Experience the holiday excitement in Panama City! Our guide features all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're deeply connected to Panama City or just making connections, our guide enhances your festive adventure.
One of the highlights of the season is the beloved Holiday Lights at Pier Park, where you can stroll through dazzling displays and enjoy the holiday spirit with family and friends. Another unique event is the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop, featuring a giant illuminated ball that creates a lively atmosphere for ringing in the New Year. And the Beach Home for the Holidays event is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a chance to embrace the coastal charm of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Panama City
- New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop (Panama City Beach)
- Beach Home for the Holidays (Panama City Beach)
- Holiday Lights at Pier Park (Panama City Beach)
- Optimist Club Christmas Parade (Panama City Beach)
- Bethlehem Christmas Village (Panama City Beach)
- Panama City Beach Marathon (Panama City Beach)
- Christmas Shopping at Pier Park (Panama City Beach)
- Christmas Tree Photo Opportunity (Panama City Beach)
- Christmas Tree Lighting (Panama City Beach)
- Winter Fishing Tournaments (Panama City Beach)
See these and even more events listed below!
Panama City Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Exclusive wine tasting and charcuterie experience with live music.
Description:
Join Duplin Winery in Panama City Beach for the Heritage Family Bottle Tree Lighting Party, featuring a dazzling display of sparkling wine bottles, live holiday tunes, and exclusive discounts for Heritage Club members.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting
Panama City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Navarre Beach Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and crafters gather for a holiday shopping experience.
Description:
The Navarre Beach Christmas Market is an annual outdoor event held in Navarre Park, featuring local artists, crafters, and small retailers selling great gift ideas. The event includes a variety of vendors and sponsor spaces, offering a festive atmosphere for holiday shopping.
Where: Navarre Beach | More Info: Navarre Beach Christmas Market
Christmas Shopping at Pier Park
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors.
Description:
Shop for unique gifts and seasonal items at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, FL, amidst a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Christmas Shopping at Pier Park
Panama City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Beach Home for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Carol-themed live music and fireworks display.
Description:
Beach Home for the Holidays is a two-day event featuring carol-themed concerts, s'mores, Christmas tree lighting, activities for kids, and an appearance by Santa, all culminating in a fireworks display.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Beach Home for the Holidays
Optimist Club Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with marching bands and festive floats.
Description:
The Optimist Club Christmas Parade in Panama City Beach features marching bands, floats adorned with Christmas lights and decor, fire trucks, and custom automobiles. Spectators line the roads around Pier Park to enjoy the festive atmosphere as all candy is handed out by parade walkers.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Optimist Club Christmas Parade
Holiday Lights at Pier Park
What to Expect:
Carol-themed live music and fireworks display.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with carol-themed concerts, s'mores, Christmas tree lighting, activities for kids, and a special appearance by Santa at Aaron Bantant Park near Pier Park in Panama City Beach.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Holiday Lights at Pier Park
A Nightmare Before Christmas Goth Night
What to Expect:
Immersive gothic dance party with dark attire and music.
Description:
A Nightmare Before Christmas Goth Night is a themed dance party at Court of De Luna, featuring gothic music, dark attire, and an immersive atmosphere inspired by the classic Tim Burton film.
Where: Pensacola | More Info: A Nightmare Before Christmas Goth Night
Panama City Other Holiday Activities
Bethlehem Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Live nativity and charity-driven activities.
Description:
The Bethlehem Christmas Village at Capt. Anderson's Marina features a live nativity, petting zoo, free pony rides, and performances by 8 local school choirs. Each night benefits a different charity with activities like toy and food drives.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Bethlehem Christmas Village
New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop
What to Expect:
Unique dual beach ball drops with spectacular fireworks displays.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Panama City Beach with live music, fireworks, and two beach ball drops at Pier Park, featuring 10,000 inflatable beach balls and a giant LED-lit beach ball.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop
Panama City Beach Marathon
What to Expect:
Boston Marathon qualifying opportunity.
Description:
The Panama City Beach Marathon is a 26.2-mile race that takes place on December 7, 2024, in beautiful Panama City Beach. The event includes a marathon, half-marathon, 5K, and kids' fun run. It is proudly presented by Visit Panama City Beach and hosted by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. A portion of the proceeds benefits the CAF RISE ABOVE Squadron, and participants who meet Boston Marathon qualifying times are eligible to register for the Boston Marathon.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Panama City Beach Marathon
Christmas Tree Photo Opportunity
What to Expect:
Festive family photos in a Christmas tree farm setting.
Description:
Capture joyful family photos in a festive setting at the Christmas Tree Farm Mini Sessions. Enjoy a quick, fun 20-minute session for $225, which includes 7 digital images.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Christmas Tree Photo Opportunity
Winter Fishing Tournaments
What to Expect:
Premier sport fishing tournament with a competitive lineup of pelagic giants.
Description:
The Bay Point Billfish Open is an annual sport fishing tournament held at the Point South Marina in Panama City Beach, Florida. It features a competitive lineup of pelagic giants like Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Dolphinfish, along with Catch & Release opportunities for all Gulf of Mexico Billfish species. The event promises a riveting experience with a prize pool expected to match or exceed $1,000,000.
Where: Panama City Beach | More Info: Winter Fishing Tournaments
Cruisin' into Christmas Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Local non-profits compete to win cash prizes for best decorated trees.
Description:
Join us at the Cruisin' into Christmas Festival of Trees, where local non-profits showcase uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy a festive evening with holiday tunes, tree lighting, and the announcement of the Grand Prize winner. This event supports local charities and offers a wonderful opportunity to give back during the holiday season.
Where: Destin | More Info: Cruisin' into Christmas Festival of Trees
Breakfast with Santa at Casino Beach Bar & Grille
What to Expect:
General knowledge trivia with exciting prizes.
Description:
Join us at Casino Beach Bar & Grille for a fun-filled evening of trivia. Gather your team and compete for gift cards, Tumblers, hats, beanies, drink coupons, and more. The trivia focuses on general knowledge, making it an anyone's game. Enjoy 10 domestic pitchers all day.
Where: Pensacola Beach | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at Casino Beach Bar & Grille
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Lynn Haven (6 miles)
- Santa Rosa Beach (38 miles)