Holiday Happenings along 30A & in the South Walton Area

The holidays are a great time to visit the beaches of South Walton and Scenic Highway 30A. The area is a glow in holiday decor and twinkling lights and there are festive events around every corner. Here's a round-up of some of the holiday happenings in each beach community that we're looking forward to this holiday season: 

30A Holiday Events

Roux 30A: Story Pairing Dinner
Join Roux 30A November 27th for a holiday meal. This year they are offering hourly seatings from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM with a $100 cost per person. This year's menu will include a house brined turkey from Joyce Farms, home-style dressing, traditional veggies, gravy, pies and more! Address: 114 Logan Ln., Santa Rosa Beach; Phone: (850) 267-0100

Old Florida Fish House: Holiday Brunch & New Year's Eve Celebration
Join Old Florida Fish House for festive fun this holiday season! Enjoy a large brunch buffet with Santa on Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. featuring sausage, bacon, ham and a pancake bar. Also on December 7th enjoy dinner, drinks and an Elton John tribute. Address: 33 Heron's Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach; Phone: (850) 534-3045

South Walton Fire District 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
Rinse off the old and welcome the new at the South Walton Fire District's 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with towel pick-up at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, followed by a costume contest at noon and the plunge at 1 p.m. at Ed Walline Beach Access. The cost to take the plunge is $20 per person, with children 12 and under participating for free. Event participants will receive a commemorative beach towel with their registration fee. Funds raised will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs. Address: 911 N. County Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach; Phone: (850) 267-1298

Old Florida Fish House: New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with live music by Alex Napier, a champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop.; Address: 33 Heron's Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach; Phone: (850) 534-3045

Roux 30A: New Year's Eve
Ring in 2025 with an unforgettable 5-course dinner at Roux 30A on  Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best ingredients and creativity, followed by a champagne toast to celebrate the new year. Tickets are fully refundable until seven days before the event. Address: 114 Logan Ln., Grayton Beach; Phone: (850) 622-2420

Miramar Beach Holiday Events

Baytowne Wharf: Wednesday Night Concert Series - Holiday Edition
Get into the holiday spirit with festive live music and a chance to share your wish list with Santa! Enjoy holiday sing-along classics and visits from Santa on Wednesdays, Dec. 11 and 18 from 6-8 p.m. at The Village at Baytowne Wharf. Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach; Phone: (850) 267-8888

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: Coastal White Christmas Celebration

Celebrate the season on Friday, November 21 at 5:00 PM as Grand Boulevard Town Center comes alive with holiday magic. The Coastal White Christmas celebration kicks off with the grand illumination of tens of thousands of sparkling white lights, transforming the Boulevard into a glowing winter wonderland. A lively parade featuring local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders sets the festive tone, followed by the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus. Guests of all ages can enjoy faux snow, complimentary Santa photos, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, seasonal treats, and more. Wander through the beautifully lit Town Center, admire the towering Christmas tree, and get an early start on holiday shopping and dining. Address: 585 Grand Blvd., Ste. 205, Miramar Beach; Phone: (850) 837-3099

Ovide: Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Enjoy a heartwarming Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ovide, the signature restaurant at Hotel Effie, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-noon. Indulge in Ovide’s acclaimed breakfast and brunch selections while creating memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child will receive a special gift and photos with the festive duo that will make lasting memories. Address: Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach; Phone: (850) 351-3030

Baytowne Countdown at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Welcome 2026 with an unforgettable celebration at Baytowne Wharf, where the night sparkles with live entertainment and two dazzling fireworks shows. Kick off the evening from 6–8 PM with family-friendly fun, including face painting, kids’ activities, and festive tunes on the Baytowne LIVE stage. At 8 PM, enjoy the first breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the sky. Then, keep the energy going with live music on the Events Plaza Stage from 7 PM all the way to 1 AM. As the clock strikes midnight, the grand finale fireworks show marks the start of the new year in spectacular style. There’s no better place to celebrate the arrival of 2026! Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach; Phone Number: (850) 267-8888

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection: Neon Lights NYE Bash at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Hotel Effie with an evening of indulgence and excitement. Begin the night with a gourmet four-course dinner at Ovide from 7 to 10 PM, where culinary artistry sets the tone for the festivities ahead. Then, elevate the celebration at the NEON Party on the ARA Rooftop, featuring a live DJ, handcrafted cocktails, a spectacular drone show, and fireworks lighting up the night sky from 9 PM to 1 AM. Make it a night to remember with a luxurious overnight stay and toast to 2025 in unforgettable fashion. Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach; Phone: (833) 873-3343

SunQuest Cruises: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Ring in 2026 with a luxurious experience aboard the 125′ SOLARIS Yacht in Sandestin. This exclusive event features a four-course dinner, live entertainment, party favors and a spectacular fireworks display. Dance under the moonlight as you cruise for 4.5 hours from 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., with check-in starting at 8 p.m. This event is for guests 21+ and takes place at the Baytowne Marina, with special parking available for New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Blvd., Miramar Beach; Phone: (850) 650-2519

Santa Rosa Beach Holiday Events

Wesley House: The Christmas Candlelight Open House at Eden Gardens 

This event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, 4-7 p.m., weather permitting. Guests will enjoy a ride through luminary lined pathways at Eden Gardens after sunset and be able to tour the historic Wesley House at no charge. Live music, cookies and hot beverages will be provided by the Friends of Eden in the Pavilion. The festive decorations will remain in place until Monday, Jan. 6. Eden Gardens State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset each day, with fees of $4 per vehicle. Address: 181 Eden Gardens Rd., Santa Rosa Beach ; Phone: (850) 267-8320

DeFuniak Springs Holiday Events

City of DeFuniak Springs: Christmas Reflections 2025
Come see more than 10 million lights reflect off a perfectly round spring-fed lake glowing in holiday splendor! Enjoy a holiday family tradition with annual Christmas Reflection displays at Chipley Park, featuring Victorian, animal and toy soldier cutouts, Santa’s workshop and a ticking grandfather clock, among thousands of decorations. The event runs nightly until Dec. 31, seven days a week from 5:30-9 p.m. Address: 1226 Circle Dr., DeFuniak Springs; Phone: (850) 892-8500

DeFuniak Springs: Christmas Tour of Homes

Step into the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with this charming self-driving tour showcasing beautifully decorated homes in the historic district of DeFuniak Springs. Sponsored by St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church, this annual event offers a glimpse into the area's festive spirit and architectural heritage. For more information, contact Melinda C. Henderson at (850) 830-7663. Address: Various locations in DeFuniak Springs; Phone: (850) 830-7663

Christmas Holiday Meals

Edward's: Christmas Eve To-Go Meals
Make your holiday stress-free with Edward's to-go meals. Chef Josh's menu features a 5-lb. Rib Roast with Au Jus and Horseradish, Edward's Mac and Cheese and Apple Pie. Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, with pick-up available on Christmas Eve between 3-5 p.m. Call (850) 231-0550 or visit the restaurant to place your order. Address: 66 Main St., Rosemary Beach; Phone: (850) 231-0550

Swiftly Catered/Blue Mountain Bakery: Christmas Dinner To-Go

Enjoy a hassle-free holiday with fully cooked, reheat-ready Christmas dinners, breakfasts and desserts, all packaged with simple reheating instructions. Gluten-free options are available. Pre-order by Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. for pick-up on Monday, Dec. 23 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) or delivery from Miramar Beach to Inlet Beach (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Address: 2217 W. County Hwy. 30A, Ste. E, Blue Mountain Beach; Phone: (850) 972-0850

Book Your Holiday Stay Today

Newman-Dailey offers a wide selection of South Walton vacation rental homes and condominiums, including three- and four-bedroom rentals at Sanctuary at Redfish. Looking for a different size rental or location? View our South Walton Rentals, including 30A rentals and Miramar Beach Rentals here or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 850-837-1071 to help narrow your search. Remember to always book direct for our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach for the holidays!

Updated 10/14/2025

Published on Thursday, December 5, 2024