It’s a Jolly Holiday

This holiday season looks to be packed with events celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Locals and visitors welcome the holidays with events for the entire family beginning during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

From the ballet that launched a national holiday tradition, hand-chosen local and regional dancers and the Alpharetta Dance Theatre will perform the third annual showing of The Nutcracker, based on the critically acclaimed Russian ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. The dazzling story has introduced audiences to one of the most magical ballets of all time, and the performance in Seaside is expected to be just as breathtaking. The performance will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. in the Seaside Amphitheater.

Don’t miss the Holiday Farmers Market Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the amphitheater, where a variety of local vendors will feature fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and even some special holiday treats. Friday, Nov. 28, grab your blankets and head down to the amphitheater for a holiday edition of Central Square Cinema on the lawn in Central Square. The featured movie is “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell.

Holiday events continue Saturday, Nov. 29, beginning with the weekly Seaside Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later that day, take your spot along 30A for the annual South Walton Christmas Parade. This Seaside and 30A tradition begins at 4 p.m. 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. The parade ends in Seaside as visitors welcome Santa Claus to town in a horse-drawn carriage.

The celebration continues with Turn on the Town, hosted by the merchants of Seaside, at the conclusion of the parade as Santa and Mrs. Claus take the stage in the amphitheater. Santa, master of ceremonies for the evening, will invite all of the kids to join him in front of the stage for a sing-along before magically brightening up the town. “Ho-ho-ho, I have been very busy reviewing all the names on the nice list, which is growing in leaps and bounds this year,” Santa laughs. “The elves and I have completed final preparations at the toy shop and assembly is at full speed ahead. Also the reindeer are busy getting in shape for the flight that magical night by playing all the reindeer games. Mrs. Claus and I look forward to seeing many of the children in Seaside in the coming weeks!”

Then, the countdown begins in unison to “Turn on the Town” and exactly on cue, the magnificent 24-foot tree lights up; all of downtown Seaside is illuminated with bright, holiday lights. Following the lighting, bring your camera for photos with the jolly ole elf from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Make plans to be in Seaside in December as the merchants bring back the popular Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performing the Holiday Pops concert under the stars Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and allow the sounds of the season to remind you of all the magic of the holidays. “Highlights include ‘Frozen’ and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ with noted actor Joseph Tomko. Other holiday music, Christmas carols, and (of course) Leroy Anderson’s perennial favorite ‘Sleigh Ride’ will round out the program,” says Peter Rubardt,
Pensacola Symphony music director.

Then roll in New Year’s Eve at the seventh annual Countdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31. Experience a spectacular, family-friendly party featuring live entertainment, kid’s art projects, street performers and a memorable finale. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. c

NOVEMBER

Seaside Farmers Market - Saturdays (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Seaside Nutcracker - Saturday, Nov. 22(5 p.m.)

Holiday Farmers Market - Wednesday, Nov. 26 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Holiday Movie Night: “Elf” - Friday, Nov. 28 (7 p.m.)

South Walton Holiday Parade – Saturday, Nov. 29 (4 p.m.)

Turn on the Town - Saturday, Nov. 29 (5-8 p.m.)

DECEMBER

Seaside Farmers Market - Saturdays (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

First Friday ArtWalk - Friday, Dec. 5 (5-8 p.m.)

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert - Saturday, Dec. 20 (5:30 p.m.)

New Year’s Eve Celebration - Wednesday, Dec. 31 (6 p.m.- midnight)