Bring on The Holiday Cheer With Christmas in Destin

 If you’re ready to ditch the cold weather and snow for the holidays this year, come spend Christmas in Destin FL! Enjoy an underrated holiday enjoying sunny days and emerald waters this year and celebrate with us in Destin.

Let’s take a look at some of the top things to do for Christmas in Destin Florida. We’ll also provide some details about accommodations available from The Islander Resort.

Christmas in Destin

Break with the usual weather and traditions for Christmas and head down to one of the most beautiful and famous areas of Florida to celebrate this year.

While beaches and boardwalks do not seem like the usual holiday fare, you’ll find Destin to be a very festive site when it comes to celebrating Christmas. There are lights, parades, and even a tree lighting ceremony!

Tree Lighting

The tree lighting ceremony typically takes place in late November or early December, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Past ceremonies have not only featured Santa arriving with the Christmas parade, but face painting, goodie bags, a photo booth, performances by a chorus, and other fun and festive activities.

The 2023 event, which marks the 37th year, will take place on Thursday, November 30th at the Destin Community Center.

12 Nights of Lights

It’s not Christmas in Destin without lights, and it delivers every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights throughout December with stunning light shows to celebrate the Christmas holiday. The event offers three light shows each of the three nights, at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Each show is set to holiday music. On Wednesdays, the show is part of the weekly Night Concert Series. This is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in Destin.

Holiday light display

The Wednesday Night Concert Series during December not only includes the light show, but it also boasts visits from Santa as the crowd sings along with holiday classics.

These sparkling shows take place at the Village tree/Event Plaza lawn.

Christmas Parade

Another Christmas in Destin tradition is the Annual Christmas Parade. This year will be the 39th Annual Christmas Parade on December 9th. Each year the parade is themed; for 2023, the theme is “A Christmas Vacation.” The parade includes floats, dancers, local performing bands, cars and golf carts decked out in holiday decorations, and of course, Santa.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. The route begins at the Destin Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, and follows Beach Drive to Harbor Boulevard, where it will travel west to Stahlman Avenue.

Another great holiday parade is the annual boat parade. Festive boats adorned in holiday lights and décor will move up the Harbor from Boshamps Restaurant and past HarborWalk Village and to Norriego Point.

The 37th Annual Boat Parade takes place on December 10th at 9 p.m.

Plan Your Visit

Make your Christmas in Destin dreams a reality - browse our entire inventory of condo rentals in Destin to find your perfect holiday accommodations!

Enjoy the Beach

With Destin’s weather generally remaining in the 70s and even 80s, you can break from traditional holiday celebrations and spend some time on the beach during your Christmas in Destin vacation. Whether it’s a just a walk along the shoreline or soaking up some rays for the day, the beaches in Destin are open for business for the holidays.

Don’t be surprised to see some people donning Santa hats, some snowman sand sculptures, and maybe even a decorated Christmas tree as people sunbathe, fish, and enjoy a beautiful sunny day.

Stay With The Islander Resort

Spoil yourself this holiday season by staying at the incredible Islander Resort. Our Destin condo rentals provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience so you can enjoy a stress-free getaway. You can choose from either our east view Destin rentals or our west view Destin Beach condos featuring unmatched views of Lake Christina and other Florida wildlife.

No matter which you choose, you’ll be delighted to an array of amenities including king- and queen-sized beds, 50-in. smart TVs, high speed WiFi, furnished patios, plantation shutters, Cuisinart coffee makers, and close proximity to Destin events and attractions. Just a short drive from the resort and you can indulge in some of Destin’s top seafood restaurants or get a head start on holiday shopping at some of these Destin shopping destinations.

But you don’t have to go off the resort to have fun! The Islander Resort grounds feature heated pools and a hot tub, tennis and pickleball courts, lush landscaping, grilling areas, and just steps to the gorgeous white sand beach. Book your stay at The Islander today and come and spend Christmas the Destin way!