Snowbirds Events in Destin this Winter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Destin welcomes the holidays and its first flock of snowbirds for the winter season. As our winter guests arrive to town, we look forward to quickly getting you acclimated to your winter home and wanted to start with fun community events as well as those planned by the Destin Snowbird Club. 

Holiday Festivities:

The City of Destin’s Annual Christmas Parade: The floats will start at Downtown Destin Shopping Center and travel West down Harbor Blvd. (Hwy 98) to Stahlman Ave. Spectators are asked to stand on the north side of Harbor Blvd. to watch the floats. For more information call, 850-654-5184.

Visit with Santa at HarborWalk Village: It’s time for the children to bring their wish list and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. All through December, bring your letter to Santa and drop it in our special mailbox located near the main stage. 

Visit with Santa at Grand Boulevard:  Stop by Grand Park, at the Festival of Trees display, to say “hello” to Santa. Grand boulevard is also offering free horse drawn carriage rides and various musical performances. Stay and shop for gifts at their growing list of premium retail stores, including Fab’rik, Anthropologie, J. Jill, Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Orvis and more.

The Annual Christmas Boat Parade: The Destin Harbor will be dancing with holiday lights and cheer Visit with Santa Claus in the afternoon  at HarborWalk Village’s Main Stage. Then stay as the sun goes down and holiday lights illuminate the Destin Harbor will holiday cheer. Boat Parade will light up the harbor with fireworks following the parade.

Destin Snowbird Club Trips for 2026:

Destin Snowbird Harbor Party Cruises - The very popular Harbor Party Cruises including dates in January and February that can be found on the snowbird club website.

Snowbird Caribbean Cruise. A seven-night Caribbean cruise will commence in late January. Departure will be from New Orleans.

The New Orleans Mardi Gras trip in February, will include parades and people watching, as well as stops at Biloxi casinos complete with free slot play and food vouchers. Check the travel and activity dates on the snowbird club website. 

Snowbird Valentine's Weekend - A full weekend in February will include the Valentine Dinner Dance , the Soundsations Benefit Concert, and the annual Fashion Luncheon.

To learn more about the Destin Snowbird Club, visit them online at DestinSnowbirds.org or contact Mary Pierce, publicity director from Toledo, Ohio, at 419-250-9377or destinsbclub[email protected]. For snowbirds staying in Walton County, visit the South Walton Snowbird Club online at www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com or email [email protected].  

Book Your Destin Winter Getaway

If you haven't booked your Destin winter getaway, now is the time. Snowbird rentals, which are available for monthly stays, are available now. Or for shorter stays, view our full collection of well-appointed South Walton and Destin vacation rentals online. Or stay for a week or a long weekend in one of the comfortable rooms at Beachside Inn. Call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 850-837-1071 to narrow your search or to book a monthly winter rental. Always book direct for our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!

Updated 11/11/25

Published by Tracy Louthain
Monday, December 4, 2017