Events
Welcome to our Events Calendar, your go-to resource for staying in the know about all the exciting happenings in our community.
NFB Nutcracker at Mattie Kelly Arts Center
- Location: 4323 Commons Drive West, Destin, FL 32541
Northwest Florida Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is the Emerald Coast's premier holiday tradition, and the Mattie Kelly Arts Center staging is its most spectacular form. Now in its 46th year, this full-length ballet brings together more than 140 cast members — professional dancers alongside local students — performing Tchaikovsky's beloved score live with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in the pit.
Expect the full spectacle: the iconic Christmas tree that grows to the rafters, the battle with the Mouse King, the journey through the Land of Snow, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets. The MKAC's 1,650-seat theater delivers the kind of crisp acoustics and unobstructed sightlines that open-air venues simply cannot match, making this the definitive holiday night out for families and arts lovers alike.
Performances run Friday through Sunday the weekend before Thanksgiving. Multiple shows are offered each day — check nfballet.org for the exact schedule and to reserve seats early, as this production reliably sells out. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children under 12.
More information here: NFB Nutcracker at Mattie Kelly Arts Center | Destin Events
Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
- Location: 585 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Starts: 5:00 PM
- Ends: 9:00 PM
The Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade & Celebration is the Emerald Coast's most charming way to welcome the Christmas season. On Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM, colorful holiday floats, marching bands, community organizations, and a very special guest—Santa Claus himself—wind through the heart of Grand Boulevard before the spectacular tree lighting begins.
After the parade, Grand Boulevard transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling white lights, complimentary faux snow, horse-drawn carriage rides through the town center, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. The surrounding shops and restaurants stay open late, making it the perfect evening to start your holiday shopping on the Gulf Coast.
This free community celebration is tailor-made for visiting families and is a beloved annual tradition that locals and vacationers alike look forward to all year. Bring the kids, grab a hot cocoa, and let the magic of the season settle in on Miramar Beach's stunning boulevard.
More information here: Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting | Destin Events
