It may be time to take down your Halloween decorations, but wait just a moment before you put up your December holiday decor! We still have so many special days in November to celebrate first including Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving, plus many more fun activities to enjoy. Check out our list of the best family-friendly Destin 30A November events:
Baytowne On Ice – The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Now Through February 4
From their website: “Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. For those visitors who miss the cold and ice, our seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions.”
$13 for 90 minute skate. $3 skate rentals. Skaters must be at least 3 years old and fit into appropriately sized skates. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by a parent or adult family member.
30A BBQ Festival – Destin
November 3
Who knew eating BBQ could be for a good cause? This festival promises to have some of the best all you can eat BBQ on the coast, plus live music from Nashville-based band Certainly So, and beer & wine. Bring your own chairs/blankets to lay out on the grass while you enjoy eating for a good cause. All proceeds from this festival benefit The Sonder Project, whose mission is to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development.
Tickets for ages 13 and up start at $35. Free for children 12 and under, but maximum of 3 children per adult.
10th Annual Touch-A-Truck – Destin
November 4
Bring your little truck-lovers to see, touch, and learn about all kinds of vehicles including trucks and how they serve our community, and help out our community at the same time. The first 250 lucky children to attend will receive a free construction hat! There is also a sensory-friendly horn-free hour from 1-2pm for children with sensitive ears and special needs.
$5 per child or get a free entry by donating a brand new package of elementary-aged children’s socks or underwear. Adults accompanying children are free. Proceeds from this event fund projects that benefit our community including the Junior League of the Emerald Coast’s Child Clothing Project, which provides wardrobes for students in Okaloosa and Walton Counties who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch.
50th Annual Veterans Day Freedom Celebration – Panama City Beach
November 11
This celebration of Veteran’s Day is hosted by Captain Anderson’s Marina. From their website: “Dockside Celebration of our Veterans, followed by a FREE Dolphin Encounter Cruise for ALL Veterans, Retired Military, Active Duty Military, and their families. Tickets are now available at Capt. Anderson’s Marina. Call for details and reservations 850-234-3435. Limited seating, get your tickets early! Concessions will be available for purchase.”
Military ID is required to qualify for the free dolphin encounter cruise tickets.
Veteran’s Day Parade At Pier Park Mall – Panama City Beach
November 11
From their website: “On Veterans Day, we’re honored to host the City of Panama City Beach’s Veterans Day Parade! Help us cheer on local heroes as they parade through the park! The parade starts at 3 p.m. and will travel down L.C. Hilton Jr Drive before turning onto Pier Park Drive as it heads to the Veterans Memorial. On event day, shoppers can visit the Mall Management Office (600 Pier Park Drive, Suite 125, Panama City Beach, FL 32413) and grab complimentary American flags to wave at the procession.The Mall Management Office is open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Flags are available while supplies last. A valid military ID is required to claim the discounts.”
Free.
Thanksgiving Pajama Time – Destin
November 14
From the Destin Public Library website: “Come in your favorite pajamas for snacks and stories about Thanksgiving. All ages welcome.”
Free. From 6-7pm.
Children’s Business Holiday Market At The Big Chill – Watersound
November 17
If you’ve got a budding entrepreneur, little artisan, or want to support one, come shop at this unique event for kids, by kids! There will also be a food/donation drive benefitting Food For Thought’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. This is sure to be one of the most kid-centric Destin 30A November events of the season!
Free to attend but rsvp required if you’d like to be a vendor. Sellers must be between ages 4-17. Bring your own table.
International Game Night! – Destin
November 17
Did you know that November is International Games Month? We certainly didn’t, but it sounds like fun! This special event at the Destin public library will feature games from all over the world, plus snacks (yum!) to keep you and your kiddos energized on this educational trip around the game board.
Free. 6-7:30pm.
Northwest Florida Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Niceville
November 17+18
From the website: “As the only full-length version of this classic holiday fairytale in the area, NFB’s The Nutcracker features a cast of more than 140 performers, including international guest artists and over 100 local children. The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO), led by NFB Music Director and Conductor David Ott, will provide musical accompaniment for all public performances. A VIP party will be held immediately following the performance on Nov. 17 exclusively for season subscribers, cast, staff and special guests.”
Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under.
Nutcracker Ballet – Seaside
November 19
From their website: “Bring blankets and chairs on the Amphitheater lawn to kick off the holiday season with a holiday classic of The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Pensacola on the Amphitheater Stage.”
Free.
Fall For All At Emerald Coast Science Center – Fort Walton Beach
November 21, 22, 24
If you’re looking for something to fill the days during Thanksgiving break from school, the science center has fall-themed special events, new ones each day and something fun for everyone. Some of these autumnal activities include creating a catapult to launch jelly pumpkins and building a bridge to hold the weight of many plastic pumpkins.
Non-museum members: $12 adults/seniors/kids. Children 2 and under are free. Free for museum members.
Beach Home For The Holidays – Panama City Beach
November 24+25
From their website: “Create new holiday traditions this year in Panama City Beach! Thanksgiving Thursday may be the time for turkey, but that weekend, Santa Claus is coming to town! Beach Home for the Holidays waves goodbye to fall and sets the stage for the most magical month of the year. Aaron Bessant Park serves as the site of carol-themed concerts, S’mores, an appearance by Santa and activities for the kids.” Includes fireworks both nights!
Free to attend.
Santa’s Arrival At Emerald Grande – Destin
November 25
From the website: “Holiday on the Harbor kicks off with Santa’s Grande Entrance! Enjoy a Rudolph-themed treasure hunt, holiday activities, and pictures with Santa! Guests will receive a FREE 4×6 photo.”
Free.
Turn On The Town – Seaside
November 25
From their website: “‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! Join us in SEASIDE as we ring in the holiday season with our annual tree lighting, photos with Santa, and more holiday activities for guests of all ages. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.”
Know of any other family-friendly Destin 30A November events you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
