Winter Brings Unforgettable Energy to Walton County With Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Events, and New Businesses

Staff Reports
January 27, 2026
12:08 pm
30a, Business, DeFuniak Springs, Destin, Emerald Coast, South Walton, Walton County

In Brief:

👥 Who: Walton County Tourism, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, local restaurants, shops, and event organizers
📅 What: Winter 2026 events, dining specials, grand openings, and seasonal promotions
⏰ When: January through February 2026, with ongoing monthly offerings and spring previews
📍 Where: Across Walton County, including Baytowne Wharf, Seaside, Alys Beach, Watersound, and DeFuniak Springs
🎯 Why: To boost tourism, support local businesses, and provide new experiences for residents and visitors

Walton County is welcoming Winter 2026 with a wave of new events, dining experiences, business openings, and seasonal celebrations aimed at both locals and visitors. From champagne shopping nights and charity runs to Valentine’s dinners, Mardi Gras festivities, and new restaurant concepts, the county’s winter calendar is shaping up to be one of its busiest yet.

January kicks off with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort launching “Bubbly Baytowne,” a new monthly champagne shopping stroll at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The free, 21+ event invites guests to sip complimentary bubbly while browsing participating boutiques. The resort is also hosting the annual Fore Her Pink Run, bringing runners, walkers, and breast cancer survivors together for a morning of fitness, community, and fundraising.

Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin is also rolling out a new winter menu, paired with weekly dining specials including taco nights, fajita nights and Friday prime rib dinners through February.

February continues the momentum with Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Perla Baking Co., grand opening celebrations for Fusion Art Glass & Fine Jewelry at The Big Chill, and the return of Amavida Donuts to Seaside for race week. Valentine’s Day brings a slate of upscale dining experiences, including wine pairings at Burnt Pine Country Club, a five-course prix fixe menu at Ovide inside Hotel Effie, special cookie boxes from Amavida Coffee and Perla Baking Co., and dual Valentine’s and Galentine’s menus at George’s at Alys Beach.

Later in the month, Baytowne Wharf will host multiple Mardi Gras events, including a parade and themed celebrations, followed by the return of the popular Sandestin Gumbo Festival, which features live music, competitive cooking, and family-friendly activities.

Beyond seasonal events, local businesses are expanding their offerings. Amavida Coffee has introduced monthly roaster tours and coffee and tea classes. At the same time, Watersound Inn has launched its new “Member for a Stay” experience designed to provide enhanced guest access and curated amenities.

Looking ahead to spring, Amavida Coffee and Perla Baking Co. will introduce new seasonal menu items, including ceremonial matcha and refreshed drink selections. Perla Baking Co. is also preparing to open a second location at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach. Meanwhile, Wild Nectar has officially opened on Seaside’s iconic Airstream Row, offering fresh juices, bowls, and seasonal fare.

Walton County Tourism officials say the Winter 2026 roundup reflects continued growth and investment across the area’s hospitality, dining, and entertainment sectors, reinforcing Walton County’s reputation as a year-round destination along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Plan Your Winter Experience

Readers looking to attend events or make reservations can find more details at the following official websites: