Experience Holiday Magic on 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:

St. George Lighthouse Holiday Sip-N-Shop
November 20
Come by, enjoy light refreshments and beverages, and “Shop Small” to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping. Everything will be on sale and featured items include: Several unique styles of jewelry, holiday cards, ornaments, and décor, toys, games, puzzles, fun socks and other stocking stuffers, nature, nautical, and lighthouse themed décor plus a variety of crafts from local artists.

Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration
November 25
Don’t miss this old-fashioned Christmas celebration in historic downtown Apalachicola! The streets will be lined with luminaries and bursting with the 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.

Shop Small Saturday
November 26
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.

St. George Island Lighting of the Palms
December 2
Join St. George Island for the annual lighting of the palms.

Apalachicola Bay Chamber Holiday Fresh Market
December 3
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!

Tallahassee Bach Parley, A Baroque Christmas
December 4
Start your holiday season with this inspiring concert of Baroque Era Christmas music, done with a fresh sound. Includes classical pieces by Bach and Schmelzer, all played on period instruments. A reception will be held in Benedict Hall next door to the church after the concert. Admission is $20 per person, with open seating.

Eastpoint Christmas Parade & Celebration
December 9
Come out for a jolly good time at Eastpoint’s Christmas Celebration. This spirited parade travels down Highway 98 from Seller’s Plaza to Fisherman’s Choice.

Panhandle Players present Miracle on 34th Street
December 9-11
Panhandle Players present Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play adapted for the theatre by Jerry Hurley & Rob Pierce, December 9-11, 2022.

Holiday on the Harbor & Boat Parade of Lights
December 10
Don’t miss Carrabelle’s 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.

Bay Area Choral Society Christmas Concert
December 11
Bay Area Choral Society (BACS) will present “It’s Christmas!” – a concert of music from Contemporary Composer John Rutter to The Drifters rendition of “White Christmas” and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas.” BACS will be performing music from traditional to pop! There’s something for everyone in this concert! Tickets are $10.