DEFUNIAK SPRING, Fla. — Main Street DeFuniak Springs will once again host its annual holiday events coined “Merry Main Street” beginning on Saturday, November 27.
Free to attend “Merry Main Street” boasts live music and theatrical performances, an outdoor market, food trucks, rides on the Choctaw Express Train, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids character appearances by The Character Clubhouse, and more family fun – all taking place along Baldwin Avenue in downtown DeFuniak Springs.
Events occur every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 27 to December 18.
Fittingly “Merry Main Street” festivities begin on Small Business Saturday, November 27, 2021, a national movement encouraging customers to patronize locally owned and operated independent businesses.
Since its conception in 2017, Main Street DeFuniak Springs has been working to revitalize the downtown business district through the preservation of its buildings and support of its locally owned and operated businesses.
For the support of its community and putting small businesses first, Main Street DeFuniak Springs has been designated a Neighborhood Champion by American Express.
Small Business Saturday In-store specials begin at participating merchants including Enforcement Firearms, Fisher’s Pharmacy & Gifts, Katie Beth’s Boutique & Spa, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Nook & Cranny Consignment, The Pink House Aesthetics & Wellness Boutique, Soiree, and Vault 46 open as early as 10 a.m. Seasonal holiday hours are unique from business to business.
For the dads or children tired of toting mom’s shopping bags around, The Florida Chautauqua Theatre will host its Men’s Lounge on Small Business Saturday, November 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The historic theatre will be streaming live sports on its 21’ screen and serving ice-cold adult and non-alcoholic refreshments.
The weekly Mistletoe Market, taking place every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., is an outdoor market with a variety of artisans lining Baldwin Avenue between S. 7th St. and S. 8th St. Items for purchase include gift ideas, delicious treats, and unique finds catered to the holiday season.
Vendors interested in participating can find more information at https://bit.ly/MSD_mistletoemarket2021.
During the Saturday, November 27 Mistletoe Market a fundraising raffle will be held by the First National Bank’s OB McClintock four-sided chime clock on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and S. 7th St. for children interested in winning a chance to turn on the Christmas tree with Santa.
Santa will draw the lucky child’s name around 6:00 p.m., and the lighting of the tree will signify the official beginning of the holiday season in the City of DeFuniak Springs.
Every Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. guests can enjoy rides along Baldwin Avenue on the Choctaw Express Train and visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus on their sleigh parked at the chime clock on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and S. 7th St.
Additional holiday events include:
- November 27
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: live holiday music by Gilleran’s Island Band
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: photo ops with Cinderella, Tiana, and Moana, Spider-Man, and Batman from The Character Clubhouse
- December 4
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: photo ops with Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Pink and Red Power Rangers from The Character Clubhouse
- 3:00 p.m.: live performance by Walton County Community Band
- December 11
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: photo ops with Paw Patrol Marshall and Skye, Minion, and Leonardo Ninja Turtle from The Character Clubhouse
- 3:00 p.m.: live performance by Walton County Community Band
- 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: live holiday music BELLISSIMO, the select vocal ensemble from Walton High School
- December 18
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: live holiday music by Gilleran’s Island Band
- 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: photo ops with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and the Grinch from The Character Clubhouse
Food Truck Fridays, presented by White-Wilson Medical Center, will take place every Friday in December prior to Christmas.
Food trucks and food vendors will be lined along Baldwin Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy a varied culinary selection along with free concerts by regional musicians.
Participating food vendors include The Burg, Clove Foot Farm, The DeFuniak Springs Business & Professional Association (DBPA), Kona Ice, L&P Farm Fresh Boiled Peanuts, My Ohana, Panhandle Concessions and Catering, Pop’s Southern Style Barbecue, Slice Pizzeria, Sports to Geaux 850, Taco 30A, and Taste of Summer.
The lineup of regional musicians includes:
- Friday, December 03: Live music by The Worthey’s
- Friday, December 10: Live music by Anthony Peebles
- Friday, December 17: Live music by Hotwork
Free to attend, all Merry Main Street events take place outdoors on Baldwin Avenue in DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435. For event schedules and more information, visit https://bit.ly/MSD_MerryMain.
All the “Merry Main Street” events are coordinated in tandem with the City of DeFuniak Springs’ popular annual light display, Christmas Reflections. Dates, times, and admission prices related to the light show can be found at https://www.defuniaksprings.net.
For more information on Main Street DeFuniak Springs events, merchants and development news, visit www.MainStreetDFS.org.
To contact Main Street DeFuniak Springs, email [email protected] or call (850) 296-9051.
Merry Main Street is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including the Atkinson family, Affordable Home Insurance, Big Boss Stores, Chase Blaich, Chautauqua Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Clark Partington Attorneys at Law, Clary-Glenn Funeral Home & Crematory, Firestone Service Center, Fisher’s Pharmacy, Luke & Suzanne Andrews, Main Street Fitness Co., Merrifield & Pilcher Realty, Naylor Realty & Associates, Nook and Cranny Consignment, Professional Products, Inc., The Prescription Place, TechPlanet Inc. DBA I Fix Computers, Visit South Walton, and White-Wilson Medical Center.
If you are interested in getting involved through sponsorship, please contact Chelsea Blaich at [email protected].
