Skip to main content
x Neighborhoods
All Neighborhoods
Miramar Beach
Seascape
Sandestin
Dune Allen
Gulf Place
Santa Rosa Beach
Blue Mountain Beach
Grayton Beach
WaterColor
Seaside
Seagrove
WaterSound
Seacrest
Alys Beach
Rosemary Beach
Inlet Beach
Plan Your Trip
Start Planning Your Trip
Getting Here
Trip Ideas
Beach and Bay Access Locations
Beach Safety
Visitor Center
Travel Guides
Newsletter Signup
Things To Do
Arts & Culture
Culinary Experiences
Entertainment
Events
Golf
Outdoors & Nature
Shopping
Spa & Fitness
Water Activities
All Things To Do
Dine Stay
78
Beach Safety Flag
Perfect Awards Beach Safety Beach Access Meetings Weddings Store Events Travel Guides
  • Perfect Awards
  • Beach Safety
  • Beach Access
  • Meetings
  • Weddings
  • Store
  • Events
  • Travel Guides
Visit South Walton, FL - The Official South Walton Tourism Site
  • explore our beach Neighborhoods

    Beyond the Beach

    Explore the incredible experiences beyond the beach in Walton County.

    Explore Now
    Miramar Beach
    Seascape
    Sandestin
    Dune Allen
    Gulf Place
    Santa Rosa Beach
    Blue Mountain Beach
    Grayton Beach
    WaterColor
    Seaside
    Seagrove
    WaterSound
    Seacrest
    Alys Beach
    Rosemary Beach
    Inlet Beach
  • plan your Trip

    Pick Your Perfect

    There's a perfect trip for everyone. Find yours here.

    Plan Your Trip
    Getting Here

    Traveling here is a breeze.

    Trip Ideas

    Find suggestions for the perfect trip.

    Beach and Bay Access Locations

    Put your feet in the sand.

    Beach Safety

    Ensure a fun-filled experience for all.

    Visitor Center

    Pop in to learn more.

    Travel Guides

    Order or download our travel guides and start planning.

    Newsletter Signup

    Get the latest from South Walton.

  • things to Do

    Explore Florida’s Walton County

    Find Things To Do
    Arts & Culture
    Culinary Experiences
    Entertainment
    Events
    Golf
    Outdoors & Nature
    Shopping
    Spa & Fitness
    Water Activities
  • Dine
  • Stay
  • 78
    Beach Safety Flag
=

How to Spend a Winter Vacation in South Walton

As the holiday season heats up and things start to get crazy everywhere else, the beach stays laid back.

That's why winter is the perfect time to start a new tradition in South Walton. While everyone else is worrying about all the details, you can kick back and enjoy yourself on the sugar-white sand!

Plan a holiday in a new setting, with family or friends.

Holiday Lights in Trees During 12 Nights of Lights

During a season that loves its traditions, there's always room for brand new ones. Bring your family to the beach for Thanksgiving or Christmas once, and we're sure you'll start planning to return for years to come. Similarly, a Friendsgiving in South Walton is sure to set itself apart from any other event you plan with your nearest and dearest.

In addition to being relaxed and unplugged for the holidays, you can also count on some truly sensational meals. The Thanksgiving spreads at Stinky's Fish Camp and Great Southern Café have become legendary, both for the food and the atmosphere. With the freshest Gulf seafood and local produce, you're in for a Turkey Day unlike any you've ever experienced.

Oyster Log and Glass of White Wine at Stinky's Fish Camp

If a Christmas celebration is what you're looking for, restaurants like Havana Beach Bar & Grill in Rosemary Beach go all out, offering a traditional festive dinner and kids' events like cookie decorating with Santa. And just steps away in South Barrett Square, the 25-foot Christmas tree is a majestic spectacle your family will anticipate each year.

Lit Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights in Rosemary Beach

An annual holiday tradition in DeFuniak Springs is Mistletoe Market. Each Saturday in December, a wide variety of vendors gathers on Baldwin Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets – offering hand-crafted gifts, unique finds and tasty treats. Pick up a few special presents, or simply enjoy a little people watching and browsing.

True to its name, Christmas Reflections turns Lake DeFuniak at Chipley Park into a shimmering mirror of holiday illumination that complements the charming Victorian homes surrounding it. More than 10 million lights are part of the breathtaking display – truly a must-see. There are also thousands of decorations adding to the scene of this ongoing event. And Santa has a fun workshop to keep kids of all ages entertained.  

Holiday Decorations at Christmas Reflections in DeFuniak Springs

Sneak off on a romantic getaway.

Couple Enjoying Cocktails Outside in Seaside

The beach is also the perfect escape for you and that special someone. Relaxing and unwinding is easy here, and you can be as engaged and activity-oriented as you choose.

Whether you stay in a cozy beach cottage or an all-inclusive resort, you can pick the accommodations that form home base for the trip of your dreams.

Pamper each other with a spa day. Choose from manicures, pedicures, facials, scrubs or a couple's massage at a luxurious spa in one of our 16 beach neighborhoods. Engage in retail therapy and shop for gifts in local boutiques or at one of the country's largest designer outlet centers.

Gallery hop and take in the world-class local art, or simply enjoy the spectacularly pristine natural setting. The historic downtown of DeFuniak Springs is filled with local shops and restaurants. Stroll along these quaint streets, popping in and out of a few boutiques before treating yourself to an incredible meal.

Clock and Christmas Tree in DeFuniak Springs

If you haven’t already, you’ll soon discover why the warm winter in South Walton is the ideal time to plant the seeds of a new holiday tradition that you and your loved ones can celebrate for years to come.

While You're Here

View More
Fall In Love With South Walton
A Mom’s Guide to South Walton
Your Guide to One of America’s Most Romantic Towns
The Sounds of Nature: Birding in South Walton
How to (Legally) Host a Beach Bonfire in South Walton

Tag Us On Instagram

#southwalton

  • Contact
  • Press & Media
  • Perfect Awards
  • Partners
  • Artist of the Year
  • Beach Safety
  • 78
    Beach Safety Flag
Get a Visitor Guide Sign Up For Our eNewsletter
  • Facebook Created with Sketch.
  • Twitter Created with Sketch.
  • Instagram Created with Sketch.
  • Youtube Created with Sketch.
  • Pinterest Created with Sketch.

25777 US Highway 331 South

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459

(800) 822-6877 or (850) 267-1216

  • Privacy & Terms of Use
  • GDPR FAQ

© Copyright 2023 Walton County TDC, All rights reserved.

Visit South Walton uses cookies and related technologies to improve the way our site functions for you as a visitor. Read More A cookie is a text file that is stored on your device. We use these text files for functionality such as to analyze our traffic or to personalize content. You can choose to accept or discontinue cookies for this site and you may also review our policies at any time by visiting our privacy policy page. Remember, if you choose to disable or delete cookies and/or select "Discontinue", you will not have access to the full functionality of our website.

Accept Discontinue