Henderson Beach Resort Unveils New Christmas Village, Bringing Holiday Magic to Florida's Emerald Coast

Six life-size holiday cottages, a dazzling 100-foot light tunnel, festive train rides and Santa visits headline the new celebration, with savings of up to 25% on holiday stays.

DESTIN, Fla., Nov. 5, 2026 — A new Christmas tradition is arriving on Florida's Emerald Coast as Henderson Beach Resort debuts "Holidays at the Henderson," transforming its Piazza into a coastal Christmas Village complete with six life-size holiday cottages, thousands of twinkling lights, a 100-foot illuminated walkway and complimentary train rides. Open to the public with complimentary admission Dec. 1, 2026, through Jan. 1, 2027, the experience pairs nostalgic holiday traditions with the resort's signature Gulf Coast setting. The Christmas Wonderland can be explored anytime with the Christmas Village shops and Tinseltown Train coming alive Thursdays through Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m.

Make it a holiday getaway: With the Enjoy the Holidays at the Henderson offer, travelers can save up to 25% on stays Dec. 1, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, using promotional code HOLIDAYS. The offer gives visitors a chance to pair the festivities with a coastal escape along Destin's white-sand beaches.

At the heart of the festivities, on the Piazza, the Henderson Christmas Village brings six distinct holiday stops to life. Young visitors can make crafts at Santa's Workshop or enjoy a little seasonal sparkle at Sugarplum Spa. Candy Cane Sweets & Treats will tempt guests with peppermint and ribbon candy, while Cookies, Cocoa, & Crumbs Bake Shop serves up the familiar comforts of cookies and cocoa. Jingle Bell Boutique offers Henderson keepsakes and small gifts, and grown-ups can stop by Blitzen's Bar for merry refreshments. Nearby, the complimentary Tinseltown Train carries passengers through the festivities Thursdays through Sundays, from 4 to 8 p.m., with ringing bells and plenty of Christmas cheer.

As the resort takes on a golden holiday glow, the Wonderlight Walk leads visitors beneath a 100-foot archway wrapped in thousands of shimmering lights, setting the scene for unforgettable holiday photos.

The celebrations continue inside the resort, where Horizons transforms into Kris Kringle's Cantina, complete with seasonal cocktails, holiday-inspired bites and cheerful décor. Throughout the property, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and sparkling lights bring the spirit of the season to every corner.

Santa Claus will make special appearances on Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 27 through Christmas, inviting children to share their wish lists and capture the moment with complimentary photos. Families can enjoy even more holiday magic on Saturday, Dec. 12, when the resort hosts Breakfast with Santa on the Grand Lawn from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We wanted to create a Christmas experience that feels both timeless and distinctly Destin," said John Carns, Area General Manager of Henderson Beach Resort. "From the village cottages and holiday lights to a train ride under the coastal sky, Holidays at the Henderson gives our guests and neighbors a new way to celebrate together. We hope it becomes a tradition they look forward to every year."

For details and the latest event information, visit www.HendersonBeachResort.com/Holidays-at-the-Henderson

SOURCE Henderson Beach Resort