The Emerald Coast doesn’t get snow, but it does Christmas well: lighted boat parades on the harbors, Santa arriving at the harbor, tree lightings with fireworks and a downtown Pensacola that turns into a holiday village. Most of it is free, and the mild weather means you can walk the lights in a light jacket. Here are the best Christmas and holiday events on the Emerald Coast for 2026, in date order and by town.
Quick answer
- Boat parades: the Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade on December 13 and the Boat Parade of Lights in Panama City on December 12.
- Month-long festival: Pensacola Winterfest, November 20 through December 24.
- Meeting Santa: Santa arrives at HarborWalk Village and Baytowne Wharf on November 28.
- Tree lightings: Destin Commons on November 20 and the City of Destin on December 3.
- A night of lights: Christmas Reflections around Lake DeFuniak.
November
- City of Destin Holiday Craft Show: Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Destin Community Center. Free.
- Destin Commons Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks: Friday, November 20, 6 to 8 p.m. Free.
- Pensacola Winterfest opens: Friday, November 20, at Plaza Wonderland on Palafox Place, running through December 24. The Elf Parade is free, and character tours and photos run about $9 to $50.
- Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights: Saturday, November 21, 4 to 6 p.m., Village of Baytowne Wharf. Ticketed.
- Beach Home for the Holidays: Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28, Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. Free.
- Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village: Saturday, November 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Destin Harbor. Free.
- Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks at Baytowne Wharf: Saturday, November 28, 6 to 9 p.m. Free.
- Polar Express Movie Night: Sunday, November 29, 6 p.m., Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf. Free.
December
- Baytowne Wednesday Night Concerts, Holiday Edition: Wednesdays, December 2, 9 and 16, 7 to 9 p.m. Free.
- City of Destin Christmas Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Destin Community Center. Free.
- Crestview Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 5, billed as the largest in Okaloosa County. See our Crestview guide.
- City of Destin Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m., along Beach Drive and Harbor Boulevard. Free.
- Tuba Christmas at Baytowne Wharf: Saturday, December 12, 5 to 7 p.m. Free.
- Boat Parade of Lights: Saturday, December 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Panama City Marina. Free for spectators.
- Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade: Sunday, December 13, 6 p.m. Free.
- Santa’s Send-Off Weekend at HarborWalk Village: Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 1 to 4 p.m. Free.
- New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop: Thursday, December 31, from 4 p.m. at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Free.
Holiday lights worth the drive
Christmas Reflections lines Lake DeFuniak with lights that reflect on the water every night, traditionally from the day after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, with the Victorian homes of Circle Drive as a backdrop. Check with the City of DeFuniak Springs for 2026 dates, and see our DeFuniak Springs day trip for where to eat.
In Pensacola, Winterfest turns Palafox Street into a holiday village. Pair it with a walk through Historic Pensacola Village and dinner downtown, using our perfect day in downtown Pensacola.
Tips for the holidays on the coast
- Get there early for boat parades. The best spots along the Destin Harbor boardwalk fill up well before the start time.
- Bring a layer. December evenings on the water can drop into the 50s or cooler.
- Book stays early for Thanksgiving week. It’s a busy week for family trips. Our where to stay on the Emerald Coast guide compares the towns.
- Confirm the day of. Outdoor events can move for weather, so check with the organizer before you go.
Christmas on the Emerald Coast FAQ
When is the Destin Christmas boat parade? The Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Where can kids see Santa near Destin? Santa arrives at HarborWalk Village and at the Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, November 28, and HarborWalk hosts a send-off weekend on December 18 and 19.
What is Pensacola Winterfest? A holiday festival in downtown Pensacola from November 20 through December 24, with a free Elf Parade and ticketed character tours.
See every event on our Christmas and holiday lights page.