Where Holiday Magic
Meets Gulf-Front Serenity
Welcome to Winter WonderIsland
Celebrate the season with coastal charm as we transform the resort into a festive seaside escape from December 5 through the 31, filled with twinkling lights, seasonal flavors, and moments made for making memories.
You’re invited to enjoy photos and experiences with Santa & friends, letters to the North Pole, and a visit to the resort’s dazzling holiday displays, while themed cocktails, food truck favorites, and live entertainment keep spirits bright. With the sparkle of the Gulf as its backdrop, Winter WonderIsland offers a coastal twist on classic holiday traditions—inviting guests and locals to celebrate, connect, and make the most of the magic.
Your Home for the Holidays
Experience Winter WonderIsland just steps from your door, and make the most of the season at The Island Fort Walton Beach, where holiday magic meets Gulf-front serenity. Stay 2-3 nights from December 5-31 for a $50 food and beverage credit, or extend your escape to 4+ nights and receive $100 toward dining and drinks.
Winter WonderIsland Kickoff Event
The holiday season is making a splash at The Island Resort! Join us December 5 from 12-3 PM as Santa and his elves make their grand Gulf Coast arrival and officially kick off Winter WonderIsland. Enjoy festive music, family-friendly activities, plenty of photo opportunities, and merry moments along the way. From sandy snapshots to Christmas cheer beneath the palms, it’s the start of the season, Island-style.
Beachy Little Christmas
The perfect way to celebrate the season on the Gulf. Join us for our 7th Annual Beachy Little Christmas: A Sandcastle Spectacular! Enjoy live music, holiday crafts, & local vendors. Meet Misty the Mermaid, Christmas-themed sandcastle building. Come for the holiday cheer, stay for the fun, and make unforgettable beach memories!
- December 12 | 12 PM – 4 PM | The Island Green
- December 19 | 12 PM – 4 PM | The Island Green
Breakfast with Santa
Get into the holiday spirit with a delightful breakfast buffet complete with special story time with Santa, cookie decorating, and plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos with the big guy himself!
- December 12 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Fiji Room
Breakfast with The Grump
The Emerald Coast’s favorite Christmas grouch with a big heart is back! Enjoy a festive afternoon of holiday crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, Whoville hair, and more.
- December 19 | 11 AM – 1 PM | Fiji Room & Lobby
Christmas Dinner Buffet
Gather around the table for a Christmas feast with an Island twist. Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive dinner buffet featuring seasonal favorites, delicious flavors, and plenty of holiday cheer, all steps from the Gulf.
- December 25 | 5 PM – 9 PM | Sea Oats
Noon Year's Eve Balloon Drop
Bring the whole family together to count down to 2027 with a celebration the kids can enjoy, complete with a festive balloon drop and plenty of New Year’s Eve excitement.
- December 31 | Noon | Aruba Room
Toast to 2027
Raise a glass, soak up the coastal atmosphere, and say cheers to a brand-new year at The Island Resort. Join us as we count down the final moments of 2026 and toast to new adventures, new memories, and 2027 on the Gulf.
- December 31 | Midnight | Sea Oats
Winter Experiences
With everything from a hot cocoa bar to live music, holiday movies, fire pits, crafts, and more! Unwrap an array of seasonal experiences at The Island Resort.