Upcoming Holiday Events in Panama City Beach

Enjoy the holidays this year in a surreal and breathtaking oceanside Florida atmosphere. Panama City Beach offers a number of exciting activities that fit into everyone’s budget and lifestyle.

This year, the activities begin early, so there’s something going on all the time to help everyone get in the giving mood. This coastal city takes the holiday season seriously and has a ton of fun bringing their love of the holiday spirit to the streets.

Check out some of these top Panama City Beach Christmas events, and find the ones that appeal to you.

And while you’re browsing them, don’t forget to grab one of our reasonably priced yet premier rentals on Panama City Beach to spend more than a night enjoying our city’s celebrations.

family christmas pictures on the beach
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Beach Home for the Holidays at Aaron Bessant Park

The fun begins at Aaron Bessant Park (600 S Pier Park Dr., Panama City Beach) on November 24th from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Campfires, s’mores, and the opening of Santa’s Village kicks off the weekend.

The Harmony Shores Chorus will provide family-friendly entertainment, followed by the Panama City POPS Orchestra. Afterward, the Christmas tree will be lit, and the holiday season will begin!

S’mores and Christmas Carolers at Aaron Bessant Park

Return again on November 25th at the same time for more s’mores, the Christmas Carolers and Restless Heart onstage, followed by Seasons of Harmony. Fireworks ends each night with a colorful bang. Everyone is invited, even dogs kept on leashes.

The park reserves the right to inspect all bags, and asks that you only bring standard chairs for comfort. Please leave the big umbrellas and extensive beach gear at home.

Breakfast with Santa at Dave and Buster’s

Visit Dave and Buster’s (15701 LC Hilton Jr Dr, Panama City Beach) on December 3rd from 8:30 am to 11:00 am to have breakfast with Santa to keep the Christmas spirit going.

Each person pays for individual meals, but there is a special package that allows for a half price game card.

Families have two special package options, purchased before the event or the day of the event. The kids will have a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and enjoy a day of delectable food with amazing games and fun.

Christmas at The Barn

If Dave and Buster’s isn’t your cup of tea, elect to visit the 21 and up Christmas at the Barn event December 3rd (10025 Hutchison Blvd. Panama City Beach, FL) from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Purchase tickets early, then come for the drinks and exciting swing band.

Singles pay $30, while couples pay $50. The whole barn is transformed into a winter wonderland, giving you a place to get away from the sugar rush of candy canes and excited children.

Leave the world outside and come as a couple or as a single to enjoy a relaxing night of dancing and socializing.

christmas lights on palm trees
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Christmas Tree Lighting

On December 5th, grab your unwrapped toy donation and head to the center of town at 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach at around 6:00 pm for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

You’ll enjoy music from local school groups and treats provided by local churches, as well as the spectacular Christmas decorations around town.
All ages are invited, and the event is free. Bring the whole family to help get into the spirit of the holiday with the help of good will toward men.

Christmas Parade

After the tree is lit, start getting excited for December 10th, when the Optimist Club presents their Christmas Parade and Santa returns to Pier Park for lunch.

The parade is free, and individuals pay for their lunch with Santa. Both events provide the whole family with a full day of screen-free interaction. Head over to 600 Pier Park Dr. at 5:00 pm to participate in the festivities.

Bethlehem Christmas Village

The free Bethlehem Christmas Village runs from December 14th to December 17th at Capt. Anderson’s Marina in Panama City, and is an interactive, family-friendly nativity scene held between 5:30 and 8:30 pm each night.

The kids have a chance to try to find lodging, just like Mary and Joseph, and the family is welcome to experience the feel of the manger first-hand. This event is meant to be a break from the mainstream American holiday traditions.

Book a Panama City Beach Condo Rental with Dunes of Panama

Get ready for Christmas in our warm and welcoming beachside paradise, with plenty of events to keep you busy right outside of our top tier Panama City Beach vacation condos.