How to Spend a Winter Vacation in South Walton

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

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

During a season known for its traditions, there's always room for brand-new ones. Bring your family to the beach for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it'll become a family custom in no time. And if you need a respite from the chaos, a Friendsgiving in South Walton is sure to set itself apart from any other events you plan with your nearest and dearest.

In addition to relaxing and unplugging over 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.

If a seaside Christmas celebration is on the menu, 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 look forward to each year.

Another annual holiday tradition in Walton County is DeFuniak Springs' Merry Main Street. Each Saturday in December, various vendors gather on Baldwin Avenue between 7^th and 8^th 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 festive atmosphere of this ongoing event. And Santa has a fun workshop to keep kids of all ages entertained!  

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 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 pristine natural setting. Historic downtown 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.

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.