City of Destin Holly Jolly at the Harbor

Destin's Holly Jolly at the Harbor begins at 11AM on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park. Parks and Rec is offering market activities from 11AM - 5PM. From 3 - 5PM there will be refreshments, cookie decorating, and oyster crafts sponsored by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). Enjoy a variety of performers including the Fort Walton Beach Brass Band and Destin High School Band. Expect a nod of twinkle around 4PM with a visit from Santa. 

Furry friends are welcome, and the event is entirely outdoors. Donations of unopened, non-perishable items will be collected for families in need. 

Be sure to grab a spot after Holly Jolly at the Harbor for the 2025 Destin Holiday Boat Parade! The parade will showcase boats decorated with festive lights and holiday cheer as they move through the Destin Harbor. You can expect to see the boats start their dazzling display around 6PM. For the best views, consider watching from HarborWalk Village or making a reservation at waterfront restaurants. The evening ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky.  

The Holiday Boat Parade is made possible by The Destin History & Fishing Museum—dedicated to preserving, documenting and sharing the stories of the little fishing village that was founded on the sandy shores of East Pass in the 1830’s.