Blog: Trade the Snow for Sand This Holiday Season

The tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a great way to find calm in the midst of chaos. Trade the snow for sand and start new holiday traditions this year or take a long weekend to recharge with some R&R on the beach! Here’s our guide to a very beachy holiday season.

Give Thanks for Sunshine

Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner with a view of the Gulf of Mexico! All of Destin Gulfgate’s condos have fully-equipped kitchens with ample dining space. If you’d rather someone else do the cooking, there are plenty of excellent dining options for a traditional or non-traditional Thanksgiving meal. Here's a list of restaurants that will be open for Thanksgiving.

White Sand Christmas 

Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with kids al fresco at HarborWalk Village every weekend in December. Destin Commons will also be kicking off Jolly Jubilee, a month-long series of holiday happenings and caroling. For a uniquely beachy experience, head to The Gulf on Okaloosa Island for brunch with Santa right on the sand!

Holiday on the Harbor

Our favorite holiday tradition is the annual Destin Christmas Boat Parade! Watch as boats of all sizes, aglow with holiday lights, parade along the harbor for all to see. Activities, entertainment and public viewing is available along the Destin Harbor docks and restaurants. The evening ends with a fireworks show. Now in its 34th year, Holiday On The Harbor, takes place on Sunday, Dec. 13th at 6 p.m.

Beach, Please

Leave the cold weather behind and take a seat in your complimentary beach chairs (through Thanksgiving). The average high temperature in Destin in November is 70 and December is only slightly cooler at 65. 

Ring in the New Year

Watch the sun set on 2020 from your gulf-view balcony! End the year with a bang and watch the fireworks over the Destin Harbor or celebrate in style at one of Destin’s excellent restaurants.