Deck the Emerald Coast
As the year winds down, the Emerald Coast transforms into a winter wonderland of festive cheer, dazzling lights, and unforgettable celebrations. From holiday parades and tree lightings to guided hikes and magical performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December. Whether you’re ringing in the season with Santa or celebrating New Year’s with a beach ball drop, Panama City Beach and the surrounding areas are brimming with holiday spirit. Dive into this list of events and make your season merry and bright!
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Festival of Trees
Grand Boulevard | Sandestin
December 3, 2024, 4:00-6:30 p.m.
The Grand Boulevard Festival of Trees kicks off with 18 non-profits/local charities decorating their assigned trees and competing to win cash prizes including Best of Show and People’s Choice. Stroll the Boulevard to take in the festive sights and vote for your favorite tree! The trees will remain on display in Grand Park through Christmas for the public to enjoy. The kick off will be held on the National Day of Giving. Join the fun and vote for your favorite tree to win. More information HERE.
Guided Nature Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
December 5 , 2024, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Get outdoors and go on a guided tour of Camp Helen State Park! Led by park ranger staff, you’ll learn information about the flora and fauna throughout the park. Dress appropriately for the weather and have a water bottle and insect repellent available. The program is free with paid park entry of $4 per vehicle. Visit their website HERE.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Bay Arts Alliance | Panama City
December 6, 2024, 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Head downtown for the annual Panama City Christmas Tree Lighting! Enjoy a delightful evening with a High School Choir performing Christmas carols, fun activities for children, a countdown to the tree lighting, and, of course, a special appearance by Santa!
Jingle Bell Express
Downtown & St Andrews | Panama City
December 6-21, 2024, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
All aboard the Jingle Bell Express! This magical holiday experience connects Downtown Panama City & St Andrews for riders to enjoy all of the Christmas wonder to be found in the historic neighborhoods. Twinkling light displays, Christmas parades, local shops filled with holiday gifts and more. Family friendly and free. The Jingle Bell Express will run on Friday and Saturday evenings during the first three weekends in December enjoy the magic of the season. For more information, visit their website HERE.
Christmas Parade
Downtown Panama City | Panama City
December 7, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The annual procession will start at the intersection of 13th Street and Harrison Avenue, continuing down Harrison Avenue and ending at 6th Street. In the case of inclement weather, the parade date will be pushed back one week to December 14, 2024, at the same time and same parade route. More HERE.
History Tour
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
December 7, 2024, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Go beyond your park visit and discover the past and present on a ranger guided history walking tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Learn about the rich history of Camp Helen’s Historic District, which is a Nationally Registered Historic Place, from the Hicks family building all the way to when Avondale Textile Mill utilized the property for their employee summer retreat . This free tour will begin promptly at 10 am from the Visitor Center. For more information, visit their website HERE.
Christmas Candlelight Open House & Luminaries
Eden Gardens State Park | Santa Rosa Beach
December 7, 2024, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park invite you to a magical evening as the park illuminates over 2,000 luminaries along its garden paths. This local holiday tradition allows the public to enjoy the serene beauty of Eden Gardens at nightfall. The historic house will be open, with decorated trees adding to the festive atmosphere. There will be live music, and cookies and beverages will be provided by the Friends of Eden. Admission is free. More information about the event HERE.
Daybreak 76(R) Panama City Beach Marathon
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 7, 2024, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the Daybreak 76® Panama City Beach Marathon presented by Visit Panama City Beach. The event's highlight is the 26.2 mile race but also includes a 13.1 mile Half-Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run, allowing running fanatics of all levels the opportunity to test their limits alongside the world’s most beautiful beaches. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Haney Technical College to provide educational opportunities for students and the training necessary to meet the needs of today’s changing global workplace. The race begins and ends in Pier Park with an after party at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. More HERE.
6th Annual Rosemary Beach Tour of Homes
78 N Barrett Square | Rosemary Beach
December 7, 2024, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
The Rosemary Beach Foundation will host a guided walking tour of stunning homes decorated for the holidays. 2024 charitable partners are Alaqua Animal Refuge and Caring & Sharing of South Walton. To learn more visit their website HERE.
PCB Market
Lindsey’s Furniture | Panama City Beach
December 7-8, 2024, 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. (10 a.m 8th)
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable shopping experience filled with unique finds and local flavors. Get ready to explore over 100 vendors both inside and outside, showcasing a diverse range of items including vintage and antique treasures, flea market gems, delicious baked goods, tasty offerings from food trucks, handmade crafts and more. More information can be found HERE.
Winter Wonder Watersound
Watersound Town Center| Watersound Origins
December 8, 2024, 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season by enjoying a meet and greet with Santa & Mrs Claus, an Improv Show from The Rep Theatre, carolers, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and more! Wrap up the day with a viewing of a holiday favorite “Elf”. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more HERE.
Bethlehem Christmas Village
Captain Anderson’s Marina | Panama City Beach
December 11-14, 2024, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Bethlehem Christmas Village is back for its twelfth year. Walk through ancient Bethlehem as Isaiah, Mary and Joseph learn and tell others of the coming of the Christ child. A different charity will benefit each night from the “tax collector” booth in the form of a toy and food drive. Bring your family for this free event and enjoy the petting zoo with free pony rides, and a live nativity. 8 local school choirs will perform in addition to many vendors selling everything festive you need for the holiday. More information can be found HERE.
The Nutcracker
Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium | Panama City Beach
December 13-15, 2024, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Panama City Ballet is presenting performances of the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker at the Helen Blackburn Arnold Auditorium. Get ready to be transported to a world of dancing snowflakes, mischievous mice, and a magical journey. This event promises to delight audiences of all ages with its breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable live music. Tickets are $25 for children, $30 for adults. Visit their website for tickets and performance times HERE.
Brunch with Santa at Old Florida Fish House
Old Florida Fish House | Santa Rosa Beach
December 14 & 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate this festive time Old Florida Style and bring the kids out for brunch with Old St Nick. Enjoy an afternoon full of Christmas music and more. To make a reservation, please call 850-534-3045.
38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
St Andrews Bay Yacht Club | Panama City
December 14, 2024, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This holiday season has officially set sail in Panama City. Destination Panama City is teaming up with the City of Panama City once again to illuminate the waters of St Andrews Bay during this cherished community tradition. The boat parade will feature a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations transforming the bay into a magical winter wonderland. More information HERE.
38th Annual Holiday Parade & Fireworks Spectacular
Destin Harbor | Destin
December 15, 2024, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Set sail into the holiday spirit at Destin’s 38th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Boat Parade! This cherished tradition, brought to you by The Destin History & Fishing Museum, lights up the Emerald Coast, bringing together locals and visitors for an evening of festive fun and community cheer. Witness the harbor come alive as beautifully decorated boats illuminate the night with dazzling lights and creative holiday displays. More HERE.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Alys Beach Amphitheatre | Alys Beach
December 31, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ring in the New Year a little early at the Alys Beach Noon Year’s Eve Party! Swing by the Amphitheatre for a festive celebration the whole family will enjoy. Dance along to live music from Big City Rhythm, get creative with fun crafts (available for purchase), enjoy face painting, and capture moments in the photo booth. At noon, welcome 2025 in style with an exciting T-shirt drop. This event is free and open to the public. More HERE.
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 31, 2024, 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
Panama City Beach is hosting not one, but two great opportunities to welcome in the New Year! There will be a family-friendly countdown at 8 p.m. culminating with fireworks, live music and 10,000 beach balls being dropped over the crowd. As the seconds tick down to midnight, a glowing beach ball descends from the Celebration Tower to signify the start of the New Year and kick off the second round of fireworks. The streets of Pier Park are closed off to traffic as thousands of revelers enjoy free live music, entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer. For the full schedule and more information visit their website HERE.
