A bounty of family-friendly activities fills the Crestview Christmas season calendar, with events both traditional and new providing opportunities for residents of all ages to celebrate this special time of year.
Public and private organizations collaborate to present this cornucopia of family-friendly seasonal music, activities and spectacles.
“Crestview has always been a family-oriented community,” Mayor JB Whitten said. “At this special time of year, and especially as we wrap up a very challenging year, we are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the holidays in a big way.”
Here’s a rundown of community holiday events:
Dec. 5, Saturday, 8 a.m.: 42nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog. First time in Crestview, 5 and 10K races starting at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial at Main Street and Courthouse Terrace. Sponsored by the Special Forces Association, Chapter 7, www.SFA7Jog.com. Co-sponsored by the Main Street Crestview Association.
Dec. 5, Saturday, 5 p.m.: Lighting of the Crestview Christmas Tree, Main Street at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial (corner of Courthouse Terrace). Sponsored by the City of Crestview.
Dec. 5, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.: Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme: “Christmas Night of Lights.” Main Street, starts south side of the railway tracks. Sponsored by Main Street Crestview Association.
Dec. 7, Monday, 7 p.m.: North Okaloosa Community Band Christmas Concert. Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd. From traditional favorites to a few surprises, enjoy a lovely evening of concert band music for the holidays. A Mayor’s Cultural Series program. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.
Dec. 10, Thursday, 5-7 p.m.: Special Needs Christmas Games Night. Warriors Hall, 201 Stillwell Blvd. Table and floor games with music and karaoke for special needs teens and adults. Guests must be accompanied by a caregiver. Sponsored by the Crestview Police Department, Community Services Division.
Dec. 12, Saturday, 6 p.m.: Family Movie Night. Crestview Community Center, free hot chocolate in souvenir mugs served at 6 p.m., film screens at 7 p.m. Seating provided, or bring your own folding chairs, floor mats or blankets. In the G-rated film, which features the vocal talents of Tom Hanks, a young boy joins new friends aboard a magical train bound for Santa’s village at the North Pole. Sponsored by Joey the Jeweler. Presented by Community Recreation and Enrichment Services, a Mayor’s Cultural Series program.
Dec. 15, Tuesday, 6 p.m.: Big Red Machine Christmas Concerts, Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre. Crestview High School band annual concert. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.
Dec. 17, Thursday, 6 p.m.: Crestview High School Chorus Christmas Concert, Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted.
Dec. 18, Friday, 6 p.m.: “Friday Night Live,” Spanish Trail Park amphitheatre. Crestview High School drama department presents an evening of music, dance and comedy. Free admission; donations gratefully accepted. A Crestview Mayor’s Cultural Series program.
Dec. 20, Sunday, 5-7 p.m.: Community Candlelight Christmas Caroling. Courthouse Terrace by the Christmas tree. Free. Refreshments available. A Mayor’s Cultural Series program in conjunction with the Main Street Crestview Association and the local faith community.
Dec. 31, Thursday, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: New Year’s Eve Downtown, with music, food, beer sales and activities for all ages. Co-sponsored by the City of Crestview, the Community Redevelopment Agency and Main Street Crestview Association. A Mayor’s Cultural Series program.
For more information, visit Crestview’s website, www.CityofCrestview.org, and follow the city on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Cityofcrestview.