FESTIVE FUN AWAITS

Holiday magic returns to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, and it all begins with the Hometown Holiday Parade on November 22 at 5 p.m. As festive lights and faux snow line the streets, Grand Boulevard transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the joy of Coastal White Christmas.

“This is one of our favorite times of year,” says Stacey Brady, director of marketing and communications for Grand Boulevard. “The entire Town Center is decked out and lit up, creating a magical backdrop for family fun and holiday traditions.”

The Hometown Holiday Parade kicks off at 5 p.m., featuring over 40 community groups, including school marching bands, local businesses, and four-legged friends mini marching in the popular “Wiener Walk.” Walton County Schools Superintendent A. Russell Hughes will serve as Grand Marshal, leading the parade down the boulevard and culminating at Grand Park with performances from the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, festive refreshments, and a visit from Santa himself. As Brady shares, “This has become the must-attend event to kick off the holiday season in Walton County. We expect around 1,500 people this year, all here to enjoy the holiday spirit together.”

The parade is just the beginning of the free, family-friendly festivities. Save the dates for:

Festival of Trees (Dec. 3-25): Beginning at 4 p.m. on the National Day of Giving 18 local charities will showcase beautifully decorated trees, competing for prizes, including the People’s Choice Award. Trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for all to admire and enjoy.

Holiday Open House & Walk-About (Saturday, Dec. 7, noon-5 p.m.): This festive scavenger hunt through Grand Boulevard’s stores and restaurants features holiday specials, entertainment, and prize baskets (valued up to $2,000) filled with luxury items. This year, children can hunt down kid-themed versions of prize baskets, too.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Photos with Santa (weekends, Dec. 6- 28, 5-8 p.m.): Experience a scenic carriage ride through Grand Boulevard’s holiday lights, a festive performance by the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” performances and snap a complimentary keepsake photo with Santa Claus.

“All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914″”(Dec. 8- 22): This play from Emerald Coast Theatre Company tells the story of a real-life World War I Christmas truce, with a cappella carols and patriotic songs that celebrate peace and unity during the holiday season.

To add to the festive ambience, Grand Boulevard glows with thousands of white twinkling lights, set against the center’s newly whitewashed backdrop. “It’s a beautiful, exciting, and entertaining place for everyone to come together and celebrate the season,” Brady says.

Whether you’re a local or visiting the Emerald Coast for the holidays, Grand Boulevard’s Coastal White Christmas offers something for everyone. Visit grandboulevard.com/events for the full schedule and plan to join the festivities to make merry memories at this enchanting holiday destination.