📅 When
November 28, 2026
12:30 – 16:00
📍 Where
HarborWalk Village, 66 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
About this event
There's no more magical way to begin the holiday season than watching Santa arrive by boat at Destin Harbor! The Santa's Arrival parade kicks off at 12:30 PM with the Village Brass Band, festive elves, towering stilt-walkers, and performers filling HarborWalk Village with holiday cheer as Santa makes his grand entrance onto the harbor.
After the parade, Santa sets up at his harbor post and visits with families from 1 to 4 PM — and every family gets a free 4x6 photo. Beyond the photos, the afternoon overflows with holiday activities: a Rudolph-themed treasure hunt through the village, arts and crafts, face painting, and a special North Pole mailbox where children can mail letters to Santa (and $1 is donated to a local children's charity for every letter).
The entire event is free to attend, making it an exceptional value for Gulf Coast families over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Note: this is a distinct event from the Sandestin Baytowne Wharf Santa arrival — check both to plan your holiday weekend around the harbor.
Best for: Families with young children who want a memorable Santa meet-and-greet with free photos during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
What to expect: A festive Santa parade along the harbor at 12:30 PM featuring brass band and stilt-walkers, followed by free 4x6 Santa photos, a Rudolph treasure hunt, crafts, and face painting from 1–4 PM. All free.
Planning tip: Arrive by noon to claim a good parade-viewing spot along the boardwalk. Pair with the Grande Tree Lighting the evening before (November 27) for a full holiday weekend at the harbor.
Cost: Free. North Pole mailbox letters: $1 donation per letter (to local children's charity).
