Christmas In Panama City Beach

Lynn Haven Christmas Parade: Walkers, cars, trucks, emergency vehicles, bands, and floats, all dressed up for Christmas, participate in this annual event that usually starts at 9 am at 5th Avenue, and follows a route that turns onto Florida Avenue through the downtown of Lynn Haven.

They also host the Winter Wonderland Christmas bazaar at Sharon Sheffield Park, right in the middle of downtown Lynn Haven. Grab the family and hit the park to find a load of vendors, selling various artisan and hand-made items, food trucks, live music and entertainment (usually put on by the surrounding grade schools), crafts for the kids, and more. It's really a lot of fun to spend a few hours there and soak in the Christmas spirit. It's a unique way to get some of your Christmas shopping done early, too. For all the events, check the city's web site for the straight scoop at https://www.cityoflynnhaven.com/

Symphony In The City: For a few month each year, the Panama City Symphony Orchestra treats us all to an hour or so of lovely music and education at the City Hall, the first Thursday of the month, at 12:12 pm. It's free and they have coffee and snacks available (also free!). During the month of December, their theme is, of course, Christmas. It's really enjoyable, no matter when you go, but this is extra special. ALSO, the PCSO heads up a paid event called Holiday By The Bay. Find out all about these Christmas events at the Panama City Symphony Orchestra web site. https://www.panamacitysymphony.org/

If you see me at a Symphony In The City, feel free to come sit with me. I like to take the front rows so I can see everything.

Visit Oaks By The Bay Park, down by St Andrews Marina. Each year the park is beautifully decked out in Christmas lights and other decor. I love seeing the giant Old Sentry tree covered in colorful, twinkling lights! It's really peaceful to stroll around and take everything in.

Panama City Boat Parade: After the Hurricane Michael disaster, the wonderful Christmas boats appeared to be a thing of the past. But, Panama City is resilient and wasn't about to let an event this special slip into history with a whimper. IT'S BACK and more amazing than ever! It's a real treat watching all the dressed-up boats (there were 50 participating boats in 2023!), decorated up with Christmas lights, sailing through the waters of Panama City. You can find all the info on their Facebook page. 

Just between you and me, the best place to get a good view is from the Panama City Marina. Shhh! Don't tell anyone else. It's our little secret.

Coming in on the tail end of Christmas is the New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop, filling the streets of Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida with holiday cheer. If you're looking to attend any event during the year, this one has to be on your list of Must Do's. You'll be treated to entertainment, live music, a fireworks show that can't be beat, and, at midnight, the ball drops to ring in the new year. While Times Square has the fancy, stuck-up ball of gold and other crapola, we do it the Florida way with a giant beach ball. Mark your calendar, make your vacation plans, and don't miss this one. Bring a camera, too!