SoWal Santa Sightings!

It’s time for holidays at the beach and St. Nick is taking plenty of time to enjoy the Emerald Coast version of white Christmas before the big day.

Our latest SoWal List is a Santa (naughty or nice) List for a bunch of places and events around town town where kids can catch up with Santa and pass on their Christmas wishes! Check back to this list as we keep it updated!

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting at Destin Commons
Friday, November 22 | 7pm
Santa will arrive at the Destin Commons on November 22. A holiday parade starts at 7:00 p.m. with the official tree lighting and a fireworks finale. Destin Commons will be in full holiday spirit with the Jolly Jubilee Decorations and live music. Kids can enjoy crafts, face painting, and photos with Rudolph and Frosty! Santa will be at Bass Pro Shops for the rest of November and December. Destin

Santa’s Arrival at Silver Sands
Saturday, Nov 23 | 11am-1pm
Santa arrives at Silver Sands Premium Outlets on a fire truck! Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday activities and face painting.The first 50 families to arrive will receive a gift bag with a $20 gift card to the Disney Store. Miramar Beach 

S’mores with Santa at AJ’s Grayton Beach
Wednesday, November 27 | 5-7pm
Join Santa at AJ’s in Grayton Beach Nov. 27 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. for s’mores and hot cocoa. There will be music by Jacob Mohr, face painting and cookie decorating. Each child will receive a gift from Santa. This event is free and will fill up fast. Register at AJ’s Facebook event or call to check for openings (850) 231-4102. Grayton Beach 

South Walton Holiday Parade | Seaside Turn on the Town
Saturday, Nov 30 | 9:00 a.m.
Join Seaside for a full day of Christmas festivities on Saturday, November 30! 
South Walton Holiday Parade: begins at 9:00 a.m. in Seagrove and ends in Seaside with Santa and Mrs. Claus! 
Turn on the Town! Starting at sunset, it’s party time in the amphitheater with tree lighting, holiday festivities and of course pictures with the jolly-bearded one. Seaside

Breakfast with Santa at Rosemary Beach
Saturday, November 30 | 8-10am
Bring the kids to Santa’s Workshop for a magical morning filled with delight at Rosemary Beach Town Hall.  Included are boxed breakfasts, a professional color photo with Santa and a special goodie bag from Gigi’s!  Tickets are $20 and available at the door.  Proceeds will go to the SWFD Angel Tree Program. Rosemary Beach

Here Comes Santa Claus at Baytowne Wharf
Saturday, November 30 | 6-9pm
Santa will arrive in The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, Nov. 30 and light the Village Christmas tree! From 6:00 - 9:00 p.m, kids can enjoy face-painting and crafts. At the end of the evening, stick around for a fireworks show! Sandestin

Photos with Santa at Grand Boulevard
Saturdays November 30 - December 21 | 2-4pm
Take photos with Santa every Saturday in Grand Park at Grand Boulevard from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Make arts & crafts with Abrakadoodle and see Santa! The event is free and while you’re there, enjoy nearby restaurants or start your holiday shopping at the many outstanding shops in Grand Boulevard. Miramar Beach

Photos with Santa at North Beach Tortilla Co
December 3 | 5:30 - 8pm
Take your photos with Santa on the beautifully lit dock at North Beach Tortilla Co! The restaurant will be a Winter Wonderland so stick around for dinner and some special surprises! This event is free and open to the public. Photos will be available a few days after the event on the NBTC website. Santa Rosa Beach

Brunch With Santa at FOOW
Friday, November 29 | 8am - 11am
Brunch with Santa at FOOW - Fish Out of Water in WaterColor! Enjoy a breakfast buffet with a view and get your picture taken with Santa. Open to the public. $40++ for adults, $20++ for children 13 and under. $15++ Bottomless Mimosa option available for adults. Reservations required (call 850.534.5050). ​WaterColor

Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series Holiday Edition
Wednesdays in December | 6-8pm
The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Wednesday night concert series celebrates the holidays on Wednesday nights in December. Each concert features a light show and visits with Santa. Musical acts include: Valhala Choir (Dec 4), The Matt McCarty Ban (Dec 11) & Niceville Opus One (Dec 18). Sandestin

Santa in the Sandhills at Biophilia Center
Saturday, December 7 | 9am-2pm
Holiday party in the pines at the Biophilia Center on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9am to 2pm in Freeport, Florida. Join friends and family for a holiday party in the pines with crafts, food and Santa! Free for members. Adults $8 / children $5. Freeport

Brunch with Santa at Food for Thought
Saturday, December 7 | 10:30am - 1pm
Have brunch with Santa at the Food for Thought Full Circle Kitchen. There will be crafts for kids, holiday decor and music. Tickets include brunch from Maple St Biscuit Company, bottomless mimosas, beer or cocktails. Benefiting FFT’s work fighting child hunger in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. Tickets online. Adults $30. Children $5. Santa Rosa Beach

Breakfast with Santa at Havana Beach
Sunday, December 15 | 8am - 11am
Make reservations for a kid-friendly breakfast buffet at Havana Beach Bar & Grill featuring the one and only Santa Claus!  Santa will be on hand for pictures for the duration of breakfast. Open to the public. $50 adult, $25 child (13 and under). Reservations required 850.588.2882. Rosemary Beach

Holiday on the Harbor: Visits with Santa 
Weekends Starting November 30, 1-4pm | Nov 30-Dec 1 | Dec 7-8 | Dec 14-15,  | Dec 21-22
Visit Santa at HarborWalk Village on Destin Harbor on Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov. 30. Fun crafts, letters to Santa station, and visit with St.Nick! All of Santa's guests will receive a special treat and a free 4x6 photo. Destin Boat Parade is December 15 at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks at 8:00 p.m. Destin

Breakfast with Santa at Emerald Grande
December 7-8 | 14-15
Start your day with St. Nick! Breakfast with Santa returns December 7, 8, 14 & 15 in the Emerald Grande Ballroom at HarborWalk Village. Adult Breakfast is available as well. Build Your Own Breakfast: Kids $18++ | Adults $25++. Reservations are highly recommended as this event books quickly– 850.424.0622. Destin

Start working on your Christmas list because there are so many great chances to see Santa this season! For more information about these events and all the holiday festivities at the beach check the SoWal Events Calendar. Our calendar editors are adding new fun holiday events every day!