DREAMING OF A WHITE (SAND) CHRISTMAS
Get ready for a host of festive activities on the coast leading up to Christmas and the New Year.
FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
Historic Downtown | Panama City
December 1, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
There’s ‘snow place’ like Historic Downtown Panama City to kick off the holiday season when it turns into a winter wonderland on December 1. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the Christmas tree lighting at 6. There will be wagon rides, live music featuring the Bay High School Choir, local artisan vendors, cookie decorating and more. The event will be held at the new Four Points intersection in the center of historic downtown.
Daybreak 76Ⓡ PCB Marathon
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 2, 2023, 7:00 a.m.
Get ready for the 6th Annual Panama City Beach Marathon which incorporates a full marathon, half marathon, 5K race and Kids Fun Run, allowing runners of all levels to test their limits while running alongside the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches. The race begins and ends at Pier Park, with an after party at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. All runners of the Half Marathon and 5K will receive a long sleeve shirt and all finishers will receive a medal. For more information visit the official website.
Christmas Parade
Historic Downtown | Panama City
December 2, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
The City of Panama City presents the annual Christmas Parade which will feature a captivating array of lighted vehicles, local marching bands, dance groups, colorful floats and of course, Santa Claus himself. The parade will commence at the Panama City Marina and continue north on Harrison Avenue to 13th Street.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Photos with Santa Claus
Grand Boulevard | Miramar Beach
Every Fri/Sat from December 1, 2023, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Center while taking in the Coastal White Christmas lights and the Festival of Trees display. To add to the festivities, get a complimentary professional photo with Santa while listening to the lively seasonal sounds of the Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” Music Revue.
Camp Helen State Park History Tour
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
December 2, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit and discover the past and present on a free ranger guided walking tour. Learn about the rich history of Camp Helen’s Historic District from informative and entertaining rangers. Camp Helen is a Nationally Registered Historic Place. Visit the website for more information.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told
Seaside | Panama City Beach
Every Sat/Sun from December 2, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00
Grab your chairs and find your perfect spot in front of the Seaside Post Office for the magical holiday tradition of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told”. Back for its 13th year, The REP Theatre’s free holiday smash hit returns with all of your favorite holiday classics packed into one show of high-energy jolly, and hilarity! Three REP actors, armed with a bazillion props and costumes, send up everything from Charles Dickens and Dr. Seuss to Jimmy Stewart and Chewbacca in this ever-evolving REP favorite. It’s the perfect way to get ready for the season and share some holiday cheer. Visit The REP Theatre’s website here.
The Nutcracker
Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium | Panama City Beach
December 8-10
Bring the whole family for an enchanting evening of ballet as the Panama City Ballet presents The Nutcracker. This beloved holiday classic will transport you to a world of magic and wonder with the captivating tale of Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they journey through a whimsical dreamland filled with dancing snowflakes, mischievous mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. With breathtaking choreography and stunning costumes, this performance features local talent from 10 participating studios and promises to be a feast for the eyes. Visit their website to purchase tickets priced between $20-25.
A Christmas Carol
Emerald Coast Theatre Company | Miramar Beach
December 8-22, 2023, Various Times
Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol”, the timeless classic sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters - Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge. Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased here.
Panama City Boat Parade of Lights
1 Harrison Ave | Panama City
December 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The 37th annual Panama City Boat Parade of Lights boats will light up the night sky creating a stunning display of colors and illumination. The route goes from St. Andrews Yacht Club across the bay. Come dressed in warm clothing and bring a lawn chair to enjoy the parade.
Optimist Club of Beaches Christmas Parade
Pier Park | Panama City Beach,
December 9, 4:30 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit at the Optimist Club’s nighttime parade featuring marching bands, floats decked out with Christmas lights and decor, fire trucks, candy, and sweet custom automobiles! The parade will go from Surfside Middle School to Dave & Busters in Pier Park.
Holiday Concert with the 11th Street Dulcimers
Bay County Public Library | Panama City
December 15, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
Join the 11th Street Dulcimers as they perform at a free holiday concert in front of the Bay County Public Library.
Holiday by the Bay
Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center| Panama City
December 16, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season as Sergey conducts the Panama City Symphony with a resplendent repertoire of your favorite traditional and popular music of the season infused with unique selections from around the world. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for youth and can be purchased here.
NYE Beach Ball Drop 5K/Fun Run
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 31, 2023, 8:00 a.m to 9:30 a.m.
Start your new year’s resolutions early with a 5K or Fun Run organized by Draggin’ Tail Runners as part of Panama City Beach’s NYE Beach Ball Drop celebration. Registration costs $25 for 16 and younger and $30 for 17 and older (plus fees). The run/walk will be held at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit the website here. Register early to be assured of getting the shirt size you want. All finishers will receive a medal.
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 31, 2023, 5:30 p.m to 12:00 a.m.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the beach with fireworks, great food, shopping, live music and 10,000 beach balls! Join thousands of revelers at Panama City Beach’s family-friendly NYE Beach Ball Drop as the Celebration Tower countdowns to midnight and a glowing beach ball descends to signify the start of the New Year. There will be two separate Beach Ball Drops - at 8:00 p.m. and at midnight - in order to cater to families with young children. The first celebration kicks off at 5:35 p.m. with free live music by Saved by the 90’s on the concert stage on front of the Celebration Tower. The Will Thompson Band and The Life Atlantic continues on the main stage at 8:20 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. respectively after the first round of fireworks. The streets in and around Pier Park will be closed to traffic. More information here.
