Best Christmas Events in Panama City Beach
Christmas events in Panama City Beach offers magical holiday fun with beach views, festive parades, and family activities that make the season truly special. From tree lighting ceremonies at Aaron Bessant Park to the famous New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, Panama City Beach transforms into a winter wonderland where sugar-white sand meets Christmas cheer.
At Dolce Vita Getaways, we’ve been making holiday dreams come true for our guests in PCB since 2006, now we’ve put together a special guide to help you enjoy the best of the season.
Table of Contents
Top Christmas Events in Panama City Beach
1. Holidays at Aaron Bessant Park
This magical family event kicks off the Christmas season with campfires, smores, and Santa’s Village. The celebration features holiday movies under the stars, performances by the Panama City Ballet doing the Nutcracker, and concerts by the Panama City Symphony Orchestra.
The highlight is the special tree lighting ceremony followed by spectacular fireworks on Friday evening.
Rating: Family-friendly event, highly rated by locals
Price Level: Free admission
Location: 500 W Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Contact: +1850-233-5045
Schedule: Thanksgiving weekend (November 29th-30th)
Learn more about Aaron Bessant Park
Photo by: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=7674490504318842860
2. Photos with Santa at Pier Park
This beloved holiday tradition starts when Santa arrives on November 28th and continues daily through Christmas Eve. Families love dressing up and bringing wish lists for this interactive experience. Professional photographers capture these merry moments with various photo packages available for purchase.
Rating: 4.6/5 (21,813 reviews)
Location: 600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Opening Hours: Daily Nov 28-Dec 24
Learn more about this event.
3. Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s
Families can enjoy a special breakfast buffet with Santa. The experience includes unlimited video game play with a Power Card, personal photos with Santa, and merry activities. It’s perfect for families who want to combine holiday magic with arcade fun.
Rating: 4.3/5 (6,254 reviews)
Price Level: Moderate pricing
Location: 15701 L C Hilton Jr Dr, Panama City, FL 32413
Event Time: December 8th at 9:00 AM
Learn more about Dave & Buster’s
4. Santa at ZooWorld
Visit Santa and Queen Elsa in the Swamp for a unique adventure. Take pictures with Santa and his scaly elves, make gifts for resident animals, and create ornaments to take home.
Rating: 4.4/5 (5,154 reviews)
Price Level: Included with general admission
Location: 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Contact: +1844-966-4968
Event Dates: December 20th-24th, 10 AM to 4 PM
Learn more about ZooWorld
5. Christmas Parade by Optimist Club
The annual nighttime Christmas parade takes place on December 13th at 4:30 PM. This spectacular event features marching bands, floats decorated with Christmas lights, custom automobiles, and candy distributed by parade walkers. Santa arrives on a firetruck as the star of the show.
Rating: Community favorite event
Price Level: Free to watch
Location: Starts at Sharky’s overflow parking lot, travels west on Front Beach Road into Pier Park
Event Time: Saturday, December 13th at 4:30 PM
Read more about the parade.
6. Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
This cherished community tradition illuminates St. Andrews Bay with a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations. The boat parade transforms the bay into a magical winter wonderland. The route begins at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and travels past Historic Downtown Panama City and Panama City Marina.
Rating: 4.6/5 (160 reviews) for St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club
Price Level: Free to watch from shore
Location: St. Andrews Bay, starting at 218 Bunkers Cove Rd, Panama City, FL 32401
Event Time: Saturday, December 14th at 5:30 PM
Learn more about St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club
7. Emerald Coast Christmas Bazaar and Food Truck Festival
Captain Anderson Event Center comes alive with vendors and food trucks during this three-day event. Enjoy free crafting with Santa, children’s activities, a DJ playing holiday music, and raffle prizes supporting Second Chance of Northwest Florida.
Rating: 4.5/5 (61 reviews)
Price Level: Free admission
Location: 5550 N Lagoon Dr #2, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Contact: +1850-691-5653
Event Dates: November 22-24, 10 AM to 4 PM
Learn more about Captain Anderson Event Center
8. New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
Ring in the New Year with not one, but two beach ball drop celebrations at Pier Park! The Kid’s Beach Ball Drop happens at 8 PM with 10,000 inflatable beach balls cascading over the crowd. The midnight celebration features the iconic Celebration Tower with one of the largest beach balls in the country.
Rating: Voted “Best in the Country” by USA Today
Price Level: Free street festival
Location: Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park
Event Schedule: Family drop at 8 PM, midnight drop at 12 AM
9. Bethlehem Christmas Village
This interactive nativity scene at Captain Anderson’s Marina offers a unique holiday experience. Families can walk through the recreation of ancient Bethlehem, with activities including finding lodging like Mary and Joseph did. It’s a peaceful alternative to mainstream holiday traditions.
Rating: Family-friendly, highly educational
Price Level: Free admission
Location: Captain Anderson’s Marina area
Event Dates: December 10-13, 5:30-8:30 PM nightly
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Events in Panama City Beach
Book Your Stay Early
Christmas events Panama City Beach draws visitors from across the Southeast, so our vacation rentals fill up quickly during the holidays. At Dolce Vita Getaways, we recommend booking your beachfront condo or resort property well in advance. Many of our guests return year after year for the holiday magic.
Pack for Beach Weather
December in Panama City Beach is mild with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Pack layers for evening events like the Christmas parade, but don’t forget your swimsuit, our hot tubs are perfect for a festive dip!
Plan Your Event Schedule
Many Christmas events happen on the same weekends, so create a priority list. The Christmas parade and boat parade both occur on December 13th, while the tree lighting and Beach Home for the Holidays kick off the season on Thanksgiving weekend.
Take Advantage of Free Events
Many Christmas events Panama City Beach are completely free, including the tree lighting, Christmas parade, and New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. This makes it easy to enjoy multiple celebrations without breaking your vacation budget.
Stay Near the Action
If you are looking for where to stay during the holidays, we can help you decide the perfect location for your next holidays vacations.
Final Thoughts
Christmas events in Panama City Beach creates unforgettable holiday memories where beach breezes meet Christmas magic. From the twinkling lights of the Christmas parade to the warmth of campfires at Aaron Bessant Park, these celebrations offer something special for every family.
Start planning your fun Christmas trip today! You’ll see why Christmas events in Panama City Beach give you amazing memories. Don’t forget to book your stay with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to go to Panama City Beach?
December is an excellent time to visit Panama City Beach! The weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor Christmas events and beach walks. The winter season is less humid with pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making it ideal for enjoying holiday festivities without the summer crowds.
Where is the best place to stay during Christmas events in Panama City Beach?
The best location is near Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park where most Christmas events take place.
Are Christmas events in Panama City Beach family-friendly?
Absolutely! Most Christmas events in Panama City Beach are designed for families, including free activities like tree lighting ceremonies, Santa visits, holiday parades, and the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. Many events feature special kids’ activities and are completely free to attend.
What should I pack for Christmas events in Panama City Beach?
Pack layers for varying temperatures – light clothing for daytime beach activities and warmer layers for evening events. Don’t forget swimwear for hot tubs, comfortable walking shoes for parades and festivals, and a camera to capture all the holiday magic against the beautiful Gulf Coast backdrop.