Christmas comes to Destin

Christmas at Destin Commons
The holiday season kicks off as Santa arrives at Destin Commons at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 — not on his sleigh, but on a fire truck accompanied by a police escort into Center Plaza.
Professional Broadway actors decked out in holiday costumes as Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Aladdin, present “Dreams Come True: A Fairy Tale Christmas,” a song and dance show. The show ends with Santa magically lighting the 50-foot Christmas tree.
Once again, the holiday décor at Destin Commons reflects a Norman Rockwell theme throughout. The Rockwell exhibit is in front of the center between Panera Bread and Talbots.
America’s favorite artist, Norman Rockwell is well-known for his  American Christmas tradition with his nostalgic art on the covers of  “The Saturday Evening Post” magazines from the 1920’s to the 1960’s.
Santa will take up residence in his Santa Station by the exhibit and children are welcome to visit and have professional photos taken.
Station hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Dec. 14-18; 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.
Holiday Nights and Lights shows will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Center Plaza. Participating will be:
Dec. 3: The Village Choir
Dec. 8: NWF State College Soundsations Show Choir
Dec. 10: Dance Elite
Dec. 15: Pyramid Players Group
Dec. 17: Northwest Florida Youth Chorus

Christmas At The Fair
The fifth annual Christmas At The Fair juried show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 inside the Bay County Fairgrounds. Artists from throughout the South will exhibit fine art, jewelry, wheel thrown pottery, stained glass, metal creations, whimsical painted wood, metal, glass items, embellished appliqué wearable art, unique wooden birdhouses, watercolor and dried botanical art
Admission is one can good to go to local church food pantries. Call 522-1841.

Christmas on the Coast at Grand Boulevard
Christmas on the Coast begins in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Nov. 27 and 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.
Blast From The Past and The Scrooge will perform Nov. 27 and Dec. 5 and The Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra takes the stage Dec. 12 and 19.

Holiday Open House
The artists at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach will hold a Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 and 28. Event includes art show, interactive art and artists demonstrations, live entertainment, Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 28, food and drink. Call 622-0400.

Turn on the Town
Grab your blankets, head for the Seaside Amphitheatre and kick off the holiday season with a holiday edition of Central Square Cinema under the sky at 7 p.m. Nov. 27.
The Seaside Farmer’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 28, followed by the annual South Walton Holiday Parade beginning at 4 p.m. in front of Seagrove Plaza. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march 1.5 miles down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove decked in their Christmas best and on festive holiday floats, all vying for the crowd's favor.
Parade participants should meet at the Seagrove Plaza at Garrett Realty no later than 3:15 p.m. with decorated entries. Registration for parade participants is required. Visit www.seasidefl.com/holidayparade to download a registration form.
Celebration continues with Turn on the Town at 5 p.m. to turn on all the holiday lights in Seaside. Have a picture taken with Santa from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Rosemary Beach Old Town Holiday
There’s no place like Rosemary for the holidays with the following free events, unless noted.
•Nov. 27: Light up with carolers and Santa at the tree lighting at 6 p.m. in South Barrett Square. Visit the merchants until 8 p.m. for shopping and refreshments.
•Nov. 28: Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. in Town Hall at Santa’s Workshop. Enjoy a continental, bagged breakfast, take a professional color photo with Santa and enjoy a goodie bag from Gigi’s! Tickets are available at the door for $10 per person.
•Nov. 28: Browse the booths with pottery, jewelry, paintings and more at the Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Long Green Park.
•Nov. 28: A Round Robin Bocce Tournament at 1 p.m. on the Western and Eastern Greens.
•Nov. 28: Enjoy a family holiday movie under the stars at 7 p.m. on the Western Green.
•Nov. 29: Church services at 9 a.m. in Town Hall.

Hometown Christmas
Hometown Christmas, the largest and longest-running handmade craft show in the Florida Panhandle, returns to the Walton County Fairgrounds in DeFuniak Springs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28.
Every craft on display is handmade by artists from all over the South. You won't find these treasures in any department store or mall, so don't miss this chance to get unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your list!
Santa Claus will visit with children throughout the day and there will be plenty of safe, outdoor activities for the kids. Enjoy live music, singing and dancing, plus plenty of food. There'll also be a dazzling array of motorcycles on display.

Christmas Tree Lighting
The 23rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Destin, will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Destin Community Center.
There will be greetings from City Council members, performances by local groups, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.
Refreshments will be served after the tree lighting. This will be an outdoor event for the entire family.
Donations of toys and canned foods will be collected for families in need. Call 654-5184.

Mattie Kelly Arts Center holiday concerts
The holiday season kicks off with a series of free and ticketed events at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College. Events requiring tickets may be purchased from the Mattie Kelly Box Office in-person or by phone at 850-729-6000.
•Dec. 3: NWFSC Jazz Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Mainstage, Free.
•Dec. 4: NWFSC Madrigals & Belle Voci “Holiday Delights”, 7:30 p.m., Tyler Recital Hall, $15 each.
•Dec. 5: Junior Orchestra Winter Concert, 11 a.m., Tyler Recital Hall, Free. Group of musicians in grades 4 to 8 from Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa County schools will perform classical and holiday favorites.
•Dec. 11: Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Pops”, 7:30 p.m., Mainstage, $22.50 adults and $16 youth 18 and under and active-duty military.
•Dec. 12: Northwest Florida Youth Chorus “Christmas on the Bayou”, 11 a.m., Tyler Recital Hall, Free. Young vocalists in grades 4-8 who will perform holiday favorites.

Dinner Theatre
The dinner theatre production “Such a Night as This” will be presented by 2nd Acts drama group at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Grace Lutheran Church, 4325 Commons Drive.
Tickets are $12.50 and available at Eagle's Wings Book & Gifts, 14071 F, Emerald Coast Parkway, near Office Max. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

A Touch of Christmas
The Christian Symphonic Band & Strings will perform a Christmas concert, “A Touch of Christmas,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Destin United Methodist Church, 200 Beach Drive, and at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Navarre United Methodist Church, 9474 Navarre Parkway. Concerts are free with a love offering taken.

Christmas Open House at Camp Walton Schoolhouse
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center will hold its annual Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Camp Walton Schoolhouse and the Garnier Post Office.
The museums will offer a day of live entertainment, children’s games and crafts, home-baked goodies, local history and letters to Santa. Both historic sites will be decorated for an old-fashioned celebration as visitors enjoy the activities and free refreshments for the day.
Heritage Park & Cultural Center is at 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE.

Holiday on the Harbor Christmas Parade
The inaugural “Holiday on the Harbor Christmas Parade” will take place Dec. 5 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Destin Fishing Fleet docks adjacent to HarborWalk Charters/Marina. The finale will be the post parade party and award celebration.
The Toy Land Train will lead the parade filled with floats, fun throws, candy, and more. Coastal Christmas magic will be the theme of this festive family event.
Children are encouraged to dress like their favorite Christmas character from elves to snowmen and will be able to make their own ornament for the HarborWalk Village Christmas tree.
The community-based parade is open to the public and will accept entries that roll, float, pedal and push. From golf carts, roller skates, wagons, go-carts to shopping carts, all are welcome. Entry fee is $10 and all participants are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food items to benefit Destin Harvest. Proceeds benefit Destin Harvest.
The Best Overall float will receive $100 and a two night stay at Emerald Grande. Best Holiday Theme will receive $100 and Most Creative will receive $50. HarborWalk Village will also offer awards for Community Spirit and Judge's Choice. For an entry form visit www.harborwalkdestin.com.
 
Santa at Silver Sands
Santa Claus flies into Silver Sands at noon Dec. 5 via Sacred Heart Hospital’s AirHeart helicopter. All children under eight years old are invited to dress up in festive holiday costumes and join in the Santa Parade. Following the parade will be snacks, a special appearance by “Prince” and “Princess” Bears of Sacred Heart, photo opportunities with Santa and a costume contest featuring great prizes. All proceeds benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
Santa will also be at Charity Gift Wrap from 1 to 4 pm. Dec. 12 and 19. Shoppers can have their photos taken with Santa and give him their wish list this holiday season for a donation of $5 that will benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

The Nutcracker
The Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance will present its annual presentation of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Featuring more than 80 local dancers, this production will be held at the South Walton High School Auditorium, 645 Greenway Trail.
Seating is reserved. For more details, visit floridaballetconservatory.com or call 850-837-1133.

Pancakes with Santa
Magnolia Grill will host its annual Pancakes with Santa breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5. The event is for the Northwest Florida Daily News’ Empty Stocking Fund to benefit the Salvation Army.
Tickets are $5. A special edition of WFTW/News Talk 1260’s Wake-Up Call show will be held from 6 to 9 a.m. Dec. 4 to feature organizations who help those in need and to sell tickets to the breakfast. Call 302-0266 or 243-2323.

Breakfast with Santa
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary will host its 26th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 5 in the hospital cafeteria. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves will be there. After breakfast, children will be escorted by volunteer elves on a special shopping spree to Santa’s Workshop where they will be assisted in buying gifts from $1 to $5.
Tickets for the breakfast are $3/adults and $2/children in advance at the Gift Shop or at the door. Call 243-5860.

Countdown to Christmas at the Destin Library
Area residents will enjoy an afternoon of music and shopping when the Destin Library hosts Countdown to Christmas from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 5. The event is free and open to the public.
Scheduled activities include a musical performance by Furioso 5, a flute quintet, at 2 p.m.
Shop for jewelry by the Destin United Methodist Women, purses by Festive Fashions, Marge’s Art & Holiday Cajun Pickles for St. Andrews by-the-Sea, and more.
Canned food donations will be accepted for the Harvest House Pantry.
Call 837-8572 ext. 104.

Christmas Around the World
Join AAA and bring the kids for a fun-filled day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at Baytowne Wharf of Sandestin. Help those who are less fortunate.
Activities include ice skating, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, music and more. Also, create gifts with Home Depot and Build a Bear and the police department will have ID kits for children.
Admission is $7, which goes to provide gifts for military overseas, plus a donation to one of the following: PAWS, dog food; Children in Crisis, old coats for children; Sharing and Caring, canned food; and Toys For Tots, toys.

Blackwater Heritage Tour
Venture back into history with a celebration of a Civil War period Southern Christmas Furlough, Bagdad 1862, from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5.
Tickets available in advance or at the ticket tents on Forsyth Street. Guests must have a ticket to take the tour.
Visit homes from that period as well as more “modern” ones constructed circa 1910. Share music and memories as well as some authentic desserts and beverages as you stroll the tree-lined main street of this National Register Historic Village.
Fair warning, there will be authentic troop inspections of these homes for conscripts and runaways, but all guests are invited to visit the military headquarters located next to Mr. Brown's Barber Shop.
Guests will have a tour ornament to wear on their lapel, tour entry ticket and program. After parking their cars and checking in at one of the ticket tents, they are free to begin at any of the stops listed on the five-block length. Tickets will be stamped or punched at each stop. Tour guides will be on site to answer questions.
Music from the Bagdad Elementary School choir and Bagdad Methodist Church organist will set the season, as will assorted holiday treats at each of the tour homes.
Parking at either end of Forsyth Street makes it convenient for guests. Handicapped parking is available along the route, however, not all the home have wheelchair ramps.
Admission is $20/adults and $10/children 12 and under. Tickets are available at Top's Appliance, Hwy 90 at Stewart Street; Copper Possum Antiques, Hwy. 90, East Milton; Village Homes & Land Office, Forsyth Street, Bagdad; Bagdad Village Museum, Church Street; Santa Rosa Chamber Office, Stewart Street, Milton; and Navarre Chamber of Commerce, U.S. 98, Navarre.
Continue the tradition enjoyed by so many over the past 25 years and start your holidays with the Blackwater Heritage Tour
Call 850-981-2623 or 850-983-3005 for information.

Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade
“Christmas Melodies” is the theme for the 2009 Christmas Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and moving up Eglin Parkway from First Street to the Kmart parking lot.
 The last float in the parade will feature Santa Claus accompanied by his elves, who will disperse Christmas trinkets to the children, both young and old, along the parade route.

Open house at Walton County Heritage Museum
The Walton County Heritage Museum will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at 1140 Circle Drive in  DeFuniak Springs.
Several other complimentary ticketed events are being held in DeFuniak Springs this same day.
 Numerous short films are available for viewing that will enhance the Victorian home tours as well as shopping and dining. Unique historic books, films, commemorative stones and gifts are available.
Brenda Rees, WCHM board chairman said, “This is a great time of year to visit Walton County. The beaches in South Walton are beautiful and the historic venues of Walton County are exceptional. Autumn and winter are perfect times to invite friends and relatives to visit. Bring a friend and join us.”
The Walton County Heritage Museum is part of the Walton County Heritage Association and depends upon the support of its members and the business community to accomplish its goals. Annual dues are $15 for individuals and $25 for couples. Mail checks to PO Box 1681, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.
The Museum’s regular hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and admission is free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, call 850-951-2127
The Tour of Homes and the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood Tree Festival will be held the same day. The annual light tour on the historic circle is that evening.

Book Sale and Holiday Cookie Swap
Friends of the Fort Walton Beach Public Library will conduct a book sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9. Funds raised will assist with buying books, DVDs, children’s programs and other patron-service items.
A Holiday Cookie Swap will also take place at 11 a.m. in the library meeting room. Call 833-9590 by Dec. 1 to sign up for the cookie swap.

Sounds of the Season — ‘A Baby Changes Everything’
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will present their annual Christmas concert, Sounds of the Season — “A Baby Changes Everything,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Village Baptist Church in Destin. A 150-member community choir from Destin United Methodist, Destin Assembly, Destin First Baptist, Shoreline and Village Baptist will perform sacred and Christmas classics. Also performing will be a community children's choir.
Admission is a donation of a new, unwrapped child’s toy.
A love offering at intermission will benefit the Tom Rappazini Scholarship Fund in support of art and education programs for children. Call 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

Little/Big Holiday Party
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa invites employers to treat their teams, large and small, to the Sixth Annual Little/Big Holiday Party beginning with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Buffet dinner and dancing from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Entertainment provided by The Prime Time Band with Lucy Garcia. Along with dinner, partygoers will enjoy fabulous food, door prizes, cash bars and dancing.
Cost of the event is $44 per person plus tax (includes dinner and one complimentary drink ticket). For party reservations or more information, call 850-267-9689.

Christmas on the Coast
The Pensacola Children’s Chorus, under the direction of Allen and Susan Pote, will present its annual production of  “Christmas on the Coast” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Saenger Theatre. More than 300 young performers, ages 9-18, will dazzle audiences with their singing, choreography and breathtaking costumes.
Tickets are on sale at the Saenger Theatre box office (850-595-3880; open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at all TicketMaster outlets, and at ticketmaster.com or charge by phone by calling 850-595-3880.
Ticket prices are $17, $27 and $29. Prices are subject to additional Saenger Theatrefacility and processing fees at the time of purchase. Call 850-434-7760.

Destin Community Center Kids’ Night OUt
A Kids’ Night Out with Santa will be held for ages 5 through 12 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Parents can do their shopping while children enjoy games, pizza, a movie and a visit from Santa.
The cost is $20 per child for Destin residents and $30 for non-Destin residents. There is a $5 discount for each additional child. Registration is required in advance. Call 654-5184.

Destin’s 24th Annual Christmas Parade
The City of Destin's 24th Annual Christmas Parade will be held beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 12 from the Downtown Destin Shopping Center  to Stahlman Avenue.
For those who wish to put a float in the parade, applications are free and available at the Destin Community Center.
Applications must be turned in no later than Dec. 4. This year's theme is “Christmas Movies.” Call 654-5184 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa
The 12th annual Breakfast with Santa takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at Van R. Butler Elementary in Santa Rosa Beach. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door.

Doggy Fashion Show
The Seventh annual Holiday Doggy Fashion Show will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 in Center Plaza at Destin Commons. Registration is from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Registration fee per dog is $5 with proceeds benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge.

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. 12 and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 and 22 in Santa Station by Panera Bread. Professional photos offered.

Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade
The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 23rd Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums.
Entry forms may be picked up at the Museum, Destin Community Center, City Hall or Destin Chamber of Commerce. Request a form by fax at 850-837-6611 or e-mail kathydestinhistory@embarqmail.com. Entry fee is $25/boat.