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Where to Stay in Panama City Beach During the Holidays

Below you’ll find where to stay during your holiday vacation in Panama City Beach and what to do while you’re here.

Dolce Vita Getaways is a modern vacation rental company in PCB. We curate comfortable, well-located condos and homes so you can spend less time searching and more time making holiday memories.

Featured Vacation Rentals for the Holidays

Here are our featured stays for your next holiday trip. You’ll find options for couples, families, and groups:

If you want to browse our full portfolio, explore our PCB vacation rentals

Your Holiday Guide: 4 Festive Things To Do in PCB

These seasonal activities are holiday-focused, easy to reach from our rentals, and include the practical details you need, such as dates, times, locations, and tips.

1) Beach Home for the Holidays (Thanksgiving weekend kickoff)

Two evenings of concerts, holiday movies, tree lighting, fireworks, and a visit from Santa. This is the official start of the season in PCB at Aaron Bessant Park.

  • When: Nov 28–29,
    • Fri 11/28: 3:00 pm campfires/s’mores & Santa’s Village; 3:00 pm holiday movie (The Santa Clause); 5:15 pm The Nutcracker; 5:55 pm tree lighting; 6:00 pm headliner (RaeLynn); 7:30 pm fireworks
    • Sat 11/29: 3:30 pm campfires/Santa’s Village; 4:15 pm holiday movie (Arthur Christmas); 6:00 pm Panama City Symphony with Panama City Ballet
  • Where: Aaron Bessant Park, 500 West Park Dr, PCB (adjacent to Pier Park)
  • Tip: Bring a picnic blanket or low chairs for the lawn and arrive early for parking near Pier Park

2) Bethlehem Christmas Village (Capt. Anderson’s Marina)

A waterfront, walk-through recreation of ancient Bethlehem with live nativity, music, and family activities. Perfect for an early-evening outing.

  • When: Dec 10–13, 5:30–8:30 pm nightly
  • Where: Capt. Anderson’s Marina, 5550 N Lagoon Dr, PCB
  • Cost: Free family event; local charities benefit from donations at the “tax collector” booth
  • Tip: It’s outdoors, so dress for the evening breeze on the marina and bring a camera
  • More info: Bethlehem Christmas Village (Capt. Anderson’s Marina)

3) Optimist Club Christmas Parade (Pier Park)

A beloved night parade with marching bands, lit floats, and plenty of holiday cheer in the Pier Park area.

  • When: Sat, Dec 13 (held the second Saturday of December each year); parade starts at sunset around 4:30–4:45 pm
  • Where: Pier Park (parade route through the Town Center)
  • Tip: Stake out a viewing spot 30–45 minutes early along Pier Park Dr; parking fills quickly
  • More info: Optimist Club Christmas Parade

4) New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop (Pier Park & Aaron Bessant Park)

PCB’s signature NYE celebration with live music, two early 8:00 pm beach ball drops for families, and the midnight drop and fireworks to ring in 2026.

  • When: Dec 31
    • 4:00 pm Gates open (Aaron Bessant Park & Pier Park Dr)
    • 4:30 pm Live music (Aaron Bessant Park)
    • 8:00 pm Kids’ Beach Ball Drop & fireworks (both Aaron Bessant Park and Pier Park Dr)
    • Midnight Beach Ball Drop at Celebration Tower & fireworks from Russell-Fields Pier
  • Where: Pier Park & Aaron Bessant Park
  • Tip: Families can visit the Kids FUN Zone starting at 4:00 pm at Aaron Bessant Park with free activities

Booking Tips for a Smooth Holiday Stay

  • Stay walkable to Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park: If you plan to attend multiple events, we have properties close to the main events, some of which are beachfront or even within a resort.
  • Check event pages for any last-minute updates to schedules or parking.
  • Traveling with family? Ask our team for local recommendations on family-friendly restaurants, activities, and grocery delivery options to make your stay stress-free.