Make Merry This Christmas In Panama City Beach
Experience the magic of Christmas in Panama City Beach with lively holiday events all season long. From Santa sightings and holiday shopping sprees to tree lightings and festive parades, we’ve got some of the top to-dos so you can make the most of your Florida getaway this winter. So, lock up those winter coats and don your beach apparel! It’s time to see why so many love spending their holidays in PCB.
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In This Article:
- Christmas Events in Panama City Beach
- Ring in the New Year in PCB
- Get the Best Rate on Your Holiday Stay
- FAQs
Christmas Events in Panama City Beach
Santa Encounters
Beach Home for the Holidays
- When: Nov. 28 from 3 PM – 7:30 PM and Nov. 29 from 3:30 PM to 6 PM
- Where: Aaron Bessant Park
- Admission: Free
Kick off the official start to the Christmas Season, Thanksgiving weekend at Beach Home for the Holidays. Two action-packed days of music, s’mores, campfires, fireworks, and holiday cheer flood Aaron Bessant Park for this annual event.
This year, Nashville comes to town with headliner Raelynn and her hit song “Funny Girl.” The Panama City Symphony will also perform along with the Panama City Ballet as they present scenes from The Nutcracker. With special kids’ activities, holiday displays, and thousands of twinkling lights, it’s the perfect cap to your Thanksgiving celebration at the beach.
Santa at Pier Park
- When: Nov. 28 – Christmas Eve.
- Reserve Your Time Slot
Grab the family and head to Pier Park for photos with the Big Man himself! Santa will be on-site every day from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve. Various time slots are available, and it’s recommended you reserve your time to avoid waiting in long lines. He’ll be available from morning until after dark each day, so there are plenty of opportunities to get those classic keepsakes while you’re here.
Cider with Santa
- When: Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 2 PM to 6:30 PM
- Price: Adult Only: $12.50; Kid Only: $10.50; Adult + Kid: $23; Pets: $5
Duplin Winery opens its doors to all ages for three days this December. Bring the family (furry, four-legged members, too) and enjoy warm cider (spiked options and wine available for adults), tasty treats, and time with St. Nick.
Holiday Shopping
Need some last-minute gifts or great stocking stuffers? These fairs and markets have just the thing!
Holly Fair
- When: Nov. 13 – 16 |Times Vary by Event
- Where: Edgewater Beach Resort
- Admission: Varies by Event – Purchase Tickets
The Junior League is welcoming the season, November 13th through 16th, with its annual Holiday Fair featuring four days of spectacular events, shopping opportunities, brunch gatherings, and festive fun. Touted as the “ultimate Southern holiday upscale shopping event,” you’ll be able to access exclusive vendors and deals on incredible holiday finds.
Check out all the events right here!
Christmas Village at PCB Market
- When: Nov. 29 from 5 PM to 9 PM
- Where: PCB Market
- Admission: Free
Thanksgiving weekend shopping goes local with vendor and artisan goods at PCB Market’s Christmas Village. Inside, you’ll find booths from local makers, a Santa’s workshop area for little ones (complete with photo ops, a cookie and cocoa corner for cozy bites while you explore), and holiday music to usher in the Christmas Spirit. This is the ultimate Small Business Saturday shopping opportunity and one of the most fun Christmas events in Panama City Beach.
Christmas Bazaar and Food Truck Festival
- When: Nov. 21 – 23 from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Where: Captain Anderson’s Event Center
- Admission: Previous years have had a small admission price of around $7
Captain Anderson’s has rolled out the invitation from coast to coast, calling all vendors and food trucks who are interested in heading to PCB this winter. This massive three-day event will feature holiday shopping, delicious bites, and much more. Discover a wide range of products, from home décor and clothing to outdoor essentials and boutique goods. Kids can also get crafty with Santa Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM while parents browse for that perfect gift.
Christmas Parades
Don’t miss the chance to join with locals and other holiday visitors for some fun-filled evening parades during your Panama City Beach getaway. Marching bands, homemade floats, and even decorated boats will be on display to usher in the cheer. Here are two of our favorites:
City of Panama City Christmas Parade
- When: Dec. 6 at 6 PM
- Where: Begins at the Downtown Marina and ends at Tommy Oliver Stadium
Annual Boat Parade of Lights
- When: Dec. 13 from 5 PM to 7:30 PM
- Where: Begins at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and travels west along the shoreline past downtown PCB, the St. Andrews Marina, Sun Harbor Marina, and ends at Hathaway Bridge.
Ring in the New Year in PCB
New York City isn’t the only place with a renowned New Year’s Eve celebration! If you’re extending your Christmas vacation through the end of the year, make sure you catch the giant Beach Ball drop from Celebration Tower on January 31st. The day will be filled with activities starting at 4 PM when the gates open at Aaron Bessant Park. Live music, DJs, vendors, and kids’ activities make this a fantastic family-friendly way to end the year.
Need an early out for little ones? The Kids' Beach Ball Drop and Fireworks take place at 8 PM, accompanied by the release of 15,000 beach balls between the two locations at Aaron Bessant Park and Pier Park, while the party continues until midnight for the night owls.
Get the Best Rate on Your Holiday Stay
Featured Property: Laketown Wharf 320
At Nautical Properties, our Panama City Beach vacation rentals put you near all the festive fun of this time of year, while giving you a cozy place to return at the end of each day. Plus, when you book directly with our local team, not only are you securing the best rate on your stay, but you’re also supporting a trusted small business instead of a global brand with zero ties to Panama City Beach.
Our team is available to help you with everything from finding your perfect condo to giving you the scoop on all the must-do holiday activities. Browse our full inventory of Panama City Beach vacation rentals and discover why families trust us with their vacations year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions: Christmas in Panama City Beach
What is there to do in Panama City Beach at Christmas time?
So much! With mild winter temps that average in the mid-60s during December, you can spend your days on the beach, enjoying fun eco-tours, kayaking, fishing, or attending a festive holiday event like Beach Home for the Holidays. The off-season also means better rates on your stay and no lines at your favorite restaurants. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.
What is the temperature in Panama City Beach at Christmas?
Unlike sweltering summer days, December’s temps are perfect for bike rides, beach walks, and general outdoor fun. You’ll see average highs around 64°F, and lows around 52°F.
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