Plenty of towns have Christmas parades. There’s something about the friendly competition of seeing who can decorate the best holiday float that brings out the best in a town. But living on the coast gives a new meaning to the term “floats.”
The Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade is back for its 31st year. It’s no shock that this favorite event of the Emerald Coast has been around as long as it has. After all, it’s not everywhere that you can have a boat parade. Read on to find out the details on this holiday tradition, and make plans to attend this weekend.
Destin Boat Parade
This year, the Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10 at HarborWalk Village. It will run from noon to 9 p.m. with a full schedule of events taking place.
From noon to 4 p.m., children can visit with Santa Claus on the HarborWalk Village Main Stage. This is a great opportunity for kids and parents alike. First, kids will get to tell Santa what they most want for Christmas this year. That way, they’ll have incentive to make it on the Nice List. Then, parents can have a photo made of their children with Santa, which makes for a precious gift for friends and family.
After Santa has traded stage for sleigh, the Ballet Conservatory and Destin School of Music and Dance will perform The Nutcracker on the same stage.
Once the sun goes down, the real magic of the Destin Boat Parade will begin. At 6 p.m., the parade starts. Guests will enjoy seeing all of the boats lighted and decorated. It’s fun to pick out your favorite and enjoy the creativity that went into designing the displays.
When the parade ends, there will be a firework show and firespinning on the Main Stage by Just Add Fire. You don’t want to miss this magical finish to the evening.
Just Add Fire
Just Add Fire is a firespinning company manned by Autumn Ussery. The art of firespinning is also known as Poi, which originated in New Zeland many years ago and is the Maori word for “ball on a cord.”
If you’re mystified by the swirling fire batons and would like to try your hand at it, Just Add Fire offers Poi courses for all age levels. While it’s not easy to master, it develops strength, flexibility, and coordination. Plus, it makes for awesome pictures. Give it a shot!
Lee Nissan FWB
Lee Nissan of Fort Walton Beach encourages you to take part in the festivities at the Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade. Later that week, visit the dealership and test drive some of our new models right in time for Christmas.
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