"Slices of 30A"

If you're spending December along Scenic 30A, you're in for a full calendar of charming, heart-warming, and just-plain-fun events. From twinkling luminaries and Christmas classics to tacky sweater runs and rooftop soirées, here's your condensed guide to the season's best.

Saturday, Dec. 6: A Triple-Header of Holiday Cheer

Rosemary Beach Tour of Homes (11 AM – 5 PM)
Start the day strolling through some of Rosemary Beach’s most stunning homes during the Holiday Home Tour. It’s self-guided, beautifully decorated, and basically guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. Advanced tickets are required, and this year’s charitable partners are Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring & Sharing of South Walton. After the tour, stick around—Rosemary is extra magical this time of year for shopping, dining, and soaking in the glow. www.rbhometour.com

A Christmas Carol at the Seaside Post Office (11 AM)
Seaside keeps it classic in the best way. Emerald Coast Theatre Company is performing a fast-paced, family-friendly 45-minute adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the Seaside Post Office. Performances run Dec. 5–7, 13–14, and 18–23, always free to the public and always starting at 11 AM. It’s a sweet, easy way to catch a little theatre with big holiday spirit. www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org

Holiday Pops Concert in Seaside (5 PM)
As evening rolls in, grab a blanket or lawn chairs and head to the Seaside Amphitheater for Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Holiday Pops Concert. It’s a town-favorite tradition and a perfect way to end the day under the lights in Central Square. seasidefl.com

Sunday, Dec. 7: Winter Wonder Watersound (2 – 5 PM)

Watersound Town Center turns into a holiday playground with Santa photos, carolers, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, kids’ theatre performances, and more. It’s free, family-friendly, and a great afternoon outing if you’ve got little ones—or just want a cheerful reset. Watersound Origins community

Saturday, Dec. 13: Meaningful Moments + Merry Mischief

Wreaths Across America at Gulf Cemetery (10:45 AM)
A moving annual ceremony at the Historic Gulf Cemetery honoring veterans alongside thousands of cemeteries nationwide. Expect a brief coordinated ceremony, a moment of silence, and wreath-laying afterward. It’s informal and welcoming—kids are encouraged to participate. More info: gulfcemetery.org | Gulf Cemetery on Facebook

Eden Gardens Christmas Candlelight Open House & Luminaries (Moved to Dec. 13)
More than 2,000 luminaries line Eden Gardens’ paths, the Wesley House glows with decorated trees, and the park fills with music, cookies, and hot drinks. Admission fees are waived (donations welcome). If you’ve never seen Eden Gardens at night, this is the time. The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park 

Grayt Santa Pub Crawl (Check-in 2 PM)
Grayton gets rowdy in the most joyful way. Register, grab your wristband, and hop bar-to-bar with drink tickets, shuttles, DJs/live music, and costume contests. Naughty Santa? Nice Santa? Wild group theme? There’s a prize for that. wholelifefitnessfl.com

Sunday, Dec. 14: Fra-Gee-Lay 2K Tacky Sweater Fun Run (8 AM)

Blue Mountain Bakery hosts the “race for those who don’t race.” It’s 1.2 miles of holiday silliness, cookies and mimosas midway, and prizes for best costumes/tacky sweaters. Proceeds support Alaqua Animal Refuge, so you can feel good while you jiggle-jog your way through it. FRA-GEE-LAY 2K

Saturday, Dec. 20: Santa Brunch + Ugly Sweaters

Old Florida Fish House Brunch with Santa (10 AM – 2 PM)
Bring the family (and your appetite). Old Florida Fish House hosts a brunch buffet with Santa—reservations encouraged. It’s festive, easy, and comes with those Eastern Lake views that never get old. oldfloridafishhouse.com

Louis Louis Ugly Sweater Party & Toys 4 Tots Benefit (8 PM ’til late)
Holiday party season peaks here. Wear your loudest sweater, bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys 4 Tots, and get a drink ticket in return. DJ Michael Desciple keeps the energy up all night. 

Wednesday, Dec. 31: Ring in 2026—30A Style

Alys Beach Noon Year’s Eve (10 AM – 12 PM)
Perfect for families or anyone who loves the idea of celebrating before bedtime. Expect live music, bubbles, kids’ crafts, face painting, and a bright, happy countdown at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre.

Pescado NYE Rooftop Soirée (4 – 6 PM, 21+)
Toast the final sunset of 2025 high above Rosemary Beach. Tickets include two beverages and passed appetizers. It’s early, elegant, and ends in time to move on to dinner plans. Tickets - https://sevn.ly/xOEcUypd Reservations are recommended. Learn more at rooftop30a.com

Seaside New Year’s Eve Celebration (4 – 9 PM)
Arts & crafts, face painting, live music from Monsters of Yacht, and fireworks over Central Square. Bring a blanket and settle in—it’s a classic Seaside night.

Pescado’s NYE “Wicked’ly Celebration” (7 – 10 PM + Studio 54 After-Party)
If you want full glam, this is your ticket. A themed 3-course dinner, rooftop DJ, and a Studio 54-style party to carry you right into the New Year.

Old Florida Fish House New Year’s Eve Party
Dinner, a full band, champagne toast, balloon drop, and party favors—Fish House style. VIP tickets include a 3-course dinner and reserved table, while general tickets keep you in the mix all night. Purchase tickets and learn more: https://oldfloridafishhouse.ticketspice.com/new-years-eve-2026

Make the Most of It

Whether you’re looking for quiet candlelit magic, a family-friendly holiday tradition, or a sparkly rooftop countdown, 30A is serving it up all month long. Pick a couple of favorites, leave room for spontaneity, and enjoy the season—coastal style!