No matter what time of year it is, you can never say no to a spectacular time at the beach. The waves are calling you, so make your way back to 30A and the rest of South Walton County! While the rest of the country has to deal with freezing temps around the holidays, you can escape off to the warmth of 30A. During your holiday stay, there will be plenty to do, including checking out the local Christmas lights and displays, a regular family tradition that can continue. Take a look at the best spots where you can see 30A Christmas lights:

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rosemary Beach

30A makes up a good stretch along the southern coast here in South Walton County. This stretch of shoreline features many gorgeous beach communities where you will find a majority of our vacation rentals. One such place is Rosemary Beach that knows how to bring in the holiday cheer with their annual Christmas Tree Light Ceremony. This annual tradition takes place at South Barrett Square and features a wonderful time and celebration. This Rosemary Beach tradition typically takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving each year for a short ceremony that lights up the Christmas tree for all to see. Santa Claus will be on hand to give a helping hand with the ceremony and the Charles Dickens Carolers will perform a myriad of holiday songs. The Christmas lights on the tree are a true spectacle to behold, so do not miss this annual event that starts at 6:00 PM each year. This is one of the biggest Christmas trees in all of 30A, so you are sure to get a great view of hundreds of Christmas lights. After the ceremony is over, continue to explore the rest of Rosemary Beach, where you will find lights hanging high up in the tree branches all around town.

Seaside

Another great neighborhood here in 30A that is sure to offer you a splendid Christmas light viewing is Seaside. Specifically, you will find that Seaside Central Square offers Christmas lights all around it during the holiday season. This is the perfect place for a romantic stroll in the evening for two. Head on over to Airstream Row, where you will find the local amphitheater. Near it is a simple Christmas tree that, while smaller than the one found in Rosemary Beach, still offers plenty of lights to see. The Seaside Neighborhood School also features a Christmas tree with lights found out front that is a joy to see.

Festival of Trees

Each year the community of Grand Boulevard puts on their Festival of Trees event that supports local nonprofits and charities. This annual festival is located at the center courtyard at Grand Park in town and is a giant collection of Christmas trees that are slowly decorated throughout the holiday season. The Festival of Trees typically begins the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and runs all the way up until Christmas Day. The festival is a friendly competition among the local businesses and charities to have the best decorations and lights on their Christmas trees throughout the season. If you visit multiple times during your stay, you will probably notice changes made over time to each tree. The Christmas trees are adorned with plenty of Christmas lights to light up the night sky. Visiting the Festival of Trees is absolutely free, and visitors are able to vote on the People’s Choice Award for best Christmas tree. The festival is open daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy this free Christmas light viewing activity.

Watercolor

Another great place to see a giant Christmas tree is over in WaterColor. This community features their Christmas tree with thousands of Christmas lights over at Cerulean Park. Their Christmas tree is a true wonder that stands tall among the other trees in the park. You will find the bright white colors of the Christmas lights will make it easy to find. Don’t forget to explore this gorgeous park after seeing the lights too.

Alys Beach

During the day, Alys Beach features plenty of white sandy beaches and their iconic palm trees towering above. At night, you will find the trees to be wrapped in Christmas lights around the trunks. Additional ornaments and displays can be found as well, making it an ideal spot to visit.

More Fun Here in 30A

Get ready for an unbelievable adventure when you book a stay here in 30A this winter. Our Florida home will provide you with sunny skies and cool crisp temps found nowhere else this time of year. Reach out to us to book your vacation rental in Rosemary Beach and see the holiday lights for yourself!

Valentine’s Day is a time for romance, spending time with your partner, and reconnecting. Sure, life gets busy, and you lose sight of what is important — but this romantic and love-field weekend is meant to remind people why they are in love, what they love about their partner, and why they want to spend time together.

Instead of being consumed by work, school, or life, you can take a vacation to 30A to spend quality time with your husband or wife, enjoy being outside in the beautiful sunshine, and participate in some local festivities. Plus, with local events and romantic restaurants in 30A, there is no shortage of fun things to do during this unforgettable weekend.

Let’s check out the most romantic spots to grab a bite to eat, have a few cocktails, and dance the night away.

Pescado

Pescado is one of the most romantic spots for you to have an intimate date night with your partner. If you enjoy fresh seafood, amazing views, and sipping on full-bodied glasses of red or white wine, this place is for you.

We recommend starting with the spicy grilled octopus with chimichurri, fingerling potato, and jicama salad to begin the evening with a nice kick. Or, you can split the cheeseboard with salumi and pickled vegetables if you have expensive taste buds. Other popular starters include pan seared diver scallops, the arugula salad with a honey rosemary vinegarette, or spicy marinated shrimp.

As a main dish, you can’t go wrong with the Chef’s Feast with a whole grilled fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, and vegetable melange or the braised pork shank with creamed cabbage, caramelized apple, bacon, pecans, and pan jus. Doesn’t this just make your mouth water?

Cuvee 30A

Cuvee 30A is an upscale and luxurious dining experience that is perfect for a date night in the 30A. The head chef specially curated a Valentine’s Day menu to make sure every couple enjoys the diverse and local food. Cuvee offers special Valentine’s Day gifts for couples, accepts reservations to ensure you get a great seat overlooking the water, and offers a special holiday menu that can kick off your romantic weekend in the best way possible.

We recommend getting the crab and corn bisque as an appetizer soup. Or, you can split the seafood tower with your loved one, munching on some of the best Alaskan king crab, cocktail shrimp, Maine lobster, and housemade remoulade, that is an ideal way to start the meal. Next, try one of the healthy and crunchy salads to feel good about yourself during this indulgent meal. We recommend the classic caesar salad with eggplant parmesan croutons or the warm salad with roasted peppers, mushrooms, goat cheese, and crumbled bacon bits. Yum!

As a main dish, you can’t go wrong with any selection. We highly recommend trying the Kurobuta pork chop with oven-roasted cheese sauce and corn, the signature black pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna with braised spinach, or the New Zealand venison steak with sweet potatoes and tobacco onions.

To finish off the meal in style, check out the Cuvee 30A dessert menu to satisfy your tastebuds. Split the Cuvee dessert sampler with five mini desserts, indulge in Jerry’s white chocolate banana cream pie, or take a few bites of the Corleone with white and dark chocolate. This is a high-class culinary experience that takes date night to a whole new level!

Gallion’s

Gallion’s is famous for its excellence in gourmet cuisine! And what is more romantic than splitting crab cakes with your loved one and sipping on a bottle of fancy wine? We say nothing. His picturesque fine dining establishment is located right in Rosemary Beach, only a few minutes away on foot or by car from the beautiful 30A properties. Head here to enjoy some of the most mouthwatering dishes from the head chef, while you gaze out at the incredible nightlife and the bright white sand beaches of Florida.

The Bay

Last but not least, The Bay is a down-home and casual seafood restaurant that offers Southern food, high-class fare, and rolls of sushi — but in a laid-back and cool hangout spot that is great for a relaxed Valentine’s Day weekend. Head to this hangout with a beautiful outdoor space that is right on the water to enjoy some live music, spend time with your loved one, and imbibe one — or more — carefully crafted cocktails.

Doesn’t 30A sound like THE ideal spot to spend a romantic weekend with your loved one? We think so too! Head to 30A to have some amazing seafood, spend some quality time with your partner, and really enjoy time in the sunshine. We can’t think of anywhere better to relax on Valentine’s Day weekend in an otherwise-dreary month of February.

Use 30A Beach Properties to book an ideal condo, cottage, or carriage house for your romantic and intimate weekend with your partner.