Add Holiday Traditions from the 2010s to Your Destin Holiday Vacation

2010s Holiday Activities

Holiday fun in the 2010s embraced creativity, digital trends, and cozy seasonal traditions.

• Pinterest crafting parties — Mason‑jar décor, burlap ribbons, chalkboard signs, and DIY ornaments defined the decade.
• Streaming movie marathons — Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ made holiday classics and new releases easy to binge.
• Ugly sweater parties — A revived tradition that became a major holiday trend.
• Holiday photo shoots — DSLR cameras, Instagram filters, and coordinated outfits made holiday photos more stylish than ever.
• Elf on the Shelf traditions — Families embraced creative setups and daily surprises.

2010s Holiday Feasts

The 2010s embraced comfort foods, foodie culture, and recipes inspired by cooking shows and social media.

• Charcuterie boards — Instagram‑ready spreads featuring meats, cheeses, fruits, and festive garnishes.
• Bacon‑wrapped appetizers — A decade obsessed with bacon brought these to every holiday party.
• Gourmet mac and cheese — Elevated comfort food with lobster, truffle, or specialty cheeses.
• Cake pops — Bite‑sized desserts that became a holiday favorite thanks to bakeries and Pinterest.
• Salted caramel everything — From cookies to hot chocolate, this flavor dominated the decade.

Top Holiday Hits of The 2010s

The 2010s delivered modern holiday hits that blended pop, soul, and festive cheer.

• “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson (2013)
• “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber (2011)
• “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande (2014)
• “Everyday Is Christmas” – Sia (2017)
• “Glow” – Brett Eldredge (2016)

These songs defined the sound of holiday joy in the social‑media era.

Listen to Those & More Here

2010s Popular Christmas Gifts for Kids

The 2010s were defined by technology, creativity, and collectible toy crazes. Children balanced screen time with hands-on play, while social media and online trends helped new toys become overnight sensations. From interactive gadgets to imaginative building sets, Christmas wish lists throughout the decade reflected a blend of innovation and fun.

• LEGO Building Sets — From Star Wars to Harry Potter and Minecraft themes, LEGO sets remained one of the decade's most popular and enduring gifts.
• Hatchimals — These interactive creatures, which hatched from eggs through a child's care and attention, became one of the hottest holiday toys of the late 2010s.
• LOL Surprise! Dolls — Kids loved the excitement of unboxing layers of surprises to reveal collectible dolls and accessories.
• Nintendo Switch — Released in 2017, this versatile gaming system quickly became a must-have gift for families and gamers alike.
• Shopkins — These miniature collectible characters inspired trading, imaginative play, and growing collections among children.
•  Minecraft Merchandise and Playsets — As the game's popularity soared, Minecraft-themed toys, figures, and building kits became Christmas favorites.

Destin in the 2010s: A Decade of Modernization & Coastal Expansion

The 2010s were a major growth decade for Destin. New developments expanded the Harbor, luxury resorts opened, and the city embraced modern tourism trends. Vacation rentals surged in popularity, new entertainment districts emerged, and Destin’s dining scene became more diverse and upscale. The 2010s cemented Destin as a premier Gulf Coast destination for families, food lovers, and beachgoers.

Notable Destin Restaurants That Opened or Rose to Fame in The 2010s

• Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House — Opened in 2013, quickly becoming one of Destin’s most beloved waterfront restaurants.
• The Surf Hut — Opened in 2014, offering beachfront dining with a fun, casual vibe.
• LuLu’s Destin — Opened in 2015 at the foot of the Mid‑Bay Bridge, bringing live music and coastal comfort food.
• McGuire’s Sushi (at HarborWalk) — A 2010s expansion blending sushi with Destin’s iconic Irish pub brand.
• The Craft Bar — Opened in the early 2010s, introducing gastropub dining and craft cocktails to the area.

These restaurants helped define Destin’s modern identity—fresh, lively, and perfect for visitors seeking elevated coastal dining.

Book Your Holiday Vacation

Whether you're planning a retro holiday celebration or simply love the nostalgia of decades past, there's no better place to embrace the spirit of the season than along the Emerald Coast. Find the perfect setting for making memories that last long after the holidays by exploring our Destin vacation rental homes and condos online or call (850) 837-1071 between 9 AM and 5 PM CST. Always book direct for the best rates and exclusive savings!

See you @ the beach!