Christmas comes to Destin

Destin Boat Parade
The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 23rd Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 20. The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums.

Christmas on the Coast at Grand Boulevard
Christmas on the Coast is celebrated every weekend through Christmas as the Town Center is transformed for the holiday season.
Each Friday and Saturday night, strolling carolers and twinkling lights will greet visitors, providing a beautiful and inspirational setting for enjoying the Town Center, shopping and dining. 
The Pro Arte Chorale of Northwest Florida performs traditional holiday music from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday night throughout Grand Boulevard’s Town Center.
The Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra takes the stage Dec. 19.

Christmas at Destin Commons
Santa will take up residence in his Santa Station by Panera Bread and children are welcome to visit and have professional photos taken.
Station hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays; 1 to 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 21-23; 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 20 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24.

Santa’s Workshop
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge presents its Second Annual Santa's Workshop at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach. Children can write a letter to Santa, decorate holiday cookies, complete a craft, visit with Santa and enjoy an indoor snowfall.
Workshop will be open from 12 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19-24.

Claus and Paws – Santa Pet Photos
Bring your pup for a special visit with the Destin Commons Santa from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 22 in Santa Station by Panera Bread. Professional photos offered.

Holiday Breakfast Buffet  
A Holiday Breakfast Buffet with Santa will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 19 at T.G.I. Fridays in Destin. Cost is $6 and proceeds go to Fort Walton Beach cheer program. Call 830-2222 to purchase tickets, e-mail Sandybeach777@cox.net  or purchase tickets at the door.
 
HarborWalk New Year’s Eve
HarborWalk Village presents free live entertainment, fireworks and a ball drop beginning with fireworks over the Destin Harbor at 8 p.m.
The celebration continues with  entertainment, kid's activities, creative face painting, street performers and more. Darry Duchanan and The Reflections provide entertainment at 9:30 p.m.
At midnight, guests can witness the Second Annual Ball Drop Bash at the restaurants and bars inside HarborWalk Village  followed by more fireworks.
Hosting the 2009 Ball Drop is Bico Australia. The jewelry store and HarborWalk Village will partner to present a Ball watch, valued over $1,000, to a deserving military serviceman or woman who has dedicated their lives and sacrificed their time. Ball Watch nominations can be dropped at BICO Australia at HarborWalk Village or sent to info@harborwalk-village.com.

Countdown Seaside
The Merchants of Seaside are “putting on the Ritz” for Countdown Seaside, a New Year’s Eve celebration with a  family-friendly party featuring live entertainment, kid’s art projects and a fireworks display at midnight over the Gulf of Mexico.
Events begin with Delta Highway in the Amphitheater at 7 p.m., followed by Terrance Simien  & The Zydeco Experience at 9:30 p.m.
Abrakadoodle will offer free art projects, including making noisemakers and party hats, for the children from 7 to 10 p.m. Face-painters will be on hand for the young and young-at-heart in the festive spirit.