajamas on the porch, dinner by the water, or cocoa on the beach. However you spend it, Oversee wishes you a season as bright and beautiful as 30A itself.
