Celebrate The Season on 30A: Top Events from Dec 15 to Jan 15

Posted by Robin Maynard on Thursday, December 12th, 2024  10:54am.

Celebrate The Season on 30A with these Top Events 

Discover the magic of the season on 30A with our top holiday events guide! From captivating theater performances and festive family activities to live music, New Year's celebrations, and a Polar Bear Plunge, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore unforgettable experiences along the Emerald Coast this holiday season!

Emerald Coast Theatre Company

December 6-22, 2024 | Sandestin, FL - Grand Boulevard

The Western Front: Christmas 1914. Out of the violence of World War I, a silence, then a song. A German soldier enters No Man's Land singing "Stille Nacht." Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first Christmas Eve of World War I when soldiers across the Western Front laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. Based on the first-hand accounts of soldiers who lived it, this beautifully staged play with music brings these stories to life with traditional carols and patriotic songs, sung a cappella by a cast of 10, celebrating the unique way the holiday season can bring us all together.

 Holiday KIDZ Paint

December 15 | Cultural Arts Alliance Bayou Arts Center

Secure your spot for the KIDZ Holiday Paint class on Sunday, December 15, from 1 - 2 pm at the CAA's Bayou Arts Center!

Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events to reserve your seat.

Young artists, ages seven and up, will be guided through creating an adorable penguin masterpiece, perfect for the holiday season.

Using step-by-step instruction, Emily will teach students how to work with acrylic paints, blend colors, and add whimsical details to their artwork. Each child will leave with a unique, frame-worthy painting they'll be proud to display or give as a holiday gift.

No prior painting experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and holiday cheer! All materials are included.

The REP Theatre Holiday Show

December 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 | 11 am to 11:30 am | Seaside, FL

Grab your chairs and join us in front of the SEASIDE® Post Office for Every Christmas Story Ever Told by The REP Theatre. This performance blends your favorite holiday classics into one featuring The Grinch, Rudolph, It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and more!

This show is a complimentary event made possible by the Arts & Entertainment fee collected by Seaside Merchants.

Paella Night at 87 Central

Every Tuesday & Thursday (check availability) | Seaside, FL

One of our favorite traditions is paella night in Seaside! Join us at 87 Central every Tuesday and Thursday evening for Chef Joyce's famous paella. Orders can be taken at 5:30 pm, and the paella is ready around 7:00 pm. ⁠She learned her recipe while in Spain and has continued to tweak it over the years to bring some panhandle flair. Her use of chorizo instead of plain sausage adds a little extra spice kick, so this dish is not for the faint of heart!

The event is subject to be canceled and not reflected on the event calendar. Please check with 87 Central to ensure paella is still served that evening before attending.

Sounds of Seaside | Fred Domulot

December 18, from 4 pm to 6 pm | Seaside, FL

Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy an afternoon of live music from local musicians in the Seaside Amphitheater!

Photos with Santa in Seaside

December 19, from 4 pm to 6 pm | Seaside, FL

Capture the magic of the season with Photos with Santa in SEASIDE®'s enchanting Christmas Village (Pop-Up District) for a festive, picture-perfect experience where Santa himself will be waiting to hear your holiday wishes. The dates are December 13 – 19 from 4 pm – 6 pm.

The photos are complimentary, so bring the whole family and create lasting memories in our winter wonderland. Don't miss this joyful holiday tradition in SEASIDE®!

Elf Stravaganza Fun Fest

December 20, from 2:30 to 4:30 | Seaside, FL

Take a break from the hustle of the holidays and unwrap a world of magical memories at Seaside's exclusive Elf-Stravaganza Fun Fest! 

This free event is packed with festive fun for families with small children. Get ready to jingle, mingle, and snap adorable photos with our merry band of beloved holiday characters. Enjoy festive tunes, laugh out loud with the elves' merry storytelling session, and challenge your friends and neighbors to our Super Sweet and Epic Cookie Eating Competition, where brave contestants will battle it out for the coveted title of Sugar Rush Superstar!  

It's a day of laughter, cheer, and unforgettable memories for everyone – no wrapping required!

New Year's Eve Celebrations

SEASIDE'S New Year's Eve Celebration includes live music, a fireworks show, and more!

Our complimentary shuttle will run from 6 am to 12 pm from the 331 lot just south of the bay. While parking in Seaside is complimentary, we highly encourage guests to utilize the shuttle during this high-traffic time!

ALYS BEACH | Noon Year's Eve Party

December 31, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Ring in the New Year a little early at the Alys Beach Noon Year's Eve Party. Join us on Tuesday, December 31, from 10 am to 12 pm in the Amphitheatre for a festive celebration the whole family will enjoy. Dance along to live music from Big City Rhythm, get creative with fun crafts (available for purchase), enjoy face painting, and capture moments in the photo booth. At noon, welcome 2025 in style with an exciting T-shirt drop. This event is free and open to the public.

Alys Beach Amphitheatre is located on Scenic 30A, just across from the Gulf of Mexico, in South Walton's Alys Beach, Florida. The amphitheater is a beautiful green park where families often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities, and other fun events. Learn more at www.AlysBeach.com

SWFD Polar Bear Plunge

January 1, 2025, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | Ed Walline Beach Access

Make a splash on New Year's Day! The South Walton Fire District, in conjunction with Shunk Gulley, will host the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day at Ed Walline Beach Access.

Participants are encouraged to register online and sign the safety waiver before the event day. To register online, visit the SWFD Polar Bear Plunge on Eventbrite: TBA.

In-person registration starts at 11 am at Shunk Gulley. It costs $20. Children 12 years old and under are FREE! Every participant gets an event towel with their entry fee. Funds collected at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs. After the plunge, join back at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar to celebrate the start of the New Year.

Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-Mile Trail Trot

January 4, 2025, 7 am | Point Washington Trail Head

Mark your calendars for the 5th annual Ellie Biscuit Trail Trot on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Pt Washington State Forest. This no-frills trail race features 10- and 20-mile courses, starting from the Eastern Lake Trailhead off CR-395S, with races kicking off at 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Register by December 19 to guarantee the coveted Ellie Biscuit hoodie or a long-sleeve shirt if you miss the deadline.

Expect stunning Florida forest trails filled with roots, rocks, and sand—a true off-road adventure! Awards will go to top finishers, and all participants earn a finisher's medal. Early packet pick-up is at Fleet Feet Inlet Beach on January 3 from 4–6 pm. Find course maps and registration details at UltraSignup.

Americana Concerts at Camp Helen Lodge

January 8, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Inlet Beach, FL

Get ready for an incredible lineup of Americana Concerts in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park every other Saturday from January 8 to March 5 at 6:00 pm. For the first time, tickets will be available in advance on Eventbrite, with the first release dropping at 11:30 pm on New Year's Eve. Seating is limited, with two reservations per email, so act fast when tickets go live. The Friends of Camp Helen will provide snacks and beverages.

The series starts January 8 with Passerine and includes standout performances by Paul Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald, Ellen Bukstel, Reckless Saints, and The New 76ers. For ticket info and updates, visit the Friends of Camp Helen website or Facebook page: Friends of Camp Helen.