By mid-February, South Walton usually knows what it wants to be: a little slower, a little softer around the edges, still shaking out winter while hinting at spring. Valentine’s weekend tends to arrive with dinner reservations, long walks, and the quiet confidence of a place that doesn’t need spectacle to feel full. But for three nights in 2026, something else will cut through the calm.
When the holiday season arrives, DeFuniak Springs comes alive like nowhere else in Northwest Florida. Its historic downtown, spring-fed lake, and Victorian architecture become the backdrop for a twinkling winter wonderland that draws families, friends, and travelers from across the region. But don’t just take our word for it—locals who have loved this town for years share why Christmas here feels truly magical. From horse-drawn carriage rides to festive markets and dazzling light displays, their voices guide you through the ultimate roadmap to holiday cheer in Walton County.
There’s a moment — just as the sun slips behind historic buildings and mature trees — when Lake DeFuniak becomes a mirror. The century-old homes that curve around its shore soften into silhouette, and then suddenly, with the flick of a switch, Christmas Reflections comes to life. Millions of twinkling lights ripple across the water of one of only two nearly perfect spring-fed lakes in the world.
In Historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs, The Last Stop Brew Vault isn’t just a taproom—it’s a living, breathing gathering place where craft beer, family, and community converge. From the moment you cross the threshold, the energy is unmistakable: the preserved Coca-Cola–painted brick wall catches the eye, the iconic vault whispers of history, and the air hums with laughter, conversation, and clinking glasses. Here, magic happens everywhere—in every corner, every pint, and every event.
Walton County Fire Rescue has officially earned its stripes as a Florida State Technical Rescue Team—TRT 106—and it’s a game-changer for the community. This certification means the team has met the state’s toughest standards for training, equipment, and operational readiness, making them ready to tackle some of the most complex rescues in Florida, from confined spaces and structural collapses to high-angle and trench operations.
When it comes to new apartments in Freeport, not all communities are created equal. The Waters at Freeport stands apart — thoughtfully designed, fully equipped, and built for the kind of life you actually want to live – central to Walton County’s natural gems.
