About 40,000 people head to Panama City Beach for New Year’s – an impressive number given its small population size of 12,000. This is both good for the local economy and for visitors who spend their holidays at the many Panama City Beach vacation rentals and hotels. This normally quiet beach town quickly shifts into “party mode” with the influx of people.
Whether you want to be at the heart of the action – the Beach Ball Drop – or a laid-back bar with a view of the fireworks, we can guarantee you’ll have a blast at Panama City New Year’s Eve events and parties this year.
Beach Ball Drop
This is one time where you do want to drop the ball – or watch one drop, at least.
Panama City Beach New Year’s Eve event has two ball drops to accommodate early-to-bedders and partiers alike. Families with young kids can come for the 8 p.m. ball drop, where thousands of beach balls are dropped from a palm tree-height net above, starting a giant, free-for-all volleyball game below. Colorful fireworks set off from the pier decorate the newly-dark sky.
As the crowd counts down, a giant glowing beach ball is lowering signaling the new calendar year as the clock strikes midnight. Another round of fireworks graces the sky, capping off an exciting Panama City New Year’s.
Streets of Pier Park are closed to traffic for the celebration. Visitors can expect free live music, entertainment, food, and drink. This is a Panama City New Year’s event you don’t want to miss.
The pier is located at 600 Pier Park Dr.
Schooner’s New Year’s Eve Party
Celebrate with your toes in the sand at Schooner’s Beach Club this December 31st.
Schooner’s is fun all the time, but it pulls out all the stops for New Year’s Eve – the manager’s favorite worknight of the year. One of the best events in the area, this bar and restaurant plays host to a bumping party with live music right on the beach, and a spectacular display of fireworks right at the water’s edge. Sip champagne as you watch the sky light up in reds, blues, and greens.
While some people get fancy – sequins, boas, and a few golden top hats are all welcome – jeans and a nice shirt are also acceptable. There are no rules at Schooner’s on New Year’s Eve.
Sandpiper Tiki Bar
Located at the Sandpiper Resort, this beachfront restaurant and bar is open to the public, and a fantastic place to spend New Year’s Eve.
Sip fruity tropical drinks in the warm ocean breeze until the countdown – a great place to relax on the most exciting night of the year. Tiki Bar serves a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks – something for the whole family.
Enjoy classic party songs from a live band leading up to the countdown, and a stunning view of the fireworks at the nearby Pier. Perhaps the more unique part is the on-site deli open all night for sandwiches and other snacks.
The Tiki Bar is located at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort at 17403 Front Beach Rd.
Movie Marathon at The Hub
Film buffs will love this alternative NYE event.
Starting in the late afternoon, popular restaurant and venue The Hub will screen film after film until the midnight countdown. The Hub is located at 7000 E County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, about 40 minutes from Panama City.
Book a Panama City Beach Condo Rental with Dunes of Panama
Here at The Dunes we offer a family-friendly environment with stunning two- and three-bedroom suites overlooking 1,500 feet of white-sand beach. Panama City Beach is the perfect place to spend the holidays with family and friends, and we can help you make the most of it. After a Panama City New Year’s full of dancing, you’ll want somewhere comfortable and cozy to put up your feet.
For information and reservations, give us a call at 800-874-2412. View available rooms on our website and book directly today.
