Santa and Snowbirds Arrive in Destin this December

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Destin is decorated in its holiday best as we welcome Santa and our first flock of snowbirds for the winter season. As our winter guests arrive to town, we look forward to quickly getting you acclimated to your winter home and wanted to start with some of the fun activities taking place around town as well as 2018 events planned by the Destin Snowbird Club. 

Holiday Festivities:

The City of Destin’s 33rd Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 10am. This year’s theme is “All I want for Christmas.” The floats will start at Downtown Destin Shopping Center (Old Time Pottery) and travel West down Harbor Blvd. (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Ave. Spectators are asked to stand on the north side of Harbor Blvd. to watch the floats. For more information call, 850-654-5184.

Visit with Santa at HarborWalk Village on Dec. 9, 2017 from noon to 4pm. It’s time for the children to bring their wish list and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa’s guests receive a special treat and FREE 4x6 photo. All through December, bring your letter to Santa and drop it in our special mailbox located near the main stage. For every letter received, we will donate $1 to the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center.

Visit with Santa at Grand Boulevard on Dec. 9, 2017 from 2-3pm.  Stop by Grand Park, at the Festival of Trees display, to say “hello” to Santa and enjoy a free photo. Abrakadoodle will offer free, holiday arts and crafts for kids. Stay and shop for gifts at their growing list of premium retail stores, including Fab’rik, Anthropologie, J. Jill, Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Orvis and more.

Norman Brown's Joyous Christmas Concert on Dec. 9, 2017 from 7:30 – 10pm at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College.

Billy Claus and The LuLuBelles arrive at LuLu’s on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at Noon. Enjoy a memorable family Holiday experience at LuLu’s 3rd Annual Billy Claus and The LuLuBelles free event. Billy Claus is Santa’s warm weather-loving brother who lives in the Caribbean, but comes this way to help Santa during the Holiday season. The LuLuBelles are Billy’s version of Santa’s elves. Billy will visit with the children to hear their wish list to pass on to Santa. Billy and the LuLuBelles will be available for photos with the children. In addition to kid’s arts & crafts activities, Lucy Buffett will  also be there for a  reading of her children’s book, Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas. LuLu’s is located in Destin at the foot of the Mid Bay Bridge, next to Legendary Marina. Visit www.lulubuffett.com/destin or call (850) 710-5858 for more informiton. .

The 31st Annual Christmas Boat Parade will be Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Destin Harbor. The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer Visit with Santa Claus in the afternoon from 12:00-4:00pm at HarborWalk Village’s Main Stage. Then stay as the sun goes down and holiday lights illuminate the Destin Harbor will holiday cheer. Boat Parade will light up the harbor beginning at 6:00 PM with fireworks following the parade and firespinning on HarborWalk Village’s main stage with Just Add Fire.

Destin Snowbird Club is planning some exciting trips for 2018 including:

Destin Snowbird Harbor Party Cruises - There are three confirmed dates for the very popular Harbor Party Cruises including Jan. 29, Feb. 5, and Feb. 12, 2018.

Snowbird Caribbean Cruise. A seven-night Caribbean cruise will commence Jan. 28, 2018. Departure will be from New Orleans.

The New Orleans Mardi Gras trip, Feb. 4-5, will include parades and people watching, as well as stops at Biloxi casinos complete with free slot play and food vouchers. The bus will leave from Destin early on Sunday, Feb. 4, and return early evening on Monday, Feb. 5.

Snowbird Valentine's Weekend - A full weekend in February will include the Valentine Dinner Dance on Saturday, Feb. 17, the Soundsations Benefit Concert on Sunday, Feb. 18 and the annual Fashion Luncheon on Monday, Feb. 19.

To learn more about the Destin Snowbird Club, visit them online at DestinSnowbirds.org or contact Mary Pierce, publicity director from Toledo, Ohio, at 419-250-9377or [email protected].

For snowbirds staying in Walton County, visit the South Walton Snowbird Club online at www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com or email [email protected].  

Book Your Destin Winter Getaway

If you haven't booked your Destin winter getaway, now is the time. Rates are the lowest of the year on premier Destin vacation rentals and many Newman-Dailey's new and upgraded rentals are available now. View our well-appointed South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online or for shorter stays enjoy our colorful, cozy rooms at Beachside Inn.

Having trrouble finding the perfect accommodations for your next beach vacation? Call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to narrow your search or to book a monthly winter rental. Always book direct for our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Monday, December 4, 2017