December brings a special magic to the coast with fun-filled seasonal events planned throughout the month in Bay County. Hitch a ride on the Jingle Bell Express for a fun evening in Downtown Panama City, catch a dazzling display of lights in the much-anticipated return of the Boat Parade of Lights, or enjoy two separate New Year’s Eve beach ball drops in Pier Park perfect for guests of all ages. Scroll below for more information on our featured December holiday events!
FEATURED EVENTS
Beachy Holiday Art Walk & Party
Beachy Beach Real Estate | Panama City Beach
December 1st, 2023
Please Join us for a night of holiday wonder & fun with an Art Gallery, Food Trucks, 30A Oyster, Cash Bar, desert by Creations by Kay & live music by the Will Thompson Band. Proceeds benefiting Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy, Children’s Advocacy Center & Food4Kidz! We’ll have lots of amazing local artists!! $25 donation to one of our benefiting charities to enter. Cash Bar for $5 donations.
Jingle Bell Express
Downtown Panama City & St. Andrews | Panama City
December 1st -December 16th, 2023
All aboard the Jingle Bell Express! This magical holiday experience connects Downtown Panama City & St. Andrews for riders to enjoy all of the Christmas wonder to be found in the historic neighborhoods. The enchantment and glow of the season can be felt with twinkling light displays, horse drawn carriages, Christmas parades, local shops filled with holiday gifts, and more. It’s family-friendly and FREE!
37th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club | Panama City
December 9th, 2023
The holiday season has officially set sail with the return of the much-anticipated Boat Parade of Lights! Teaming up with the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Hotel Indigo, Harrison’s Restaurant, and the City of Panama City, the waters of St. Andrews Bay will once again be illuminated with this cherished community tradition. The parade will begin at 5:30PM at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and end at the Panama City Marina.
Holiday by the Bay
Bay High School | Panama City
December 16th, 2023
There’s always something special to unwrap at a Panama City Symphony holiday concert! Experience the magic of the season as PCSO Music Director and Conductor Sergey Bogza conducts a resplendent repertoire of your favorite traditional and popular music infused with unique selections from around the world. Sprinkle in a little yuletide cheer, and there’s nothing quite like it!
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 5K Run/Walk
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
December 31st, 2023
The 2023 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 5K Run/Walk will kick off the New Year’s Eve festivities at Pier Park. The run/walk will be held at Frank Brown Park starting at 8AM. All runners and walkers will receive a 2023 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 5K Run/Walk finish medal. Register early to be assured of getting the shirt size you desire.
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
December 31st, 2023
Two great opportunities to welcome in the New Year! The streets of Pier Park are closed off to traffic as thousands of revelers enjoy free live music, entertainment, fireworks, and good cheer. For those too excited to wait until midnight, or for those fans of New Year’s Eve who want to conduct the countdown twice, there are separate Beach Ball Drops at both 8:00PM and midnight.