Baytowne Wharf celebrates Christmas and New Years
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will sparkle throughout the month of December with bright and cheery holiday festivities including visits from Old Saint Nick himself, seasonal concerts and an exciting, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.
Santa Claus is coming to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for Nautical Christmas at the Village: Santa Claus & Dickens Carolers from 6-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 -8, 14-15, 21-22. Come find out if you’ve been naughty or nice and give him your wish list of presents to leave under the tree. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the family moment forever, and enjoy traditional Christmas carols throughout the Village.
The Wednesday Night Holiday Concert Series continues throughout the month of Dec. from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12 and 19. The Village will be tantalizing your musical taste buds with musicians and choirs to get everyone into the holiday spirit. All performances will be held in the Events Plaza.
Holiday harmonies fill the air on Dec. 5 as the New Gulf Coast Choir takes the stage at 6 p.m. Founded by Michael and Mechelle Grady in 1997, this non-profit organization was established to assist young people with today’s challenges. The choir’s emphasis on “at risk” youth combined with an “open-door” membership policy allows for easy access for all youth in the surrounding area.
The choir has performed for the Florida State Department of Justice, Florida State Arts Council, and the FSU-Panama City Campus Annual Awards Banquet, along with numerous other civic and community events. Performance highlights include such accolades as winning Pastor John P. Kee’s VIP Music Conference “New Artist Showcase” in Charlotte, NC and performing as the “Special Guest Choir” for Disney World’s High School Gospel Classic in Orlando, FL.
On Dec. 12 the delightful sounds of the Village Baptist Church Choir will take center stage. The choir is comprised of about 65 adults from Village Baptist Church in Destin and will be performing music from “A Village Christmas”, a look at the eternal impact of one special night.
Go tell it on the mountain that Opus One is performing at the Village on Dec. 19. Opus One is the premiere vocal music ensemble at Niceville High School. The 15-member group is composed of juniors and seniors who sing a variety of music ranging in style from Renaissance motets and madrigals to jazz classics.
They will share their holiday program with the people of the Emerald Coast nearly thirty times during the season. Opus One toured the People’s Republic of China in 2006 and will be a part of a performance tour of Northern Italy this June with the Niceville Singers.
Enjoy the final installment of the 2007 Wednesday Night Concert Series with the Michael Warren Band from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 26. Michael Warren hooked his fans early before becoming a household name and continues to make them proud as he climbs the ladder to stardom. Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Michael has performed major music festivals in Alabama and has opened for such big names as B.B. King, Live, Gladys Knight, and Howie Day. By blending R&B, rock, pop and funk, Michael has created his own distinctive sound that continues to win new fans.
This New Year’s Eve, The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is “putting on the Ritz” with the Gulf Coast’s most exciting, family-friendly street party featuring live entertainment and an amazing fireworks display choreographed to music. Festivities for this fabulous family event, New Year’s Eve at Baytowne Wharf begin at 7 p.m. and last until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.
Make a resolution to add some fun in your life and start 2008 off with a bang. Spectators will be charmed by a mesmerizing mix of music ranging from traditional orchestral symphony to fresh Louisiana folk rock to Big Easy Zydeco. The celebration kicks off with a special holiday performance by Sinfonia Gulf Coast at 7 p.m., followed by Baton Rouge natives The Benjy Davis Project and New Orleans’ own Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots. The evening’s finale includes the Village’s annual fireworks extravaganza over the lagoon as we ring in the New Year at midnight.
All of the events at The Village of Baytowne Wharf are subject to change without notice. Contact the venue or call the Special Events Hotline for specific event details at (850) 267-8117 or go online to view the events calendar at by visiting their Web site.