You can practically smell the turkey and pumpkin pies in the air as Thanksgiving week fast approaches. Whether you're a local or you're visiting the Emerald Coast for the holidays, you're in luck because there are plenty of events happening.

Alys Beach

Alys in Wonderland

November 24 | 4 PM

Come join the festive fun at Alys in Winter Wonderland! Get ready for an amazing time filled with pictures with Santa, face painting, cookie decorating, and airbrush tattoos. Each activity requires 1 ticket, available for $3 per ticket.

Schedule of events for the day:

4 PM to 7 PM: Pictures with Santa and photo booth

6 PM to 8 PM: Concert in the Amphitheatre

7:30 PM: Tree Lighting

Alys Shoppe Pop-Up

November 24 and November 25 | 10 AM to 4 PM

Check out The Mera Building courtyard (just across from Georges) for a shopping spree at the Alys Shoppe on Friday and Saturday!

Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Coastal White Christmas Celebration & Hometown Parade

November 17 | 5 PM

Join the festivities at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin for a charming holiday parade along the Boulevard, ending in the park with festive tunes and the lighting of the Grand Boulevard Christmas Tree. The parade starts at 5pm and wraps up with a special appearance by Santa Claus! Capture precious family moments with Old Saint Nick and don't forget to bring an unwrapped gift to contribute to our local toy drive.

Festival of Trees

November 21 | 4 PM to 6 PM

Join the excitement of Festival of Trees as 12 local charities decorate their trees, competing for cash prizes. Don't miss the chance to stroll the Boulevard on November 21st, savor the festive atmosphere, and vote for your beloved tree! These enchanting trees will be on display in Grand Park until Christmas, inviting the public to revel in the holiday spirit.

Holiday Open House & Shop-About

November 21 | 3 PM to 6 PM

Celebrate the holiday season with amazing deals and promotions from Grand Boulevard's retailers and restaurants! Don't miss out on the chance to explore all the exciting events and festivities. Swing by Grand Park to get your treasure map and enter for a chance to win incredible prize baskets filled with goodies from our local businesses.

Rosemary Beach

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” Live Theatre

November 21 | 2 PM to 3 PM

Come experience the REP's festive sensation, "Every Christmas Story Ever Told"! This sensational performance features all your cherished holiday classics in a delightfully energetic and hilarious showcase. Perfect for the entire family! Feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets. Join early to get your face painted before the show!

Moonlight & Movies: The Grinch

November 22 | 6 PM to 8 PM

Bring the family for a fun night under the stairs watching a holiday favorite. Chairs and blankets welcome!

Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 24 | 6 PM to 8 PM

Join in the excitement as Rosemary Beach "turns on the town"! Experience the joy of live musical performances by the Charles Dickens Carolers, witness Santa's grand arrival, and be enchanted by the tree lighting. To make the most of this festive season, indulge in a delightful carriage ride through our vibrant town.

Merchant Holiday Open House

November 24 | 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Visit the Town Center Merchants in Rosemary Beach after the tree lighting for a special evening of holiday shopping and refreshments!

Breakfast with Santa

November 25 | 8 AM to 10 AM

Join Santa's Workshop for a magical morning with the kids! Enjoy a delightful boxed breakfast, capture a professional color photo with Santa, and receive a special goodie bag from Gigi's. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20. Don't miss out on this amazing event that supports the SWFD Angel Tree Program, with 100% of admission proceeds going towards a good cause.

Deana Carter: Country Christmas

November 25 | 3 PM

Join the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and Rosemary Beach Foundation for a special outdoor holiday concert featuring Deana Carter, the singer of "Strawberry Wine". This all-ages, pet-friendly show is in support of Alaqua Animal Refuge. Feel free to bring your furry best friends!

Make sure to sign up and donate online in advance. General admission is a suggested donation of $5. For $20 per person, you can enjoy up front and center seating in the Amphitheater Area. Don't forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs!

Seaside

Nutcracker Ballet

November 19 | 5 PM to 6 PM

Kick off the holiday season with a timeless classic, The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Pensacola, at the Seaside Amphitheater. Don't forget to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the show on the lawn of the amphitheater.

Local Love Sidewalk Sale

November 24, 25, and 26 | 10 AM to 6 pm

Celebrate the holiday season with a town-wide shopping extravaganza. It's the perfect opportunity to grab some amazing deals from the merchants, enjoy live music, and indulge in discounted food and beverages!

Turn on the Town: Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

November 25 | 2 PM to 6 PM

Kick off the festive season with Seaside’s annual Turn On The Town event! Don't miss the excitement as they countdown to the grand tree and town lighting with Santa himself. The event kicks off with the highly anticipated holiday parade at 3 PM, featuring Santa and friends as they spread holiday cheer down 30A from Seagrove to Seaside.

Before the parade, enjoy a special holiday performance by The REP on 30A in front of Airstream Row at 2 PM. Once Santa arrives in SEASIDE®, get ready for the tree and town lighting, followed by complimentary photos with Santa himself.

Don't miss out on all the festive activities, including carolers, face-painting, and more! It's a celebration for all ages.

Holiday Show: The REP Theatre

November 26 | 11 AM to 12 PM

Head over to the front of the Seaside Post Office for the amazing holiday tradition of Every Christmas Story Ever Told. The REP Theatre's beloved holiday show is back for its 13th year, featuring all your favorite holiday classics in one high-energy and hilarious performance. Three talented REP actors will entertain you with a wide range of characters, props, and costumes, paying homage to everyone from Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss to Jimmy Stewart and Chewbacca. This ever-evolving REP favorite is the perfect way to kick-start the season, beat the festive fatigue, and spread holiday cheer.

Village of Baytowne Wharf

Here Comes Santa Claus

November 25 | 6 PM to 9 PM

🎅 Santa Claus is coming to town! Don't miss out on the festive fun happening at Baytowne Lane. Head to Baytowne Wharf and cheer Santa on his way to the Event Plaza Lawn to light up the Village Christmas Tree. There will be amazing face-painting, exciting kids crafts, and a spectacular fireworks display. It's a magical event you won't want to miss!

The Polar Express

November 26 | 6 PM

Watch a holiday favorite under the stars on the Events Plaza Lawn!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

With so much going on, you'll have a hard time fitting everything in. So, grab your family and get ready to create memories that you'll remember long after the turkey is gone. Happy Thanksgiving week and cheers to exploring Florida's beautiful Emerald Coast!