The holiday season has arrived, and while the scramble to find the perfect treasure for your loved ones has just started, finding a vacation rental to spend your time off shouldn’t be such a struggle. Exclusive 30A is here to make that a reality, with our pleasant staff available to help you select the perfect luxury vacation rental for a stay on the gorgeous Emerald Coast. We’ve also compiled a list of some of the wonderful events taking place down here during December, to help you better decide how to spend your time when you arrive. Your family will never want to spend their winter vacation in the snow again after they experience the magical atmosphere that takes place in the irresistible weather of the Emerald Coast.
Be sure to pack ice skates during your trip, because visitors to 30A this winter can still enjoy some cold weather activities even in the gorgeous Emerald Coast weather with Baytowne On Ice. The seasonal ice rink will be open at Baytowne Wharf from October 27th to February 2nd, with varying hours and skate rentals available.
2. Festival of Trees
Held annually in the Grand Park of Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, the festival showcases uniquely decorated Christmas trees from twelve local non-profits. Part of the Coastal White Christmas event, visitors can enjoy the trees through Christmas day. Besides the wonderful holiday atmosphere that it creates, the event also awards cash prizes to the non-profits based on their decorations, with visitors casting a vote for the People’s Choice award. If you're planning to stay close to the festivities, consider one of our Miramar Beach vacation rentals for a convenient and luxurious holiday retreat.
3. Photos with Santa
Bring your children to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at either The Bay or Grand Boulevard. The former will take place on the gorgeous lit up dock of The Bay restaurant, with a few surprises in store and of course delicious food available for dinner if you choose to stay for a meal. The part of the Coastal White Christmas event, with the photo’s backdrop being the gorgeous decorations of Grand Boulevard. Holiday arts and crafts will also be available for your children to construct a memorable creation while you wait for your picture.
4. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
Also in conjunction with the Coastal White Christmas, horse drawn carriage rides will be available for Grand Boulevard visitors throughout the beginning of December until Christmas. The rides are free and will take place around the town center as participants admire the faux snow falling on the Festival of Trees and the jolly carols of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company.
5. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)
Go and find out why locals and visitors alike make a special effort to attend the Every Christmas Story Ever Told play every year. Now in its 9th annual production, the play whisks you back in time to enjoy a combination of classic Christmas stories performed by 3 actors in one 50-minute spectacle. It is shown at a variety of times leading up to Christmas at the REP Theatre in Santa Rosa Beach.
6. Christmas Concerts
There are a bountiful number of holiday themed events for music lovers to enjoy during their stay on 30a. Besides the shows at the area’s typical concert venues, two special performances to check out are the student Christmas concert and the Merry Little Christmas Concert. Both feature talented local artists singing holiday tunes in a manner that will warm the hearts of all in attendance.
7. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
A talented cast brings to life the beloved American holiday classic of It’s a Wonderful Life with an interesting new format, a 1940’s radio broadcast. The story will captivate audiences of all ages with the dozens of characters that are introduced and the live, on-stage sound effects.
8. Christmas Movies – Trivia Night
Can you not help but to watch that 5th re-run of It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story during the holidays? Come test your Christmas movie knowledge at the trivia night of the Village Door during your vacation. Many great prizes will be available throughout the night, with the winning team of up to 6 people receiving a FREE tab.
9. Charity Christmas Ball
Presented by Café Thirty-A, guests are invited to dress in their favorite evening attire to enjoy a buffet, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, holiday music, and of course stunning holiday décor. The proceeds of the event will benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton, with a large silent auction and raffle planned for additional fundraising.
10. 3rd Annual Grayt Holiday Market
Visitors can shop for unique gifts from local area vendors as they enjoy festive and year-round craft beers, food, and an appearance by Santa during the 3rd Annual GRAYT Holiday Market. Held at the Grayton Beer Company Taproom, the event will also be hosted alongside their regularly scheduled Dog Days are (R)over, where patrons who bring in their dog receive 10% off their tab.
Come take part in the wonderful holiday spirit and themed events that make the Emerald Coast a magical place to be during your winter vacation. We represent the most desirable vacation rentals in the area. Call (844) STAY-30A or (844) 782-9302, email us at [email protected] or contact us through our website here: Contact Us. Plus, remember to follow us on Twitter @exclusive30a, Instagram @exclusive30a or “Like” the Exclusive 30A Facebook page for more information. We’d love to hear from you!
