Christmas has always been kind of a big deal here in Panama City Beach, Florida. 🙂

It’s also a surprisingly popular time of year for many vacationers to come down to enjoy “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”.

The perfect combination of factors appeal to families year after year. Cheaper accommodation rates, free night specials, and (relatively) warm weather all come together to make it too great an opportunity to miss!

Here are some of the highlights you can expect for Christmas 2016 in Panama City Beach, Florida.

  1. Beach Home for the Holidays!

    Kick the holiday season off early at Aaron Bessant Park!

    The day after Thanksgiving is officially the first day you can start to think about Christmas without fear of being judged 🙂

    The Panama City Beach Visitors Bureau team up with Better Homes and Gardens to present “Beach Home for the Holidays!”Pack your lawn chairs and blankets, and roast s’mores around a campfire while listening to incredible live festive musical performances.

    Bring the kids along too, and meet Santa Claus all the way from the North Pole!

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  2. Dave & Buster’s Breakfast With Santa

    If you want your kids to meet and greet Santa, Dave & Buster’s in Pier Park is offering a breakfast buffet package.

    Grab a bite to eat and get your kids photo sat on Santa’s lap… Not a bad way to start the day!

    There are two different santa packages on offer.

    The “upgraded” package lets you also purchase a $10 Dave & Buster’s game card for half price.

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  3. Christmas at the Barn

    Christmas at the Barn is a more grown up Christmas event that encourages you to go big or go home!

    Adult beverages will be available at the Bar, and tickets can be purchased individually or as a couple.

    Located right next to the Wicked Wheel, the Barn will transform into a festive and fun wonderland with buffet and full swing band.

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  4. Christmas Tree Lighting

    This is a true community event, with all the feel-good things that make you get into the seasonal spirit.

    Enjoy live music performed by local School groups. Enjoy refreshments provided by local Church groups.

    Unwrapped toys can be donated to the Panama City Beach Police Department’s Cops N’ Kids campaign.

    Each donation you make, also gets you a raffle ticket for a chance to win a big prize in the grand draw after the lighting of the Christmas tree!

    Have fun, and support the local community at the same time 🙂

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  5. Optimist Club Christmas Parade

    The Optimist Club of Panama City Beach hosts an annual parade which ends at the Wal Mart parking lot in Pier Park.

    Entry is free, and you can stand back and enjoy the festive parade of local organizations, including High School Football Teams, Cheerleaders, the Police and more.

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  6. Lunch With Santa

    Santa, hot cocoa, donating toys to the Salvation Army; check.

    Margaritaville wants you get in the festive spirit by joining them for lunch, and listening to Christmas carols.

    The kids can write letters to thank the troops overseas, or make some christmas-themed crafts that will make the perfect hand-made gift for their grandparents.

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  7. Bethlehem Christmas Village

    The Bethlehem Christmas Village will be held for 4 nights at the Captain Anderson’s Marina between December 14th – 17th.

    Stop by between 5:30 – 8:30pm. Entrance is completely free, although donations of canned goods and unwrapped toys are welcomed.

    Disclaimer: this event is meant as a break from the popular and well-loved candy-cane, sugar-coated, flashing lights Christmas we are all used to.

    It aims to recreate the nativity story of Bethlehem, in Jerusalem.

    Instead of meeting santa and eating candy, the kids can have fun registering for the census and searching for lodging at the inn.

    Christmas food and gifts will be available to purchase.

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  8. Broadway Christmas Wonderland

    This event will be held ad the Marina Civic Center.A classic broadway show, this popular musical is sure to get everybody in the Christmas spirit.

    A great fmaily event (if your kids are old enough to sit through a live show). Everybody should enjoy this unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey!

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