Are spending Christmas on 30A? Then you are in for quite a treat. I’m sharing my list of the best things to do during the holidays on 30A.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better place to embrace the holiday spirit than on the stunning stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast known as 30A?
With its sugar-white sand beaches, charming communities, and festive atmosphere, spending Christmas on 30A is a magical experience like no other.
See Also: The Best Restaurants on 30A
In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique ways in which this coastal paradise comes alive during the holiday season.
The Best Things to Do on 30A at Christmas
Ride Bikes through Each Beach Community and Enjoy the Christmas Lights
Explore coastal communities – from charming cottages in Seaside to the palm-lined streets of Alys Beach. Each community offers its unique brand of Christmas spirit and bike riding offers a unique way to experience it.
See Also: The Best Wassail Recipe to Make Your House Smell Like Christmas Morning
See Also: How to Visit 30A on a Budget
Attend the Annual South Walton Holiday Parade
This Seaside and 30A tradition begins in front of Seagrove Plaza. Residents and visitors share in the glory as participants march 1.5 miles down Scenic Highway 30A from Seagrove decked in their Christmas best on festive holiday floats.
Turn on the Town – Seaside
The annual tree lighting ceremony is accompanied by live music and a visit from Santa Claus. Serving as the master of ceremonies, Santa invites kids for a sing-along before magically transforming the charming town of Seaside into a beachside winter village.
Rent our 30A beach house here.
See Also: The Best Places to Shop on 30A
Tree Lighting – Seaside
After Santa invites the kiddos down for a sing-a-long, the countdown begins for the lighting of the town square tree. After the tree lighting, be sure to stick around for pictures with Santa.
New Years in Seaside
Head to downtown Seaside for live entertainment, art projects for the kiddos, street performers, and a grand finale of fireworks. It’s truly a magical way to ring in the new year.
See also: The Best Photography Spots on 30A
Shopping in Rosemary Beach After Dark to Enjoy the Lights
Rosemary Beach is one of my favorite places to shop on 30A. And that is even more true at Christmas time. With all of the lights, it starts to look like a little Bavarian winter village after the sun goes down. Be sure to stop by Charlie’s for coffee and donuts. That’s always a treat.
Christmas Morning Church Service on the Beach
This year we will be spending the week of Christmas on 30A and one of the things I’m most excited about is attending the beachside church service Christmas morning. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Christmas than on the beaches of 30A.
See also: The Best Things to Do on 30A
Attend a Christmas Concert
30A is known for its live music. Whether it is Saturday morning at the Seaside Farmer’s Market or a husband and wife duo outside of Modica Market, you can always find festive music to enjoy.
Baytown Warf offers a Holiday Concert Series each Wednesday night starting December 6 through December 20.
Look out for scheduled Christmas concerts in the area. Local musicians and performers often showcase their talents, offering a delightful way to enjoy holiday music in a coastal setting.
Enjoy a Nice Holiday Dinner
There is no shortage of great restaurants on 30A. Christmas is a perfect time to explore the holiday menus offered by the local restaurants, featuring fresh seafood, and creative twists on traditional dishes.
Many of the restaurants offer catering. So if you’re not up for cooking for the holidays, you can always have Christmas Dinner catered. What a treat that would be.
See Also: The Best Coffee Shops on 30A
Relax on the Beach
While it may not be traditional, spending a tranquil time on the beach during Christmas can be just what the Dr. ordered. Stop by Modica Market or Fonville Press and grab some of their delicious prepared foods. Pack a picnic, enjoy the sound of the waves, and take in the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Life is indeed good.
Bonfire on the Beach
30A’s mild winters allow for the perfect weather for an evening bonfire by the shore. You can’t make your own bonfire on 30A. Several companies offer services to set up the bonfire with chairs, blankets, pillows, and tiki torches.
You can even have food served and hire a photographer. This is a splurge for sure but one that I think is well worth it.
Ice Skating at The Village of Baytown Warf
Who would have thought that you could go ice skating in December in Florida? But it’s true! The Village of Baytown Warf offers ice skating daily during December. No skates? No Problem. They have skates you can rent. So grab the whole family and head to San Destin for a great holiday experience.
The village of Baytown Warf is a bit of a drive but there are so many great things to do there for the whole family that it is well worth the drive.
The skating rink is open daily October 27- February 4
Pictures with the Grinch himself
Friday, December 15 the whole family can get their picture taken with the Grinch himself. 5-7 pm at Baytown Warf.
See Also: 30A Public Beaches with a Map
FAQ
Is 30A cold in December?
December temperatures on 30A can be mild, with daytime highs ranging from the 50s to 60s °F (10-20 °C). While cooler than summer, it’s generally not extremely cold, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
What makes 30A so special?
30A captivates with its pristine beaches, charming coastal communities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Each community offers unique architecture, local art, and diverse dining experiences. These eclectic communities make 30A a special destination offering a distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
What is the best month to go to 30A?
The best time to visit 30A is in the spring, particularly April and May, when the weather is pleasantly warm, and crowds are manageable. Fall, in September and October, also offers mild temperatures and a more serene atmosphere, making it another excellent choice.
Personally, my favorite time to go is October. The crowls are low but the water is typically still warm enough to swim. And as a bonus, the sun begins setting over the water which can make for some beautiful sunsets.
What is the least crowded beach in 30A?
Grayton Beach tends to be less crowded than other beaches on 30A. With its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it offers a perfect escape from the crowds.
This hidden gem also offers great shopping and dining opportunities. Chringo is one of our favorite restaurants. The fish tacos are a must!
Tips for Visiting 30A
The holiday season is a very popular time on 30A. So, traffic can be a bit of an issue. I would recommend riding bikes instead of taking a car if you can. Often bikes can get there faster and parking is always easier.
If your rental provides a golf cart, please be wary of the traffic that builds behind you. Pull over and allow cars to pass so you don’t hinder the flow of traffic.
This Post was all about Spending the Holidays on 30A.
Spending the holidays on 30A is a magical experience filled with sun-soaked beaches, charming communities, and festive cheer.
From seaside strolls to beach bonfires, 30A’s warmth extends beyond the weather, offering a unique and memorable holiday escape if you are looking for a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.
