There is nothing that pairs better with the holiday season than a sunny beach. Escape the cold back home this year and come join us here at Fort Walton Beach. Our beachside destination features all kinds of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy along with holiday events and festivities. One of the best ways to spend the holiday season is to go check out the Christmas lights hung up in the neighborhoods or at holiday events. You will find some dazzling displays that are worth checking out. Here are the best places to see displays and Christmas lights in Fort Walton Beach:
Winter Wonderland 2024
Each year, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department hosts their Annual Winter Wonderland that is a two-day event for individuals of all ages to enjoy. Winter Wonderland takes place over at Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds where a literal winter wonderland is created from local organizations in the community. The wonderland is made up of a village of Christmas houses that are each uniquely decorated including having Christmas lights strung up around them. You will find creativity all around you with how each house is made up. In addition to the Christmas light display on the houses families can also enjoy bounce houses, meet and greet with Santa Claus and The Grinch, and wrapping paper hockey. Bring a toy or $10 donation to enter one of the amazing raffles with fun prizes. Local food trucks will be on hand and holiday movies will also be shown. Don’t miss out on this year’s Winter Wonderland; keep your eyes peeled for this year’s event dates coming soon!
38th Annual Destin Boat Parade
For over 30 years, the nearby community of Destin has put on their much anticipated event, the Destin Boat Parade. Just as the name suggests this is a yearly parade that is held in Destin Harbor where a variety of boats and vessels take to the water. Each boat is decked out in its best holiday décor that also includes being strung up with countless Christmas lights for everyone to see from the shore. You are sure to see a huge number of boats as the event is always a local favorite with many locals wanting to take part in the fun. Your family will be sure to have a smile on their face as they enjoy this show with everyone around. Make sure to get to the 38th Annual Destin Boat Parade early so you can secure a good viewing area along the harbor. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday December 15th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Join local businesses such as Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House who have patio seating right by the water for you to hang out on during the event!
Fort Walton Beach Christmas Tree Lighting
Like many other cities Fort Walton Beach has its very own Christmas tree that will be erected for the holiday season. Our official tree lighting takes place over at Fort Walton Beach Landing where a variety of activities will take place. This year’s festivities are scheduled to take place on Friday November 29th with activities kicking off at 5:00 PM. The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus will be on hand caroling all of your favorite Christmas songs. Santa Claus and Mayor Dick Rynearson will be on hand for a quick message before the tree lights up for the first time of the season at 5:30 PM. All of the Downtown Fort Walton Beach businesses will shut down their lights at this time so the Christmas tree lights up the night sky. The Fort Walton Beach Christmas tree features thousands of incredible Christmas lights you’re your family with cherish to see in person. This is one tradition here in Fort Walton Beach that you will not want to miss!
Additional Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Fort Walton Beach is situated right on the coast next to many local communities that are a short drive to get to. If you wish to see more tree lightings to get as many holiday lights in as possible you can always jump town to town! The City of Destin also has their very own Christmas Tree Lighting event that features a visit from Santa, hot cocoa, and a performance from the Destin Elementary School Chorus. Navarre Park also has their own tree lighting too with similar activities but on different days. You will be able to see as many Christmas lights as possible this way!
Get Ready for Fort Walton Beach
A sunny holiday getaway is just what the family needs this holiday season. Reserve one of our vacation rentals here in the area and prepare for a dazzling display of Christmas lights in Fort Walton Beach!