Experience Holiday Magic at Florida’s Forgotten Coast

If you want to catch the Christmas spirit and create unforgettable holiday experiences, look no further than Florida’s Forgotten Coast! From Apalachicola to Carrabelle and everywhere in between, Franklin County offers tons of festive fun for the entire family throughout the season.

This time of year, our beautiful beaches are uncrowded and accommodations are extremely affordable. Our area’s mild, sunny winter weather offers a welcome respite from northern snow and frigid temperatures. From fishing, hiking and boating to shopping, museum-hopping and sightseeing, the Forgotten Coast is brimming with outdoor adventures all season long. In the mood for a festive feast? Many of our local restaurants offer special holiday menus this time of year.

Here’s just a handful of jolly holiday events we have to offer this season:

Downtown Apalachicola Christmas Celebration
Friday, November 23, 3 pm – 8 pm
Don’t miss this old-fashioned Christmas celebration in historic downtown Apalachicola! The streets will be lined with luminaries and bursting with holiday spirit, and merchants will stay open late for holiday gift shopping. Family-friendly festivities will include the lighting of the tree, caroling and visits with Santa. The big man in red arrives Forgotten Coast-style on a shrimp boat! Kids who stop by to see Santa will enjoy free popcorn and hot dogs.

Plus, this cheerful celebration will showcase a new activity this year: A tide & seek Oyster Shell painting booth, where visitors can paint holiday shells to hide around the county.

Shop Small Saturday
Saturday, November 24, 8 am – 11 pm, all of Franklin County
Shop till you drop on the Forgotten Coast! Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday that encourages consumers to shop at small, local businesses.

Jingle Jog Carrabelle 5k Run/Walk
Saturday, December 1, 8 am – 10 am, Franklin County Senior Center
Ready, set…GO and get in the holiday spirit! Jingle all the way across the finish line in this merry 5k run/walk event. The Jingle Jog starts and ends at the Franklin County Senior Center in Carrabelle, and all participants will enjoy a free pancake breakfast after the race. The walk/run begins at 8 am, and breakfast is served starting at 8:30 am for all those lightning-fast finishers.

Holiday Fresh Market
Saturday, December 15, 10 am – 4 pm, Downtown Apalachicola
Why fight the crowds to buy generic gifts at the mall when you can discover rare treasures at the Holiday Fresh Market? Join us for this charming holiday shopping event in downtown Apalachicola! Shop in a relaxed, hassle-free environment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visit our array of vendors to explore hand-crafted Apalachicola specialties, such as baked goods, artwork, wood carvings, pottery and hand-knitted items. You’ll get into the holiday spirit and mark everyone off your list!

Holiday on the Harbor & Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 8, 1 pm – 8 pm, Carrabelle
Don’t miss Carrabelle’s 24th Annual Christmas Celebration, featuring a brilliant boat parade, fireworks, holiday sing-along, delicious food, train rides for the little ones, hot chocolate and—of course—the man of the hour, Santa! This spirited event will also showcase merry music, entertainment and shopping all weekend long.