Coastal White Christmas Events At Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin has an impressive line-up of events for this holiday season.

Included this year are Grand Boulevard’s signature holiday celebrations, Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration and Hometown Parade, and numerous festive, family-friendly activities. These events are open to the public at no cost.

The schedule will include the return of the popular Festival of Trees – an enchanting charitable tree decorating contest, complementary photos with Santa, free rides on elegant horse drawn carriages and the exciting new “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” musical performances by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 5 PM - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LIGHTS KICK-OFF

The Grand Boulevard Town Center will be awash in tens of thousands of brilliant white lights, bringing a magical spirit to the Boulevard. Coastal White Christmas officially begins with the unveiling of the holiday lights and a celebratory parade down the Boulevard featuring South Walton High School Marching Band, Walton County Tourism Department, Butler Elementary Orff Ensemble, Emerald Coast Theatre Company Dog-Harmony, Destin High School Drumline and Class of 2024, Boy Scout Troop # 562, Walton County Book Mobile and the arrival of Santa Claus! Enjoy faux snow while taking complementary photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, refreshments and strolling throughout the Boulevard, taking in the breathtaking lights and beautifully decorated trees, while getting a start on holiday shopping.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25TH - FESTIVAL OF TREES BENEFITING 12 LOCAL CHARITIES

On Nov. 21 from 4 PM – 6 PM., twelve non-profit organizations will decorate a tree and compete to win cash prizes totaling $8,500, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice winner will be voted on and announced along with Best of Show, Second and Third Place winners. The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to enjoy!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, 3 PM – 6 PM - HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & WALK-ABOUT

Take advantage of holiday specials and promotions from Grand Boulevard retailers and restaurants before and during the Festival of Trees kick-off. Stop by Grand Park to pick up your map for this event. Then visit participating retailers and restaurants to register for a chance to win one of three fabulous “A Taste of Grand Boulevard” prize baskets valued at more than $1,000 each.

DECEMBER 1ST – DECEMBER 30TH, FRI & SAT, 5 PM – 8 PM - HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES, “ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS” TREE MUSIC REVUE & PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a complementary professional photo with Santa while listening to the lively seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue.

EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” - DECEMBER 8 – DECEMBER 22

From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. For ticket information and performance times: Emerald Coast Theatre Company.

These festive events are part of the Coastal Culture Calendar of Events made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment Program and have quickly become a tradition among South Walton residents and visitors.

Grand Boulevard is the shop, dine, play and stay Town Center located on Northwest Florida’s Beaches. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging. Grand Boulevard is a Howard Group and Merchants Retail Partners property. For more information, please call (850) 654-5929 or visit www.GrandBoulevard.com.

Grand Boulevard Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 9am til 1pm year round. Special holiday markets will be held in December:
Wednesday Dec 20 ~ 9-1 and Wednesday Dec 27 ~ 9-1