Santa’s workshop is coming to Fort Walton Beach as Christmas Parade applications officially open
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – Christmas is still weeks away, but Fort Walton Beach is already making plans for one of its biggest holiday traditions. And this year, local businesses, community groups and organizations have a chance to become part of the celebration.
Think Santa’s elves, busy workshops and a little holiday magic. That is the inspiration behind the city’s 2026 Christmas Parade, which will bring the theme “Inside Santa’s Workshop” to Eglin Parkway in early December.
Read also: Fort Walton Beach warns past-due utility accounts could face shutoffs again after Nov. 16
The City of Fort Walton Beach has officially announced that this year’s parade will take place on Monday, December 7, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The city is now accepting applications from businesses, groups and organizations interested in joining the holiday procession.
The parade will follow a familiar route through Fort Walton Beach. Participants will begin at the intersection of Eglin Parkway and First Street, then travel north along Eglin Parkway before finishing at the intersection of Hughes Street.
Read also: A Fort Walton Beach church that began with just 13 members is now celebrating 80 years
For organizations hoping to take part, however, there is an important deadline to remember.
All parade applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. That gives interested groups several weeks to prepare their entries and complete the required paperwork before the holiday event.
The participation fee is $35 per entry, and applicants must provide proof of liability insurance. Both requirements apply to groups seeking to join the parade.
The city has made the application available online through its official website. Interested businesses and organizations can review the details and access the necessary forms at fwb.org/christmasparade.
This year’s theme, “Inside Santa’s Workshop,” gives participants a central idea around which to plan their entries. Whether representing a local business or a community organization, each applicant will have the opportunity to take part in a celebration centered on the Christmas season.
Residents interested in watching the festivities can also begin making plans. The announced route identifies Eglin Parkway between First Street and Hughes Street as the parade corridor, with the event scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Anyone needing additional information about the application process or participation requirements can contact Recreation Supervisor Polly-Jo Pangelinan at 850-833-9580 or by email at [email protected].
With the December 7 celebration approaching, the city’s immediate priority is bringing participants together. For those hoping to be part of Fort Walton Beach’s 2026 Christmas Parade, November 24 is the date that matters first.
