Looking to escape the chilly weather this holiday season? Pick from the best St. George Island vacation rentals and get ready to celebrate with several holiday events in and near St. George Island, FL.
While palm trees, white-sand beaches, and sunshine might not reflect a traditional Christmas setting, you might be surprised to find there are plenty of things to do to mark the holiday season when you visit St. George Island. Though days in December can be cooler than you might expect for Florida, you won’t suffer the bone-chilling cold you would find in other parts of the country. This allows you to participate in plenty of outdoor fun for the holidays.
Lights, a parade, and a holiday market highlight the festivities you’ll find during your stay on this gorgeous Florida Panhandle island during the holiday season. And you won’t have far to go to get in on the fun: many holiday events take place near many St. George Island holiday rentals.
Let’s take a closer look at these holly jolly events and also at the places to stay so you can choose the St. George Island Florida vacation rental that best accommodates you and your family.
SGI Lighting of the Palms
The season kicks off as soon as December starts with the Lighting of the Palms on December 1st. While in most parts of the country, you’ll find towns lighting up traditional pines and spruces, Florida is of course known for its palm trees.
This annual event, which is so popular even Santa himself attends, is held at the St. George Lighthouse and is organized by the SGI Business Association. Enjoy refreshments like hot dogs, chips, hot chocolate, and cookies, play games like reindeer ring toss, and shop for unique gifts and crafts during this holiday favorite.
The ground around the Lighthouse is filled with holiday blow-ups, wood-carved figures, and lighted displays. The fun starts at 6 p.m., with the lighting taking place at dusk. The Lighthouse itself is even bathed in green light to add to the joyous atmosphere. Following the lighting, there is a parade of decorated golf carts down East Pine Street. There are even contest categories for these carts, such as Most Original and Cutest Cart.
The Lighthouse is located at 2B East Gulf Beach Drive in Eastpoint. It includes a museum and gift shop and can be climbed for a small fee. The event could be moved to the following day should inclement weather interfere with the festivities.
Holiday Fresh Market
From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the day after the Lighting of the Palms, head over to the Visitor Center at 17 Avenue E (in front of the Dixie Theater) in Apalachicola for the Holiday Fresh Market. The outdoor event is hosted by the Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce.
Located just 12 miles northwest of many of our vacation rentals in St. George Island, the Holiday Fresh Market is filled with hand-made gifts and decorations such as wreaths and wood-carved figures, pottery, baked items, and local artwork you won’t find anywhere else. The open-air shopping is also a welcome diversion from the hustle and bustle you would ordinarily find at the malls.
Get your loved ones or treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind holiday gift from your St. George Island vacation. The Holiday Fresh Market provides a great opportunity to support local artisans and merchants. It’s also an opportunity to take in the charm of downtown Apalachicola
You can also shop for fresh local produce and have a seasonal bite to eat and drink. You might find hot chocolate, cider, freshly baked cookies, and so much more.
Eastpoint Christmas Parade
A week after you’ve been amazed by the Lighting of the Palms, head just a few miles north on Friday, December 8th to experience the Eastpoint Christmas Parade. Also sponsored by the Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce, the Parade is yet another annual favorite holiday event in the St. George Island area. Lots of floats, marching bands, and maybe even an elf or two!
The parade route typically changes from year to year. This year, the parade starts behind Seller’s Plaza at 4 p.m. and travels along South Franklin Street to First Street. This is another traditional event that draws Santa, so be sure to bring the little ones to the Eastpoint Fire Station for a visit and photo with Jolly St. Nick. There are also treats and a holiday craft.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to get in on the holiday magic? Browse our entire inventory of St. George Island vacation rentals and let the festivities begin!
Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights
Situated along the St. George Sound on the “Forgotten Coast”, you’ll find it little wonder that there are holiday celebrations on and along the water. One of the biggest such events is the Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights in nearby Carrabelle, FL. This is a small-town holiday celebration at its best!
The grand event is typically held on the second Saturday of December. It all starts on Marine Street in downtown Carrabelle, where the avenue is lined with merchants selling local handmade jewelry, accessories, decorations, artwork, and even baked goods.
Like the Lighting of the Palms and parade, Santa does not miss this premier holiday event, either, as he arrives on a fire truck to meet and greet the kids. There’s a free mini-train ride, live music, games, face painting, and other activities. Restaurants up and down Marine Street are open for business, so you can grab lunch or a formal dinner if desired.
When darkness falls, the Carrabelle River is the site for the Boat Parade of Lights. This festive parade features boaters aboard their gaily decorated vessels with lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, holly, and other holiday décor. The boaters could be dressed in Santa and elf outfits and might even be dancing to Christmas music as they slowly float by.
Directly following the parade is a spectacular fireworks show over the river. In 2023, the town of Carrabelle will host the 29th Annual Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights.
Where to Stay
Gulf Coast Vacation Properties has a long list of beachfront, bayfront, and beach-access St. George Island rentals that will be your true home away from home during this season.
We offer one- to 5-bedroom rentals featuring open floor plans, well-stocked kitchens and stainless steel appliances, king- and queen-sized beds, large flat-screen Smart TVs, and plenty of dining room space with kitchen islands and breakfast nooks. We also provide linens and towels; in some rentals, beach gear is also included.
Outside, you’ll find private or communal pools, furnished decks/patios, and outdoor grills. Some of our vacation homes even offer outdoor showers, gas fireplaces, screened porches, and community amenities such as tennis and basketball courts.
Our rental properties are mostly just steps away from the turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches, and mere minutes from shopping, dining, attractions, and a vibrant nightlife. A short drive takes you to more shops and restaurants, along with theaters, museums, playgrounds, parks, and so much more.
When you’re spending the holidays on North Florida’s Gulf Coast, gift yourself and your family with our most luxurious and convenient vacation rentals in St. George Island to put the final touches on a truly magical vacation. Contact Gulf Coast Vacation Properties today to get started on your dream getaway!
