While Navarre, Florida enjoys beautiful weather year-round, the holiday season brings out the beach town’s festive spirit. From Christmas parades and boat light displays to visits with Santa and seasonal craft shows, Navarre has no shortage of festive events. Visitors planning a winter getaway or local residents looking to celebrate will find plenty of Christmas cheer throughout this charming Gulf Coast community.
Holley Navarre Christmas Parade
Get into a festive mood by attending the colorful annual Holley Navarre Christmas Parade. Floats decorated with lights and holiday scenes roll down Highway 87 as parade watchers wave and celebrate. Before the big event, warm up with cookies and cocoa courtesy of local vendors.
After the dazzling parade passes by, enjoy pictures with Santa, facepainting, and train rides for kids. Area dance studios and school bands march to holiday classics. Don’t miss Navarre’s most beloved tradition for kicking off the Christmas season right.
Navarre Beach Boat Parade
On an evening in mid-December, Navarre Beach lights up during this beloved annual tradition. Fishing boats, yachts and dinghies decorated with festive lights and seasonal decor cruise along the shoreline waving to spectators. The glowing flotilla mirrors the starry winter sky above.
Many local restaurants and bars host viewing parties on their outdoor patios. Or join in the fun by reserving a chartered boat and entering your vessel in the parade. However you choose to enjoy it, the cheerful procession of illuminated boats helps spread holiday cheer.
Run Run Santa 5K and Kids Fun Run
Jingle bell runners take over the streets of Navarre Beach during this annual holiday 5K. Racers sport their most spirited Santa hats, elf ears and ugly Christmas sweaters. Festive music and cheering crowds give the timed event a merry vibe. Awards go to top finishers and best costumes.
A free kids fun run with Santa caps off the event. Tiny runners receive medals for completing the short course. Snap selfies with Santa after completing your own dash down the strand.
Breakfast with Santa
For a magical holiday experience, little ones can share their Christmas wishlists with Santa himself at this event hosted annually by the Navarre Library. Enjoy a pancake breakfast before visiting with Saint Nick. Kids delight in sharing their holiday hopes while parents snap priceless photos.
Other activities include cookie decorating, crafts and holiday karaoke. Ticket sales are limited so book early. Seeing eyes light up as Santa asks each child about their desired gifts creates Christmas magic.
Downtown Navarre Holiday Parade
Main Street turns festive when this evening parade travels through downtown Navarre in mid-December. Floats decked out in lights, tinsel and ribbon delight attendees searching for some Christmas spirit. Arrive early to grab hot cocoa and cookies as you wait for the parade to start.
Merry floats entered by local businesses and organizations roll past cheering crowds seeking holiday joy. Wave to your neighbors and get into the festive community spirit this free event encourages. Ring in the season with Navarre’s own winter wonderland parade.
Nights of Lights at the Village
Historic Navarre Village transforms into a magical scene during this seasonal light display. Nightly through the holidays, over 100,000 colorful bulbs adorn the village shops, gazebos and trees. Nightly snow shows add to the shimmering atmosphere.
Visit on Friday or Saturday for photos with Santa, live music, kids crafts and holiday movies on a giant screen. Vendors offer hot chocolate and kettle corn to fuel your stroll through the sparkling lights. The dazzling displays put everyone in a festive mood.
Santa’s Seaside Workshop
Scenes from the North Pole pop up on Navarre Beach for this special event at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Kids are invited into Santa’s workshop to share their wishlist and take pictures. Outside, enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, holiday karaoke and ice skating on synthetic ice.
Proceeds from the family-friendly event support sea turtle education and rehabilitation programs. Don’t miss the chance for kids to engage in Christmas fun while parents snap those holiday keepsake photos.
Festival of Canes
Navarre’s historic Holley House transforms into a festive Victorian home decorated for Christmas during this annual event. docents offer guided tours while costumed carolers fill the home with music. Outside on the lawn, enjoy demonstrations of Victorian holiday crafts and food.
Kids can make simple Victorian crafts and dip candles as families learn about 19th century Christmases in Florida. Sweet treats like sugar cookies and cider sippers add old-fashioned charm during your candlelit tour of the holiday adorned historic home.
From dazzling light displays to visits from Santa himself, Navarre provides many opportunities to soak in seasonal joy. Bundle up with a cup of cocoa and watch a spirited parade, take merry photos with Santa, or stroll through a wonderland of shimmering light displays. Navarre’s Christmas magic sparks smiles in kids and adults alike.