Upcoming Christmas Parades and Festivals in Okaloosa County

Okaloosa County is buzzing with holiday spirit as Santa Claus continues to make appearances throughout the area. As the season unfolds, there are still a variety of events taking place from the southern end of the county all the way to the north. Here's a detailed look at some of the exciting happenings in the coming days.

Destin

December 13 – Destin Christmas Parade

Destin’s 41st annual Christmas Parade is set for 10 a.m. on December 13. This year’s theme is “Seashells and Sleigh Bells.” Those interested in participating with a float can apply at the Destin Community Center. Instead of an entry fee, each participant is encouraged to donate a new toy, personal products such as cologne or perfume, or a monetary contribution. The deadline to submit an application is December 5.

The parade will begin at the Destin Methodist Church parking lot (200 Beach Drive), travel down Beach Drive, and then west along Harbor Boulevard (U.S. 98) to Stahlman Avenue. For safety reasons, spectators are advised to stay on the north side of U.S. 98 while watching the parade.

December 14 – Holly Jolly at the Harbor

On December 14, Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park on Destin Harbor will be the center of activity for the City’s Holly Jolly at the Harbor event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can enjoy market activities. From 3 to 5 p.m., there will be refreshments, cookie decorating, and oyster crafts sponsored by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Performers including the Fort Walton Beach Brass Band and Destin High Band will also take the stage. Santa may even make a surprise appearance around 4 p.m.

This outdoor event welcomes furry friends and collects donations of unopened, nonperishable items for families in need.

December 14 – Holiday Boat Parade

The annual Holiday Boat Parade on Destin Harbor is scheduled for 6 p.m. on December 14. Registration is open for this event, which is organized by the Destin History and Fishing Museum. All types of boats, from private to charter, tour boats, and sailboats, are welcome.

The lighted boat parade will be visible from the docks and restaurants from Harbor Docks to HarborWalk Village. Judging will occur from the SkyBar at The Edge restaurant on the harbor.

Fort Walton Beach

December 12-13 – Winter Wonderland

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s annual Winter Wonderland event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on December 12 and 13 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center. Activities include games, movies for children, raffle prizes, food trucks, and local vendors selling their goods. A Christmas village made from recycled and decorated shipping pallets will also be on display.

Businesses or organizations interested in building a pallet house or participating as a vendor should contact Lt. Stalls at kstalls@fwb.org. The event takes place at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, located at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard.

Niceville/Valparaiso

December 13 – Niceville-Valparaiso Christmas Parade

Originally scheduled for December 6, the Niceville-Valparaiso Christmas Parade has been rescheduled to December 13 at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “Unite for the Holidays.” The parade, hosted by the Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club, will start at the intersection of Palm Boulevard and John Sims Parkway, heading west on John Sims and then turning north onto Partin Drive. It will conclude at the parking lot of Ruckel Middle School.

Participants are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots drive.

December 12 and 13 – A Very Niceville Christmas Celebration

From 5 to 8 p.m. on December 12 and 13, the Niceville Municipal Complex will transform into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy hayrides, live music, food, photo opportunities, hot cocoa, cake walks, story time, and a letter to Santa station.

The Children’s Park will host a holiday movie under the stars on Friday evening, followed by Santa in the Park on Saturday.

Crestview

December 13 – Crestview Christmas Village

Crestview will host its first Christmas Village from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 13 at Twin Hills Park, 260 N. Hathaway St. Visitors can stroll through the village, shop at the holiday market, enjoy carols, and meet Santa.

Other Area Events

DeFuniak Springs – Christmas Reflections

This event, which began on November 28 and runs through December 31, takes place nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. More than 10 million lights will illuminate the lake in DeFuniak Springs at Chipley Park, with various Christmas displays scattered throughout the park. It is a walk or drive-around event.

Sandestin – Tuba Christmas

On December 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., tuba players from across the state will gather at the Village of Baytown Wharf for a Christmas concert. The event is free and open to the public.