Holiday Happenings on the Harbor
The holidays are quickly approaching, and Destin locals and visitors are looking forward to some of the long-held Destin traditions that take place on the Emerald Coast leading up to Christmas. Temperatures may be cooler, but with average temperatures in the mid-sixties in December, the weather in Destin still beats the weather in the majority of the rest of the US, and outdoor activities remain enjoyable! And who doesn’t like white sand better than white snow, anyway?
Here are a few things to get you in the spirit along the Destin Harbor in December.
Visit with Santa
Yes, Santa comes to the beach! If you get lucky, you might even see him paddleboarding on the Destin Harbor in between taking wishes from boys and girls at HarborWalk Village. Santa sure does keep busy!
Join the Festivities at the Destin Christmas Parade
The 28th Annual Destin Christmas Parade takes place this year on Saturday, Dec 14, 2013. This year’s theme is “A Fantasy Christmas” and floats will start travelling down the 3-mile path from Harbor Blvd to Night Town at 10am. Local businesses really go all out with their float decorations, as well as the candy and freebies they throw out to the crowd. Make sure to arrive early to get a parking spot and a good seat! The parade is packed with people, and is always a good time!
See the Boats Light up the Night at the Destin Boat Parade
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade on Sunday, December 15, 2013, hosted by the Destin History and Fishing Museum.Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and the Lighted Boat Parade will start at 6 P.M. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 PM. The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums on the Destin Harbor. As a special treat, a fireworks show will light up the sky at the end of the boat parade.
Watch the ball drop
Speaking of fireworks, plan to ring in the New Year on the Destin Harbor and celebrate along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. HarborWalk Village has a full lineup of events, all culminating, of course, with the ball drop and a fantastic fireworks display over the Harbor at midnight.
Live vicariously
Not going to be in Destin over the holidays, but want to follow along with the festivities?
We’re sure you’ve heard of The Elf on the Shelf. He’s bringing joy to children across the globe (and helping them behave!). This year, Destin Vacation Boat Rentals has adopted their very own elf, Skipper, and they will be sharing his daily adventures on the Emerald Coast with their Facebook fans. Tune in to their Facebook page to watch Skipper’s adventures all through the month of December! Who knows where he might wind up?
Published on Thursday, November 14, 2013