Our Top Picks for November 27-December 1 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This week/weekend is a special time of giving thanks for all of the wonderful people and things in our lives—but hopefully you are thankful year round! Aside from local restaurants hosting Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday Santa will also be arriving at HarborWalk Village on Friday and the annual City of Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade will take place Monday evening. Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy!

Thursday, November 27, 2014:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Eat lots of delicious turkey, ham, stuffing, casserole, cranberry sauce, pecan pie and whatever else your holiday appetite desires!

Habitat for Humanity

For a list of other local restaurants hosting Thanksgiving dinner, visit destinchamber.com or fwbchamber.com. 

Friday, November 28, 2014:

Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: noon to 4 p.m.

Santa will make his grand entrance to the Destin Harbor at this Christmas season kick off! Kids can enjoy free activities and can visit with Santa! The event is free and open to the public. Come out and attend this festive happening that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit! For more information, please contact 850.424.0600 or e-mail info@harborwalkdestin.com. Children can also visit with Santa on Saturday, November 29, between noon and 4 p.m.

Photo credit: HarborWalk Village Facebook page

Sunday, November 30, 2014:

Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:

Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com

Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com

Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com

Monday, December 1, 2014:

The City of Fort Walton Beach presents: A Comic Book Christmas Parade

Eglin Parkway between First Street and Hughes

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6:30 p.m.

The parade features a variety of musical entertainment and other excitement, courtesy of area school bands and other participating organizations as the parade march moves up Eglin Parkway from First Street to the Kmart parking lot.

Photo taken at the 2013 FWB Christmas Parade

Our Top Picks for November 21-23 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

The weather temperatures are warming up this weekend! Friday-Sunday you can enjoy a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, The Nutcracker ballet performance, Santa’s Holiday Arrival and more. Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a wonderful and safe weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, November 21, 2014:

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

1450 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 2014:

Santa’s Holiday Arrival and Fireworks at Destin Commons

Destin Commons

4300 Legendary Drive Ste. 200

Destin

Time: 5–7 p.m.

Photo credit: Destin Commons

Santa Claus is coming to town at Destin Commons! At 6:45 p.m., join in Santa’s arrival with a festive holiday celebration parade down Main Street and the official lighting of the center’s spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree. Delight in a fireworks finale to kick off the holiday season. Activities and entertainment for the whole family include Christmas carolers, musicians playing traditional holiday favorites, kids’ craft projects by Abrakadoodle, and free photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Kids can visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops throughout the rest of November and December. Visit BassPro.com for Santa’s hours. For more information, visit DestinCommons.com or check out their Facebook page.

NWFL Ballet - The Nutcracker

Nov. 22-23

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

100 College Boulevard

Niceville

The Northwest Florida Ballet presents the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" in the Mainstage theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23. Advance tickets will be available for purchase through the NWF Ballet. To purchase tickets, visit purchase.tickets.com. Please contact the Ballet at 850.664.7787 or visit NFBallet.org for more information.

Thanksgiving on the Destin Harbor - Emerald Grande

Nov. 22 – Dec. 3

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Emerald Grande where a chef will prepare dinner for your private suite and a full-service staff will return, clean and pack leftovers, then pour after-dinner drinks and serve dessert to you and your family. Room rates starting at $225. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast at Grande Vista Bar and Grill and make your Thanksgiving GRANDE.

Sunday, November 23, 2014:

City of Fort Walton Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

FWB Landing

139 Brooks Street SE

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 4 p.m.

Photo credit: City of Fort Walton Beach

Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 23, as the City of Fort Walton Beach presents its annual, waterfront Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. The program kicks off when Santa arrives by fire truck at the Landing. Be sure to bring your camera (and your Christmas list) because Santa will be in the Landing Park gazebo to visit with all until 7 p.m. 

Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, longtime local favorite actor will read “Elf on the Shelf”. Local entertainer, Reid Soria of Autism Sings, will sing Christmas carols around the tree leading up to the official lighting of the City of Fort Walton Beach Christmas Tree. Mayor Mike Anderson will be on hand to do the honors, kicking off the holiday season in grand style.

  

Don’t forget to stick around for the outdoor movie—The Polar Express, starting at 6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the show! Fantasea Faces will be on hand for face painting and hot chocolate and other concessions will be available throughout the event. Bring the whole family and kick off the 2014 holiday season in style! For more information about the city’s holiday events, please call 850.833.9576 or visit FWB.org/Holidays2014.

Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:

Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com

Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com

Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com

Our Top Picks for November 7-9 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

During this weekend, you can enjoy fantastic fall events like a wine festival, BBQ festival and a full-moon cruise! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a wonderful and safe fall weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, November 7, 2014:

Nov. 7-9

Seeing Red Wine Festival Weekend

Seaside

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation presents the Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside. The weekend includes an Al Fresco Reserve Tasting on the Seaside Lyceum Lawn on Friday, the 24^th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival Grand Tasting in downtown Seaside on Saturday and the Fall Walkabout and Charity Auction on the Sunset Deck at Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Sunday. Attend one event, or all three! Your attendance at the Seeing Red Wine Festival supports local children in need. For more information, please visit SeeingRedWineFestival.com.

Nov. 7-9

29^th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow

Mullet Festival Grounds

FL Highway 85N & College Boulevard

Niceville

Spend the day with craft makers, singers, dancers, flute players, storytellers and exploring exhibits. Schedule of Events:

Friday: Children’s Day: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Powwow: 7 p.m. Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing into the night

Saturday: Craft Competition: 10 – 11 a.m.; Special Performances: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Grand Entry & Opening Ceremonies: 1 p.m., followed by Intertribal, Exhibition, Competition Dancing until 5 p.m.

Night Grand Entry: 7 p.m. followed by Intertribal Dancing, Dance Exhibitions & Competitions into the night

Sunday: Church Service: 10 – 11 a.m.: at the Arena

Intertribal Dancing, Dance Exhibitions, Competition Winners: Noon to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: Powwow: $5; $3 for ages 12 and younger/Children’s Day: $3

For more information, please visit fwbchamber.org/events.

Saint Simon’s on the Sound 40^th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair

Saint Simon’s on the Sound

28 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Full Moon Cruise Benefitting the Junior League

SunQuest Cruises

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Miramar Beach

Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast is celebrating 50 years of making a difference in the Florida Panhandle with a Full Moon Cruise on the SOLARIS yacht. Evenings on the water take on a whole new luster under the light of a full moon. Cruise and dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres and savor a delectable S’mores bar under the glowing moonlight on the sparkling waters. Mingle throughout all three indoor and outdoor decks, enjoy live entertainment by David Hall and bid on great items at the silent auction. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. with the cruise taking place from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Reservations required online at www.jlec.org or by calling 850.269.7234.

Saturday, November 8, 2014:

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Top restaurants will compete in a spirited and fun cook off even that will offer samples of their original take on traditional BBQ. Breweries will offer more than 25 refreshing craft beers and cocktails to compliment the BBQ and signature coastal food. Visitors can purchase wristbands for $25 at the gate or in advance for $20 by calling 850.974.4801. Live entertainment will be provided by The Modern Eldorados, The Blenders and The House Rockers brought to you by Abita Brewery. A chance to win 2 VIP tours to Abita Brewery will be given away at the festival. For more information, visit Blues, Brews and BBQ on Facebook at facebook.com/BluesBrewsBBQ.

Nov. 8 – Nov. 14

ADSO’s Art Week

The Art Center

17^th First Street

Fort Walton Beach

The Arts and Design Society's annual Art Week takes place November 8-14, beginning with classes on November 8 and ending with an Arty Party on Friday, November 14, from 6-8 pm. During the week, 20 two-hour classes will be offered as a sampler of what's available at the Art Center. The first class is $25; subsequent classes are $20. All supplies are included. No expertise required. Projects will be completed in the class. Also, four, fun art competitions will be in progress. Check the website for details on classes and competitions. The free Arty Party will include the display of completed art and competitive art, activities and refreshments. All are invited. Please call 850.244.1271 Tuesday - Friday, noon - 4 p.m. or visit artsdesignsociety.org.

Sunday, November 9, 2014:

Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:

Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com

Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com

Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com