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Review: Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends, York Barbican

8:36am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Music news and reviews by Martin Dreyer

Take nine Cornishmen and a Yorkshireman, all dwellers in Port Isaac on the Cornish coast and all with a past or present connection with fishing, and you have Britain’s only dyed-in-the-wool shanty group.

by their own admission producing a “wall of sound”, they stir the salt in the blood of even the laziest landlubber.

our island race is never far from the sea. on Thursday it might have been lapping at the Barbican’s sides, so strong was the tang in the air.

Deep bass Jon Cleave’s native twang provided humorous links.

Shanties concern serious work, sometimes life or death, on the ocean wave. a shantyman coordinates his crew in strenuous effort, singing the verses while they provide chorus. so all but the accordionist in this talented group sang at least two solos in this way (even he joined the choruses).

Methodist chapel harmonies animated these songs, not your maudlin Victorian mush, but strong, clean, folk-leaning music, without vibrato.

Naturally, we had Shenandoah – an authentic, unfamiliar version – and the Drunken Sailor got a look in. But there were tales of West Indian banana boats and South Australian deportees and a Titanic blues.

All human life was here: hard times, good times, No-hopers, Jokers and Rogues, and, naturally, women. Most moving of all was the death of a whale.

here were real hearts of oak to remind us that Britannia ruled the waves and in Cornwall still does. Lucy Ward was the engaging warm-up singer.

More Music news and reviews tales

Review: Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends, York Barbican

8:36am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Music news and reviews by Martin Dreyer

take nine Cornishmen and a Yorkshireman, all dwellers in Port Isaac on the Cornish coast and all with a past or present connection with fishing, and you have Britain’s only dyed-in-the-wool shanty group.

by their own admission producing a “wall of sound”, they stir the salt in the blood of even the laziest landlubber.

our island race is never far from the sea. on Thursday it might have been lapping at the Barbican’s sides, so strong was the tang in the air.

Deep bass Jon Cleave’s native twang provided humorous links.

Shanties concern serious work, sometimes life or death, on the ocean wave. a shantyman coordinates his crew in strenuous effort, singing the verses while they provide chorus. So all but the accordionist in this talented group sang at least two solos in this way (even he joined the choruses).

Methodist chapel harmonies animated these songs, not your maudlin Victorian mush, but strong, clean, folk-leaning music, without vibrato.

Naturally, we had Shenandoah – an authentic, unfamiliar version – and the Drunken Sailor got a look in. but there were tales of West Indian banana boats and South Australian deportees and a Titanic blues.

all human life was here: hard times, good times, No-hopers, Jokers and Rogues, and, naturally, women. most moving of all was the death of a whale.

here were real hearts of oak to remind us that Britannia ruled the waves and in Cornwall still does. Lucy Ward was the engaging warm-up singer.

more Music news and reviews tales

Review: Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends, York Barbican

8:36am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Music news and reviews By Martin Dreyer

Take nine Cornishmen and a Yorkshireman, all dwellers in Port Isaac on the Cornish coast and all with a past or present connection with fishing, and you have Britain’s only dyed-in-the-wool shanty group.

By their own admission producing a “wall of sound”, they stir the salt in the blood of even the most bone idle landlubber.

our island race is never far from the sea. On Thursday it might have been lapping at the Barbican’s sides, so strong was the tang in the air.

Deep bass Jon Cleave’s native twang provided humorous links.

Shanties concern serious work, sometimes life or death, on the ocean wave. A shantyman coordinates his crew in strenuous effort, singing the verses while they provide chorus. so all but the accordionist in this talented group sang at least two solos in this way (even he joined the choruses).

Methodist chapel harmonies animated these songs, not your maudlin Victorian mush, but strong, clean, folk-leaning music, without vibrato.

Naturally, we had Shenandoah – an authentic, unfamiliar version – and the Drunken Sailor got a look in. But there were tales of West Indian banana boats and South Australian deportees and a Titanic blues.

all human life was here: hard times, excellent times, No-hopers, Jokers And Rogues, and, naturally, women. Most moving of all was the death of a whale.

here were real hearts of oak to remind us that Britannia ruled the waves and in Cornwall still does. Lucy Ward was the engaging warm-up singer.

More Music news and reviews tales

Review: Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends, York Barbican

8:36am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Music news and reviews by Martin Dreyer

take nine Cornishmen and a Yorkshireman, all dwellers in Port Isaac on the Cornish coast and all with a past or present connection with fishing, and you have Britain’s only dyed-in-the-wool shanty group.

by their own admission producing a “wall of sound”, they stir the salt in the blood of even the most bone idle landlubber.

Our island race is never far from the sea. on Thursday it might have been lapping at the Barbican’s sides, so strong was the tang in the air.

Deep bass Jon Cleave’s native twang provided humorous links.

Shanties concern serious work, sometimes life or death, on the ocean wave. a shantyman coordinates his crew in strenuous effort, singing the verses while they provide chorus. so all but the accordionist in this talented group sang at least two solos in this way (even he joined the choruses).

Methodist chapel harmonies animated these songs, not your maudlin Victorian mush, but strong, clean, folk-leaning music, without vibrato.

Naturally, we had Shenandoah – an authentic, unfamiliar version – and the Drunken Sailor got a look in. But there were tales of West Indian banana boats and South Australian deportees and a Titanic blues.

All human life was here: hard times, good times, No-hopers, Jokers And Rogues, and, naturally, women. most moving of all was the death of a whale.

Here were real hearts of oak to remind us that Britannia ruled the waves and in Cornwall still does. Lucy Ward was the engaging warm-up singer.

more Music news and reviews tales

Review: Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends, York Barbican

8:36am Saturday 25th February 2012 in Music news and reviews By Martin Dreyer

Take nine Cornishmen and a Yorkshireman, all dwellers in Port Isaac on the Cornish coast and all with a past or present connection with fishing, and you have Britain’s only dyed-in-the-wool shanty group.

By their own admission producing a “wall of sound”, they stir the salt in the blood of even the laziest landlubber.

Our island race is never far from the sea. On Thursday it might have been lapping at the Barbican’s sides, so strong was the tang in the air.

Deep bass Jon Cleave’s native twang provided humorous links.

Shanties concern serious work, sometimes life or death, on the ocean wave. A shantyman coordinates his crew in strenuous effort, singing the verses while they provide chorus. so all but the accordionist in this talented group sang at least two solos in this way (even he joined the choruses).

Methodist chapel harmonies animated these songs, not your maudlin Victorian mush, but strong, clean, folk-leaning music, without vibrato.

Naturally, we had Shenandoah – an authentic, unfamiliar version – and the Drunken Sailor got a look in. but there were tales of West Indian banana boats and South Australian deportees and a Titanic blues.

all human life was here: hard times, good times, No-hopers, Jokers and Rogues, and, naturally, women. most moving of all was the death of a whale.

Here were real hearts of oak to remind us that Britannia ruled the waves and in Cornwall still does. Lucy Ward was the engaging warm-up singer.

more Music news and reviews tales

Beirut’s The Rip Tideis out August 30 on Zach Condon’s very own Pompeii Records. few predicted the inward journey Beirut leader, Zach Condon, would achieve on The Rip Tide, an album with the most introspective and memorable songs of his young career. with songs that speak of like, friendship, isolation, and community, touching on universal human themes that are less fabricated tales than impressions of life at a quarter century of age, the album exposes a depth of honesty that outstrips the simplified nomadic troubadour image of his past. Songs are no longer about imagining places you haven’t been; they’re about places of which we are all extremely familiar, perhaps too familiar. this dramatic shift expands Beirut’s palate as Condon has coated serious lyrics with his greatest tunes ever. The second track, “Santa Fe,” is the best pop song he has yet written, a jumpy ode to the town of his youth, and an early sign that The Rip Tide is all about the staycation.

Listen to The Rip Tide in its entirety now at NPR Music, and share “Santa Fe” stream.

STREAM BEIRUT’S THE RIP TIDE   | “SANTA FE”

The physical release of the album will be available in three formats in the US:

LIMITED Edition Deluxe CD – Available primarily at independent record shops and directly from the band, this package will come in a book styled format, entirely cloth bound setting off the gold foil stamping.

LIMITED Edition Deluxe LP – Perfectly clothbound – as per the deluxe CD with gold foil stamped lettering. The LP will also come with a collectable postcard designed by Perrin Cloutier of the band and MP3 download code.

Standard CD DIGIPAK – in a book style format w/gold foil stamped lettering.

As previously announced, Beirut will be touring in support of The Rip Tide. Joining Zach Condon (ukulele, trumpet, piano, vocals) on the road is Perrin Cloutier (accordion, piano), Paul Collins (electric bass, upright bass), Ben Lanz (trombone, piano, tuba), Nick Petree (drums), and Kelly Pratt (trumpet, euphonium).

Wed. Aug. 10 — Vancouver, BC @ Commodore

Fri. Aug. 12 — Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

Sun. Aug. 14 — San Francisco, CA @ outside Lands

Fri. Sep. 2 — Dorset, UK @ End of Road Festival

Sun. Sep. 4 — Stradbally, Ireland @ Electric Picnic

Tue. Sep. 6 — Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy

Thu. Sep. 8 — Amsterdamn, Netherlands @ Paradiso

Mon. Sep. 12 — Paris, France @ Olympia

Wed. Sep. 14 — Brussels, Belgium @ AB

Fri. Sep. 16 — London, UK @ Brixton Academy

Wed. Sep. 21 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5

Thu. Sep. 22 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5

Mon. Sep. 26 — Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater

Wed. Sep. 28 – Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium

Sat. Oct. 1 Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater – DNA

Tue. Oct. 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre

Fri. Oct. 7 — Santa Fe, NM @ Santa Fe Community Convention Center

Sun. Oct. 9 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

Tue. Oct. 11 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Hall

Tue. Oct. 25 – Richmond, VA @ The National

Thu. Oct. 27 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

Sat. Oct. 29 – Austin, TX @ Stubbs Waller Creek

Fri. Nov. 4 — Mexico City, Mexico @ Salon Vive Cuervo

Sat. Nov. 5 — Mexico City, Mexico @ Salon Vive Cuervo

Wed. Nov. 9 — Lexington, KY @ The Kentucky Theater

Fri. Nov. 11 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts

Sun. Nov. 13 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

Area codes are 850 unless noted.

Vintage Vegas

Ron Adams brings a classic Vegas style show, complete with showgirls, lights and costumes, to the harbor during the Vintage Vegas Holiday Show at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at HarborWalk Village in Destin. The Yat Pat will also perform music reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. Call 424-0600.

Christmas tree lighting

The 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Destin, will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Destin Community Center. There will be entertainment from local choruses, musical groups and dancers with refreshments being served after the lighting of the tree. Donations of toys and canned food will be collected for families in need. Call 654-5184.

Beachin Santa PAWS Photos

Bring your pet for photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at KC’s Sandbar & Grill (beside the Snow Cone Stand), 190 SE Miracle Strip Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach. Proceeds from this annual PAWS fundraiser go to the Guardian Angel Fund, which provides medical care for special needs animals. Call 243-1525.

 

Santa Skypes at Sandestin

This holiday season, families can bring the magic of Christmas to their home with a personal Skype with Santa Claus from 4-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Dec. 7. Simply call him at SKYPE location name, SandestinResort.

Choral Society

The Choral Society of Pensacola presents the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Road. Tickets are $18/reserved section seating, $15/general admission, and $5/students. Tickets can be purchased at 484-1847 and will be available at the door one hour prior to performance time.

Santa’s arrival

Don’t miss the arrival of Santa at Silver Sands on Sacred Heart’s AIRHeart Helicopter at noon Dec. 3. Children are invited to dress up in festive holiday costumes and join Santa for a fun parade to the Courtyard for refreshments and complimentary photos. A donation will be made to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in the name of the holiday costume contest winners for each age category.

Holiday craft show

The fourth annual Holiday Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Destin Community Center. Vendors will have artwork, handmade crafts, scrapbooking, silk florals, food products, jewelry and more. Admission is free. Call 654-5184.

Breakfast with Santa

The Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary will host its 28th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 3 in the hospital cafeteria. Tickets are $3/adults and $2/children and are available in advance at the Gift Shop or at the door. Volunteer elves will help children buy gifts, including wrapping, for $1-$5 in Santa’s workshop. Call 243-5860.

Breakfast with Santa

Bring the lil’ rockers to Hard Rock Cafe Destin for Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Cost is $9.95 and children 2 and younger are free with paid adult. Includes reserved seating and a buffet style breakfast plus a visit with Santa and photos and a party bag with goodies. make reservations at 654-3310.

Destin Boat Parade

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 25th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the harbor and the judging will start at 6 p.m. upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. Fireworks in the East Pass will light up the sky after the parade.

The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums. in case of terrible weather, the event will be held Dec. 11.

Holiday Delights

The Northwest Florida State College Madrigals and Belle Voci will perform a variety of a capella and accompanied holiday music to delight the senses at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Tyler Recital Hall at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. following the performance, gourmet cookies and coffee will delight the palate. Tickets are $15 each.

A Season of Song

The Niceville High School Chorus ushers in the holidays with a medley of winter and holiday selections featuring a candlelight processional at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Mattie Kelly Fine Arts Auditorium on the Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville. Tickets are $15 and all seats are reserved. Buy tickets at 729-6000 or visit mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Holiday Party

Join friends and colleagues at the Destin Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Party Dec. 6 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. enjoy tasty food in an elegant atmosphere.  Cost is $30/person.  Reservations are encouraged. To register or donate a door prize, call 850-837-6241 or visit DestinChamber.com.

Holiday Toast on the Coast

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host its annual holiday reception and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Proceeds will go toward promoting and enhancing the public relations profession along the Gulf Coast and Christmas gifts will be collected and donated to Emerald Coast Toys for Tots, an organization that distributes toys to needy children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The event will include a silent auction and non-raffle drawing for prizes such as gift certificates, room stays, vacation packages, event tickets, gift baskets, advertising and much more. Local businesses and individuals are invited to donate items for the drawing to help raise money.

Drawing tickets can be purchased at the door or prior to the event at Silver Sands Factory Stores’ Shopper Services and Grand Boulevard’s Guest Services for $10 per ticket or three for $25.

To attend, email by Dec. 2. Admission is $25, $20/FPRA members, and includes a cocktail and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Mistletoe Market

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast will host its fourth annual Mistletoe Market fundraiser Dec. 8-11 at the Linkside Center at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Specialty merchants from across the country will offer gift items including clothing, jewelry and handbags to food, art and children’s items.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Admission is $5.

The event will kick-off with the Mistletoe Market Preview Party, a VIP shopping party, from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 8 with five local restaurants and catering companies serving and live entertainment. Tickets are $40/person.

Breakfast with Santa for children will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 and includes a magic show. Cost is $20/child. Tickets for the Preview Party and Breakfast with Santa are available at jlec.org or at the door.

DMS concert

The Destin Middle School Winter Concert and silent Auction will be held Dec. 9 at Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. The auction bidding begins at 6 p.m. with the free concert to follow at 6:30 p.m. Browse the bidding tables for unique gift baskets and items, donated from the generous business community.

Christmas Open House

Signature Studios and The Beverly McNeil Gallery will host a Christmas Open House from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 10 at 36062 Emerald Coast Parkway. Local artists Charlotte Arnold, Melody Bogle, Carol Cain and Rosalyn O’Grady will present Tiny Treasures, small-scale paintings, and will paint on site. Pottery by Debbie Orr will be featured. Call 654-4322.

The Magic of Christmas

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus presents the concert, “The Magic of Christmas”, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/children under 12 years of age, and $12/seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased at Alphy’s Catfish House in Navarre, Bayou Books in Niceville, Blooms and Bon Bons in Crestview, Connect With Flowers in Shalimar, P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, The Cat Clinic in Destin, and Diamond Works in Mary Esther.

Destin Christmas Parade

The 26th Annual Destin Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 10. The theme this year is “Christmas around the World.” Parade will assemble at 8 a.m. at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and then travel down U.S. 98 to Nightown. Applications may be picked up at the Destin Community Center or downloaded at cityofdestin.com. They must be returned by Dec. 2. Call 654-5184.

Peter White Christmas 

The annual holiday production, Peter White Christmas presented by WSBZ-FM The Seabreeze 106.3 FM, blends cool contemporary jazz with traditional holiday music at 7:309 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NFSC in Niceville. Eight time Grammy Award nominee saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, will join Mindi Abair and Peter White for what will be a “jazzy Christmas”.   

All seats are reserved.  General Admission seating is $40 each with special Front Section seating available for $80 each. To order tickets by phone call The Arts Center at 729-6000 or visit WSBZ-FM website at seabreeze.fm.   Front Section tickets are only available by phone or at the Arts Center Box Office in person.

General Admission tickets are also available at Playground Music   Center in Fort Walton Beach and Kitchenique at City Market in Destin.

The Greatest Gift Camp

Immanuel Anglican Church will host “The Greatest Gift Camp” to celebrate the birth of Jesus from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 inside Noah’s Ark Preschool. Children ages 4-10 will make gifts for their family members. Cost is $30, siblings are $25. Call 837-6324 to register. Space is limited.

Festival of Trees

More than a dozen decorated Christmas trees will be on public display as area non-profit organizations vie to win cash prizes for best of Show and People’s Choice awards during the Festival of Trees from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Christmas in Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Contest winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 in Grand Park with music, cookies and hot chocolate. Events are free.

Holidays at Baytowne Wharf

In celebration of the holiday season, The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Abrakadoodle present the holiday paper lantern parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 17. this community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic symbols of the holiday season. We invite all individuals and groups to participate by making their own paper lanterns. The evening begins with a Christmas Parade with the Sandestin homeowners and their lighted, golf carts at 6 p.m.

The Nutcracker

Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance present their annual holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”, at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the South Walton Beach High School auditorium. More than 80 local dancers will participate in the production. Early Bird pricing is $15 before Dec. 12 and general admission available at the door for $20 cash each day. Call 837-1133.

Luces Navideñas

The Seventh Annual Luces Navideñas Children’s Party will be held from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Center in Fort Walton Beach. The  “Latin-Flavored” party is open to all children/families regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity. everything is free, to include new toys for all that attend. There will be food, games, DJs, singers, church choirs, clowns, magicians, plus Santa and his elves.

The organization needs donations of toys, gifts, clothing as well as monetary contributions to defray the costs of the event. We are also looking for volunteers and business sponsors. Call 305-3686 or 368-3505 or email or .

Baking class

Chef Jim Shirah will hold baking classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the Destin Community Center for children ages 8-14. The fee is $25/residents and $30/non-residents. each student will learn how to bake and take home holiday cookies and treats. Register at 654-5184.

Sacred Heart Holiday Sale

The spirit of the holidays will come alive in the main hallway of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast as the hospital’s Volunteer Guild hosts its annual Holiday Sale Extravaganza from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 21.

 Shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on most gift shop items and a 20 percent discount on varying holiday items each week of the sale. Items include unique holiday decorations, tree ornaments, manger scenes, angels, music boxes, jewelry, baby clothing, holiday games, festive toys and table décor.

 Proceeds generated support current and future services at Sacred Heart, in addition to providing healthcare-based scholarships to local students and prescription drug assistance to underserved families in our community.  Call 278-3032.

Photos with Santa

Free kids’ photos, courtesy of Grand Boulevard, will be made from 2-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 24 at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Call 65-5929.

Bass Pro Shops

The fourth annual “Santa’s Wonderland — A Classic Christmas” at Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons is a 3,500-square foot Christmas village full of games, activities and crafts for the whole family through Dec. 24.

Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers an ancient-time model train area, remote control trucks, a Red Ryder laser arcade, a soft gun range and slot car racing.  Kids can also play the hottest new video games of the season, write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every day of the week — all free. Also new this year, a Santa Bandz bracelet will be offered to the first 150 kids who visit Santa’s Wonderland from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers can get a free 4 x 6 photo with Santa from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays.

Kids can take part in the traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments from 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 23 and from 12-5 p.m. through Dec. 24.

Christmas in Rosemary Beach

The Rep Theatre presents highlights of Christmas stories and traditions in a quick, physical and fun show, “every Christmas Tale Ever Told”, at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 in North Barrett Square. The event is free and all are invited.

Countdown Seaside

Celebrate new Year’s Eve along 30A with free fun for the entire family from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in Seaside including live music, children’s activities, street performers and fireworks.

Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-year party begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. come dance the night away and enjoy live bands and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight.

 

Holiday Lights in Concert

The Holiday Lights in Concert spectacular is back at Silver Sands from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1. this visual presentation features a display of colorful lights synchronized to all-time favorite Christmas songs.

 

Activities during the holiday season in Destin and South Walton include the following:

 

Santa at HarborWalk

Santa arrives by helicopter around noon Nov. 25 at HarborWalk Village in Destin. he will be flown to Norriego Point and then boated over to HarborWalk Village for a coastal entrance. Kids will delight in facepainting and crafts, and can visit with Santa Claus from 12-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Holiday Lights in Concert

The Holiday Lights in Concert spectacular is back at Silver Sands from 5-9 p.m. through Jan. 1. This visual presentation features a display of colorful lights synchronized to all-time favorite Christmas songs.

Festival of Trees

More than a dozen decorated Christmas trees will be on public display as area non-profit organizations vie to win cash prizes for best of show and People’s Choice awards during the Festival of Trees from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Christmas in Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Contest winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 in Grand Park with music, cookies and hot chocolate. Events are free.

Holiday movie night

Delight in a holiday movie under the stars, “how The Grinch Stole Christmas,” at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Seaside Amphitheater.

Christmas in Rosemary Beach

“Turn on the town” and welcome in the holidays during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 in South Barrett Square. Delight in caroling, Santa’s big arrival and carriage rides. Immediately following the Tree Lighting, visit town center merchants for a special evening of holiday shopping and refreshments!

Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 26 in Town Hall. Children can delight in a magical morning at Santa’s Workshop with a continental, bagged breakfast, professional color photo with Santa and a goodie bag from Gigi’s. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Do your holiday shopping as you browse through booths filled with handcrafted gifts of pottery, jewelry, paintings and more at the Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 on the Town Center lawns.

The Rep Theatre presents highlights of Christmas stories and traditions in a quick, physical and fun show, “Every Christmas Tale Ever Told”, at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 in North Barrett Square. The event is free and all are invited.

Holidays at Baytowne Wharf

The Holiday Celebrations begin at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25 with a day of fun including races through the obstacle course or jumping in a bounce house. The evening ends with the movie, “Miracle on 34th Street” at 7 p.m.

The fun continues Nov. 26 with a Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and the arrival of Santa. there will be a preview of the new choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights, followed by a fireworks show over the lagoon. Admission is free. Open to public.

A special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series presents free music from 6-8 p.m. in the Events Plaza.

The 12 Nights of Lights features a festive light show at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December in the Events Plaza.

In celebration of the holiday season, The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Abrakadoodle present the holiday paper lantern parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 17. This community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic symbols of the holiday season. We invite all individuals and groups to participate by making their own paper lanterns.

The evening begins with a Christmas Parade with the Sandestin homeowners and their lighted, golf carts at 6 p.m.

Turn on the Town

Kick off the holiday season beginning with a parade at 4 p.m. Nov. 26 from Seagrove Beach west to Seaside. Once Santa arrives on the back of the vintage fire truck, it’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities and pictures with the jolly-bearded one. after a few versus of Jingle Bells, the count down begins to “Turn on the Town.”

Lighting of the Tree

Start the holiday season from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 26 at Rock Hard Designs at Monet Monet Garden in Grayton Beach.  Delight in refreshments, arts and crafts while children make an ornament to take home. The Lighting of the Tree is at dusk. Call 534-4534.

Vintage Vegas

Ron Adams brings a classic Vegas style show, complete with showgirls, lights and costumes, to the harbor during the Vintage Vegas Holiday show at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at HarborWalk Village in Destin. The Yat Pat will also perform music reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. Call 424-0600.

Photos with Santa

Free kids’ photos, courtesy of Grand Boulevard, will be made from 2-4 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 26-Dec. 24 at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Call 65-5929.

Christmas tree lighting

The 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by the City of Destin, will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Destin Community Center. there will be entertainment from local choruses, musical groups and dancers with refreshments being served after the lighting of the tree. Donations of toys and canned food will be collected for families in need. Call 654-5184.

Sounds of the Season

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents its annual Christmas concert, Sounds of the Season, at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Village Baptist Church. This holiday concert is a collaboration of four Destin churches and will feature special guest artist Michael J Thomas, vocalist and saxophone musician, and the new River Quartet. Admission is a donation of an unwrapped child’s toy to be distributed among the participating church’s outreach ministry to families in need. a like offering at intermission will benefit the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s all Kinds of Art, a youth educational outreach program for the visual and performing arts serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. Call 650-2226.

Support Fisher House

Place on your most festive camouflage Christmas attire and join Howl at the Moon in support of Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Dec. 2. for a $10 donation, delight in the entertaining Howl at the Moon dueling piano show, receive two free drinks and a chance to win some great prizes. all donations from ticket sales made prior to Dec. 2 go directly to the Fisher House. Help by calling the Fisher House at 259-4956 to get your tickets. Cash, check or credit cards are accepted.

Choral Society

The Choral Society of Pensacola presents the holiday classic Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Road. Tickets are $18/reserved section seating, $15/general admission, and $5/students. Tickets can be purchased at 484-1847 and will be available at the door one hour prior to performance time.

Santa’s arrival

Don’t miss the arrival of Santa at Silver Sands on Sacred Heart’s AIRHeart Helicopter at noon Dec. 3. Children are invited to dress up in festive holiday costumes and join Santa for a fun parade to the Courtyard for refreshments and complimentary photos. a donation will be made to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in the name of the holiday costume contest winners for each age category.

Holiday craft show

The fourth annual Holiday Craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Destin Community Center. Vendors will have artwork, handmade crafts, scrapbooking, silk florals, food products, jewelry and more. Admission is free. Call 654-5184.

Breakfast with Santa

The Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Auxiliary will host its 28th annual Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 3 in the hospital cafeteria. Tickets are $3/adults and $2/children and are available in advance at the Gift Shop or at the door. Volunteer elves will help children purchase gifts, including wrapping, for $1-$5 in Santa’s workshop. Call 243-5860.

Breakfast with Santa

Bring the lil’ rockers to Hard Rock Cafe Destin for Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11. Cost is $9.95 and children 2 and younger are free with paid adult. Includes reserved seating and a buffet style breakfast plus a visit with Santa and photos and a party bag with goodies. make reservations at 654-3310.

Destin Boat Parade

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 25th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the harbor and the judging will start at 6 p.m. upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. Fireworks in the East Pass will light up the sky after the parade.

The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums. in case of bad weather, the event will be held Dec. 11.

A Season of Song

The Niceville High School Chorus ushers in the holidays with a medley of winter and holiday selections featuring a candlelight processional at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Mattie Kelly Fine Arts Auditorium on the Northwest Florida State College campus in Niceville. Tickets are $15 and all seats are reserved. purchase tickets at 729-6000 or visit mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Holiday Toast on the Coast

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host its annual holiday reception and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Proceeds will go toward promoting and enhancing the public relations profession along the Gulf Coast and Christmas gifts will be collected and donated to Emerald Coast Toys for Tots, an organization that distributes toys to needy children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The event will include a silent auction and non-raffle drawing for prizes such as gift certificates, room stays, vacation packages, event tickets, gift baskets, advertising and much more. Local businesses and individuals are invited to donate items for the drawing to help raise money.

Drawing tickets can be purchased at the door or prior to the event at Silver Sands Factory Stores’ Shopper Services and Grand Boulevard’s Guest Services for $10 per ticket or three for $25.

To attend, email jessica@proffitpr.com by Dec. 2. Admission is $25, $20/FPRA members, and includes a cocktail and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Mistletoe Market

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast will host its fourth annual Mistletoe Market fundraiser Dec. 8-11 at the Linkside Center at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Specialty merchants from across the country will offer gift items including clothing, jewelry and handbags to food, art and children’s items.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Admission is $5.

The event will kick-off with the Mistletoe Market Preview Party, a VIP shopping party, from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 8 with five local restaurants and catering companies serving and live entertainment. Tickets are $40/person.

Breakfast with Santa for children will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 and includes a magic show. Cost is $20/child. Tickets for the Preview Party and Breakfast with Santa are available at jlec.org or at the door.

DMS concert

The Destin Middle School Winter Concert and silent Auction will be held Dec. 9 at Village Baptist Church, 101 Matthew Blvd. in Destin. The auction bidding begins at 6 p.m. with the free concert to follow at 6:30 p.m. Browse the bidding tables for unique gift baskets and items, donated from the generous business community.

The Magic of Christmas

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus presents the concert, “The Magic of Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; and 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are $15/adults, $12/children under 12 years of age, and $12/seniors 60 and older. Tickets can be purchased at Alphy’s Catfish House in Navarre, Bayou Books in Niceville, Blooms and Bon Bons in Crestview, Connect with Flowers in Shalimar, P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, The Cat Clinic in Destin, and Diamond Works in Mary Esther.

Tee Off for Toys

People are questioned to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15 or more Dec. 10-11 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. in exchange guests can play Sandestin’s golf courses for just the green and golf cart fee of $20. all toys and donations will be given to Harvest House for their Hope for Holidays program benefiting children and families in need this holiday season.

Local residents, guests and visitors are welcome to participate. Tee times are available all day and can be made at 850-267-8155.

Destin Christmas Parade

The 26th Annual Destin Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 10. The theme this year is “Christmas around the World.” Parade will assemble at 8 a.m. at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and then travel down U.S. 98 to Nightown. Applications may be picked up at the Destin Community Center or downloaded at cityofdestin.com. They must be returned by Dec. 2. Call 654-5184.

Peter White Christmas 

The annual holiday production, Peter White Christmas presented by WSBZ-FM The Seabreeze 106.3 FM, blends cool contemporary jazz with traditional holiday music at 7:309 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NFSC in Niceville. eight time Grammy Award nominee saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, will join Mindi Abair and Peter White for what will be a “jazzy Christmas.”   

All seats are reserved. General admission seating is $40 eac with special Front Section seating available for $80 each. To order tickets by phone call The Arts Center at 729-6000 or visit WSBZ-FM website at seabreeze.fm. Front Section tickets are only available by phone or at the Arts Center Box Office in person.

General admission tickets are also available at Playground Music   Center in Fort Walton Beach and Kitchenique at City Market in Destin.

The Greatest Gift Camp

Immanuel Anglican Church will host “The Greatest Gift Camp” to celebrate the birth of Jesus from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 inside Noah’s Ark Preschool. Children ages 4-10 will make gifts for their family members. Cost is $30, siblings are $25. Call 837-6324 to register. Space is limited.

The Nutcracker

Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance present their annual holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”, at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the South Walton Beach High School auditorium. More than 80 local dancers will participate in the production. Early Bird pricing is $15 before Dec. 12 and general admission available at the door for $20 cash each day. Call 837-1133.

Luces Navideñas

The Seventh Annual Luces Navideñas Children’s Party will be held from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Center in Fort Walton Beach. The  “Latin-Flavored” party is open to all children/families regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity. Everything is free, to include new toys for all that attend. there will be food, games, DJs, singers, church choirs, clowns, magicians, plus Santa and his elves.

The organization needs donations of toys, gifts, clothing as well as monetary contributions to defray the costs of the event. We are also looking for volunteers and business sponsors. Call 305-3686 or 368-3505 or email estela.elias@embarqmail.com or dt4alexis@gmail.com.

Baking class

Chef Jim Shirah will hold baking classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21 at the Destin Community Center for children ages 8-14. The fee is $25/residents and $30/non-residents. each student will learn how to bake and take home holiday cookies and treats. Register at 654-5184.

Sacred Heart Holiday Sale

The spirit of the holidays will come alive in the main hallway of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast as the hospital’s Volunteer Guild hosts its annual Holiday Sale Extravaganza from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 21.

 Shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on most gift shop items and a 20 percent discount on varying holiday items each week of the sale. Items include unique holiday decorations, tree ornaments, manger scenes, angels, music boxes, jewelry, baby clothing, holiday games, festive toys and table décor.

 Proceeds generated support current and future services at Sacred Heart, in addition to providing healthcare-based scholarships to local students and prescription drug assistance to underserved families in our community.  Call 278-3032.

Bass Pro Shops

The fourth annual “Santa’s Wonderland — a Classic Christmas” at Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons is a 3,500-square foot Christmas village full of games, activities and crafts for the whole family through Dec. 24.

Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers an ancient-time model train area, remote control trucks, a Red Ryder laser arcade, a soft gun range and slot car racing.  Kids can also play the hottest new video games of the season, write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every day of the week — all free. Also new this year, a Santa Bandz bracelet will be offered to the first 150 kids who visit Santa’s Wonderland from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers can get a free 4 x 6 photo with Santa from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays.

Kids can take part in the traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments from 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 23 and from 12-5 p.m. through Dec. 24.

Holiday events in Walton and Okaloosa Counties include the following:

Sacred Heart Holiday Sale

The spirit of the holidays will come alive in the main hallway of Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast as the hospital’s Volunteer Guild hosts its annual Holiday Sale Extravaganza from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Dec. 21.

 Shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on most gift shop items and a 20 percent discount on varying holiday items each week of the sale. Items include unique holiday decorations, tree ornaments, manger scenes, angels, music boxes, jewelry, baby clothing, holiday games, festive toys and table décor.

 Proceeds generated support current and future services at Sacred Heart, in addition to providing healthcare-based scholarships to local students and prescription drug help to underserved families in our community.  call 278-3032.

Santa Skypes at Sandestin

This holiday season, families can bring the magic of Christmas to their home with a personal Skype with Santa Claus from 4-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Dec. 7. Simply call him at SKYPE location name, SandestinResort.

Bass Pro Shops

The fourth annual “Santa’s Wonderland — A Classic Christmas” returns with Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons. Inside Bass Pro Shops is a 3,500-square foot Christmas village full of games, activities and crafts for the whole family through Dec. 24.

Comprised of both animated and live elves, nutcrackers, reindeer and more, the village offers an ancient-time model train area, remote control trucks, a Red Ryder laser arcade, a soft gun range and slot car racing.  Kids can also play the hottest new video games of the season,  write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts every day of the week — all free. also new this year, a Santa Bandz bracelet will be offered to the first 150 kids who visit Santa’s Wonderland from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Customers can get a free 4 x 6 photo with Santa from 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 12-5 p.m. Sundays.

Every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 5 to 7 pm beginning November 7th through December 23rd, and every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 5pm beginning November 6th through December 24th,

Kids can take part in the traditions of making crafts and holiday ornaments from 5-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Dec. 23 and from 12-5 p.m. through Dec. 24.

The Fifth Annual great Turkey Campout begins at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Customers are invited to bring their tents and camp out all night on the parking lot to be the first in line to enter the store the next morning. They can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores from 5-8 p.m. around the fire pits and there will be special drawings for prizes.

Festival of Trees

Grand Boulevard’s second annual “Festival of Trees” will showcase 13 uniquely decorated Christmas trees from area non-profit organizations Nov. 22-Dec. 17 in Grand Park. The public is invited to attend the kick-off on from 5-6 p.m. Nov. 22 as the trees are “turned on” and enjoy refreshments while Pro Arte Chorale performs Christmas music. “Festival of Trees” is free and open to the public.

This year’s participating organizations are American Cancer Society, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Seaside Neighborhood School, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, South Walton Montessori Academy, Shelter House, Children in Crisis, Nancy Veldman Ministries, Okaloosa AIDS Support and Information Services, Alaqua Animal Refuge, Hope Medical Center and Guardian Ad Litem.

The non-profit organizations are competing to win cash prizes totaling $5,000, including Best of Show and People’s Choice. The public can vote for their favorite tree once a day and the tree with the most votes will win the People’s Choice award. Santa Claus will announce winners at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 in Grand Park.

Holiday movie night

Delight in a holiday movie under the stars, “how The Grinch Stole Christmas”, at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Seaside Amphitheater.

Christmas in Rosemary Beach

“Turn on the town” and welcome in the holidays during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 in South Barrett Square. enjoy caroling, Santa’s big arrival and carriage rides. Immediately following the Tree Lighting, visit town center merchants for a special evening of holiday shopping and refreshments!

Breakfast with Santa from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 26 in Town Hall. Children can enjoy a magical morning at Santa’s Workshop with a continental, bagged breakfast, professional color photo with Santa and a goodie bag from Gigi’s. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Do your holiday shopping as you browse through booths filled with handcrafted gifts of pottery, jewelry, paintings and more at the Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 on the Town Center lawns.

The Rep Theatre presents highlights of Christmas tales and traditions in a fast, physical and fun show, “Every Christmas story Ever Told”, at 1 p.m. Dec. 30 in North Barrett Square. The event is free and all are invited.

Holidays at Baytowne Wharf

Bring in the holidays during the Holiday Celebration Weekend at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Sandestin homeowners kick off the events at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 with a lighted golf cart Christmas Parade. Santa then arrives and lights the Village Christmas Tree followed by a preview of the new, choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights, and fireworks light up the sky over the lagoon. make a lantern with Abrakadoodle for the upcoming Baytowne Lantern Parade, listen to choirs singing holiday favorites and visit Kris Kringle.

The fun continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 in the Events Plaza for a day of inflatable fun. Race thru the obstacle course or jump around in the bounce house, and end the evening with family movie night at 7 p.m., the holidays classic “Miracle on 34th Street. Admission is free. Subject to change based on weather.

A special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series presents free music from 6-8 p.m. in the Events Plaza. Dec. 7 is Elizabethtown; Dec. 14, Niceville Opus One Choir; Dec. 21, Martha’s Distress; and Dec. 28, The Shrimpboat Cowboys.

The 12 Nights of Lights features a festive light show at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in December in the Events Plaza.

In celebration of the holiday season, The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Abrakadoodle present the first holiday paper lantern parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 17. This community event will feature commissioned paper lanterns in the shapes of iconic symbols of the holiday season. we invite all individuals and groups to participate by making their own paper lanterns.

Turn on the Town

Kick off the holiday season beginning with a parade at 4 p.m. from Seagrove Beach west to Seaside. Once Santa arrives on the back of the vintage fire truck, it’s party time in the amphitheater with holiday festivities and pictures with the jolly-bearded one. After a few versus of Jingle Bells, the count down begins to “Turn on the Town.”

Photos with Santa

Free kids’ photos, courtesy of Grand Boulevard, will be made from 2-4 p.m. Saturdays Nov. 26-Dec. 24 at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. call 65-5929.

Destin Boat Parade

The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host the 25th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Boats will start lining up in the Harbor between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Festivities will be held that afternoon all along the harbor and the judging will start at 6 p.m. upstairs at Harry T’s Restaurant. Fireworks in the East Pass will light up the sky after the parade.

The parade can be viewed from docks and restaurants west of Grand Harbor Condominiums. in case of terrible weather, the event will be held Dec. 11.

Holiday Toast on the Coast

The Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will host its annual holiday reception and fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Proceeds will go toward promoting and enhancing the public relations profession along the Gulf Coast and Christmas gifts will be collected and donated to Emerald Coast Toys for Tots, an organization that distributes toys to needy children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

The event will include a silent auction and non-raffle drawing for prizes such as gift certificates, room stays, vacation packages, event tickets, gift baskets, advertising and much more. Local businesses and individuals are invited to donate items for the drawing to help raise money.

Drawing tickets can be bought at the door or prior to the event at Silver Sands Factory Stores’ Shopper Services and Grand Boulevard’s Guest Services for $10 per ticket or three for $25.

To attend, email by Dec. 2. Admission is $25, $20/FPRA members, and includes a cocktail and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Tee off for Toys

People are asked to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards with a value of $15 or more Dec. 10-11 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. in exchange guests can play Sandestin’s golf courses for just the green and golf cart fee of $20. All toys and donations will be given to Harvest House for their Hope for Holidays program benefiting children and families in need this holiday season.

Local residents, guests and visitors are welcome to participate. Tee times are available all day and can be made at 850-267-8155.

Destin Christmas Parade

The 26th Annual Destin Christmas Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 10. The theme this year is “Christmas Around the World.” Parade will assemble at 8 a.m. at the Downtown Destin Shopping Center and then travel down U.S. 98 to Nightown. Applications may be picked up at the Destin Community Center or downloaded at cityofdestin.com. They must be returned by Dec. 2. call 654-5184.

Peter White Christmas 

The annual holiday production, Peter White Christmas presented by WSBZ-FM The Seabreeze 106.3 FM, blends cool contemporary jazz with traditional holiday music at 7:309 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NFSC in Niceville. eight time Grammy Award nominee saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, will join Mindi Abair and Peter White for what will be a “jazzy Christmas”.   

All seats are reserved.  General Admission seating is $40 each with special front Section seating available for $80 each. To order tickets by phone call The Arts Center at 729-6000 or visit WSBZ-FM website at seabreeze.fm. front Section tickets are only available by phone or at the Arts Center Box Office in person.

General Admission tickets are also available at  Playground   Music Center  in  Fort Walton Beach and Kitchenique at City Market in Destin.

Countdown Seaside

Celebrate New Year’s Eve along 30A with free fun for the entire family from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 in Seaside including live music, children’s activities, street performers and fireworks.

Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s end-of-year party begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Come dance the night away and enjoy live bands and breathtaking fireworks as they light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight. Performers include The Benjy Davis Project featuring Hightide Blues at 7:30 p.m. and new, up and coming artist Matthew Mayfield at 10 p.m.

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