Make your holiday season truly memorable by celebrating Christmas and New Years along the beautiful 30-A corridor, where festive events and celebrations await. Let our local restaurants take care of all your dining needs during this special time, allowing you to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones instead of being tied to the kitchen. Explore the exciting seasonal events and specially prepared holiday dinner options that our area restaurants have thoughtfully arranged for this festive time of year.

Christmas Events

Blue Mountain Bakery: 3rd Annual Fra-Gee-Lay 2K

Join Blue Mountain Bakery for their festive 3rd Annual Tacky Sweater Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, Dec. 8! This 1.2-mile route challenges participants to climb the tallest mountain on the U.S. Gulf Coast (64 ft.) while sporting their most festive holiday sweaters or costumes. The event features food and drink specials, prizes and live Christmas music. Proceeds benefit the Open Door Food Pantry. Race starts at 9:30 a.m., with awards at 11 a.m. The bakery will be open 8 a.m.-noon.

Website: bluemountainbakery.com/frageelay2k

Address: 2217 W. County Hwy. 30A, Suite E, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 267-0400

 

The Courtyard at Pescado: Cupcake Decorating Class

Join Pastry Chef Daniel Sanchez for a festive cupcake decorating class at The Courtyard at Pescado on Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon-1 p.m. Perfect for children 12 and under, this event will inspire creativity and holiday cheer. Tickets are $39 per person, exclusive of tax and service fees.

Website: rooftop30a.com/happenings/2024/12/8

Address: 74 Townhall Rd., Rosemary Beach

Phone: (850) 213-4600

 

Fonville Press: Santa Claus Visits
Bring your little ones to Fonville Press for a special Santa meet and greet on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m.-noon. Children can take pictures with Santa, share their holiday wish lists and enjoy festive treats.

Website: fonvillepress.com

Address: 23 North Somerset, Rosemary Beach

Phone: (850) 641-0043

 

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin: Coastal White Christmas Celebration
Celebrate the season at Grand Boulevard with a variety of festive events. From Dec. 6-28, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a "Rock Around the Christmas Tree" music revue and photos with Santa every Friday and Saturday from 5-8 p.m. Don’t miss the Festival of Trees benefiting 18 local charities on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 4-6:30 p.m., and enjoy the Holiday Open House & Walk-About on Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon–5 p.m. The Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” from Dec. 8-22. 

Website: grandboulevard.com/events

Address: 585 Grand Blvd., Ste. 205, Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 837-3099

 

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company: Ugly Sweater Party

Come dressed to impress for our Annual Ugly Sweater Party!  Join us on Monday, Dec. 23 from 6-8 p.m. for prizes, music, games, local beer, wine, non-alcoholic options and food.

Website: idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com

Address: 845 Serenoa Rd., Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 814-0414

 

Jes & Gray Living: Coastal Christmas Sip & Shop
Get into the holiday spirit at Jes & Gray Living's Coastal Christmas Sip & Shop on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-6 p.m. Enjoy festive shopping in a cozy coastal wonderland, complete with seasonal cocktails, light bites and curated Christmas décor. Local artists Casey Culbertson and Sarah Soule Webb will showcase original watercolor paintings and photo-surrealistic artwork – perfect for holiday gifting. 

Website: jesandgray.com

Address: 11111 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 460-2474

 

Miracle at The Daytrader: Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Celebrate the season with Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, returning to Northwest Florida’s only location at The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Seaside. Now until Monday, Dec. 30, enjoy festive cocktails, over-the-top decor and holiday cheer. Sip on Christmas-themed drinks like the Christmapolitan, Snowball Old-Fashioned and the new Stocking Stuffer. The Daytrader is open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 

Website: daytradertiki.com

Address: 2236 E. County Hwy. 30A, Seaside

Phone: (850) 622-2420

 

Miracle at The Daytrader: Ugly Sweater Contest
Celebrate the season at Miracle at The Daytrader with their second annual Ugly Sweater Contest on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-8:30 p.m. Dress in your best holiday attire for a chance to win prizes like Daytrader merchandise, specialty mugs, gift cards and more. Categories include Most Tacky, Best DIY, Most Outrageous and Best Couples Coordination. Winners will be announced at 8:30 p.m. 

Website: daytradertiki.com

Address: 2236 E. County Hwy. 30A, Seaside

Phone: (850) 622-2420

 

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. On Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m., experience an Elton John tribute performance by Ben Fry and his band. 

Website: oldfloridafishhouse.com

Address: 33 Heron's Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 534-3045

 

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. 14, 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.

Website: hoteleffie.com/events

Address: Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 351-3030

 

The Courtyard at Pescado: Charity Wine Dinner

Join Courtyard at Pescado on Thursday, Dec. 5 for a charity wine dinner celebrating Caymus Vineyard’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy a four-course dinner crafted by Chef Brendan Wakeham, with each course paired with wines from the renowned Caymus Vineyards. Twenty percent of dinner proceeds and all funds from the silent auction will benefit The Children's Volunteer Health Network, supporting children in Walton and Okaloosa counties. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. and tickets are available on the website below. 

Address: 74 Townhall Rd., Rosemary Beach

Website: rooftop30a.com

Phone: (850) 213-4600

 

Roux 30A: Story Pairing Dinner
Join Emerald Coast Storytellers for a unique dining experience at Roux 30A on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. as they combine two timeless traditions – sharing stories and enjoying a delicious meal. The "Memory Lane" themed dinner will feature four courses, each paired with stories that celebrate life's milestones, cherished memories and the people who’ve left a lasting impact. Chef Nikhil Abuvala will be the featured storyteller for the evening. Tickets are $100 per person and beverages and gratuity are not included. 

Website: emeraldcoaststorytellers.com

Address: 114 Logan Ln., Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 267-0100

 

Shades Bar and Grill: Santa Paws Pet Photos
Celebrate the holidays with your furry friends at Shades Bar and Grill! Santa Paws will be visiting on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 4-7 p.m. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa and enjoy a festive evening. 

Website: shades30a.com

Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach

Phone: (850) 231-9410

 

Shades Bar and Grill: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Throw on your tackiest holiday attire and join Shades Bar and Grill for their Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Friday, Dec. 20 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy music by DJ Vladi and capture memories at the Forever Moments photo booth.

Website: shades30a.com

Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach 

Phone: (850) 231-9410

 

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. 

Website: swfd.org

Address: 911 N. County Hwy. 393, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 267-1298

 

Watersound Town Center: Winter Wonder Watersound
Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Wonder Watersound on Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-7 p.m. at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Enjoy a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an improv show from The Rep Theatre, carolers, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and more. End the day with a viewing of the holiday favorite, Elf. This event is free and open to the public. 

Website: watersoundtowncenter.com
Address: 85 Origins Main St., Inlet Beach
Phone: (888) 836-8353 

 

Wesley House: The Christmas Candlelight Open House at Eden Gardens  

This event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-8 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.

Website: floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-wesley-house

Address: 181 Eden Gardens Rd., Santa Rosa Beach 

Phone: (850) 267-8320

 

Christmas 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. 20, with pick-up available on Christmas Eve between 3-5 p.m. Call (850) 231-0550 or visit the restaurant to place your order.

Website: edwards30a.com/christmas

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.).

Website: 30AHolidayMeals.com

Address: 2217 W. County Hwy. 30A, Ste. E, Blue Mountain Beach

Phone: (850) 972-0850

 

Vin’tij Food & Wine
Celebrate the holidays at Vin’tij Food & Wine at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin. Open on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5-9 p.m., the restaurant will feature a festive holiday menu in addition to its regular dinner offerings. Reservations are suggested.

Website: vintij.com

Address: 500 Grand Blvd., #100K, Miramar Beach 

Phone: (850) 650-9820

 

 

New Year’s Celebrations

 Baytowne Countdown at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Ring in 2025 at the Baytowne Countdown in the Village at Baytowne Wharf. This family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration begins Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m., featuring face-painting, kid’s activities, live music and a dazzling fireworks display at 8 p.m. Adults can enjoy live entertainment from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the Events Plaza Stage, culminating in a spectacular midnight fireworks show to welcome the new year. 

Website: sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/baytowne-nye-countdown

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Miramar Beach

Phone Number: (850) 267-8888

 

The Courtyard at Pescado: ‘80s Disco Party

Ring in the new year Tuesday, Dec. 31 with an ‘80s Disco Party at The Courtyard at Pescado! Dance the night away from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., enjoying a fun-filled evening with DJ South Beach and a charcuterie station (8-10 p.m.). Tickets are $119 per person, exclusive of tax and service fee.

Website: rooftop30a.com

Address: 74 Townhall Rd., Rosemary Beach

Phone: (850) 213-4600

 

The Courtyard at Pescado: Rooftop Sunset Soiree

It is almost impossible to watch the sunset and dream of what is to come! Embrace the last moments of 2024 at Pescado Grill and Rooftop Bar on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $99 per person (exclusive of tax and service fee) and include two select beverages and passed appetizers. All other beverages will be charged on consumption at menu price. CLICK HERE for tickets.

Website: rooftop30a.com/the-courtyard

Address: 74 Townhall Rd., Rosemary Beach

Phone:(850) 213-4600

 

Edward's: New Year's Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner
End 2024 with a luxurious four-course prix-fixe dinner at Edward’s in Rosemary Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Enjoy delectable dishes like Mushroom-Truffle Ravioli, Pan-Seared Snapper, Duck Breast and Hazelnut Chocolate Torte. Live music from Janelle Frost begins at 6 p.m. Seatings are available at 5:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with dinner priced at $150 per person. Reservations are required for this special event.

Website: edwards30a.com/new-years-eve

Address: 66 Main St., Rosemary Beach

Phone: (850) 231-0550

 

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection: Neon Lights NYE Bash at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge
Ring in 2025 at the Neon Lights NYE Bash at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy neon-inspired cocktails, elevated food and drinks, live DJ beats and panoramic views of midnight fireworks. VIP cabanas and private seating are available for groups. 

Website: hoteleffie.com

Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (833) 873-3343

 

La Crema Tapas and Chocolate: New Year's Eve Celebration
Ring in the new year with chocolate fondue and champagne at La Crema in Rosemary Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Enjoy a romantic evening with bottles of Laurent-Perrier champagne available for $99. Located in picturesque Rosemary Beach, it’s the perfect place to create unforgettable memories. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 

Website: lacrematapas.com

Address: 38 Main St., Rosemary Beach

Phone: (850) 534-3004

 

Ovide: New Year's Eve Dinner
Ring in 2025 at Ovide with an exquisite culinary journey this New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31. Choose from two specially curated multi-course menus. The early dinner, available from 5-6:30 p.m., features a three-course menu priced at $75 per person. The later dinner, from 7-10 p.m., includes a four-course menu with welcome champagne and canapés, priced at $120 per person.

Website: hoteleffie.com/dining/ovide

Address: Hotel Effie Sandestin, 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 351-3030

 

Old Florida Fish House: New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the New Year on Tuesday, 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.

Website: oldfloridafishhouse.com

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 Tuesday, 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.

Website: roux30a.com/events

Address: 114 Logan Ln., Grayton Beach

Phone: (850) 622-2420

 

SunQuest Cruises: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Ring in 2025 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 7 p.m. This event is for guests 21+ and takes place at the Baytowne Marina, with special parking available for New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Website: sunquestcruises.com/new-years-eve-destin-fireworks-dinner-cruise

Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 650-2519

 

Sweetbay Coffee at Hotel Effie Sandestin: Fried Chicken & Fries
After ringing in 2025 with a stunning fireworks show at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, satisfy your midnight cravings at Sweetbay Coffee. Enjoy crispy fried chicken and fries, available on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 11:45 p.m.-1 a.m.

Website: hoteleffie.com/sweetbay-coffee

Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 351-3031

 

TLB at Hotel Effie Sandestin: Live Music & NYE Drink Specials
Ring in the new year at TLB, Hotel Effie’s vibrant lobby bar. Enjoy live music and New Year’s Eve drink specials on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. in an inviting and elegant space featuring crafted cocktails, signature small plates and a bespoke wine selection. 

Website: hoteleffie.com/lobby-bar-menu

Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 351-3032

 

Vin’tij Food & Wine
Celebrate the holidays at Vin’tij Food & Wine at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin. Open on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5-9 p.m., the restaurant will feature a festive holiday menu in addition to its regular dinner offerings. Reservations are suggested.

Website: vintij.com

Address: 500 Grand Blvd., #100K, Miramar Beach 

Phone: (850) 650-9820