Panama City, Florida shines brightly in December with lights, festivities and plenty of Christmas spirit. Both Panama City’s historic downtown and the beautiful St. Andrews community are filled with holiday events and fun, beckoning residents and visitors to celebrate the season.
On the central northern Gulf Coast, between Pensacola and Tallahassee, this diverse destination is home to two welcoming communities along the scenic shores of St. Andrews Bay. Each has a personality of its own and each fully embraces the annual tradition of making spirits bright during the holidays. Local shops, markets and galleries are filled with one-of-a-kind gifts and restaurants are happy to serve local fare and plenty of cheer to all those who come out to share in the wonder of this special time of year.
The season kicked off with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Historic St. The spirit of the season adds to the charm of this beautiful neighborhood, making this the perfect time for exploring the local shopping and dining spots and searching for uncommon gifts for family and friends.
The fun in St. Andrews continues at the Very Merry Night Market on December 6th from 5 pm – 9 pm at Oaks by the Bay Park. Holiday revelers can get into the spirit with a stroll through the park to enjoy the Christmas lights and join in with karaoke by Olaf. The market is also an opportunity to shop an amazing selection of local vendors for special holiday gifts.
Panama City’s Downtown Christmas Celebration (409 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401-2731) on December 6th includes holiday fun for everyone with a host of family-friendly activities. The Tree Lighting in Downtown Panama City will begin at 5:30 pm at the Panama City Center for the Arts (19 East 4th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-640-3670). The ceremony includes a delightful performance of Christmas carols by the Bay High School Choir, fun activities for children, a countdown to the tree lighting and, of course, an appearance by Santa. All will enjoy a screening of The Polar Express in McKenzie Park (36 E. Oak Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401) and new exhibits on display at the Center for the Arts. The Bay Arts Alliance will also hold its Holiday Bazaar. Local artists and vendors will have their goods for sale from 5 pm to 8 pm and will be back offering more opportunities for holiday shopping on Saturday, December 7th, from 10 am to 3 pm.
The Jingle Bell Express is the perfect way to enjoy all the magical holiday fun in St. Andrews and downtown Panama City. The express runs on Friday and Saturday evenings during the first three weekends in December (December 6 – 21, 2024, 5 pm – 9 pm) making stops at local businesses that are celebrating the season. Riders can hop off and on at Destination Panama City, History Class Brewing Company, Mosey’s Downtown, The Panama City Publishing Company Museum, Uncle Ernie’s and Oaks by the Bay Park. The journey allows passengers the chance to explore these enchanting stops and enjoy the surrounding area’s festive decorations, delicious holiday treats and unique shopping opportunities.
Adding to the merriment on the express is the four-part harmony of Panama City A Cappella, a women’s cappella chorus. Music will fill the air as the group leads everyone in spirited Christmas carols during the ride.
On December 14th the holiday happenings take to the water for the Boat Parade of Lights, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. This cherished community tradition, now in its 38th year, celebrates the magical holiday season and the waterfront culture of this historic destination. The boats in the parade are decked out with dazzling displays of Christmas lights and decorations. Beginning at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club (218 Bunkers Cove Boulevard, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-769-2453), the parade will move westward along the shoreline of beautiful St. Andrews Bay. The route takes the boats past Historic Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina and Historic St. Andrews and ends at the Hathaway Bridge. Spectators can enjoy the parade from local waterfront restaurants and bars or watch the boats light up the bay from the shorelines, the Panama City Marina (1 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401) or the St. Andrews Marina (3151 West 10th Street
Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-872-7240). There will be even more holiday fun to enjoy that night at the Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina. Here, holiday-themed vendors, festive music and a fun-filled visit from Santa will have everyone filled with Yuletide cheer.
WHERE TO EAT:
There is no better time to explore local dining options than while enjoying all the holiday festivities Panama City and St. Andrews have to offer. Visitors are also invited to “sip and stroll” throughout downtown Panama City’s designated Social District, where participating restaurants and bars distribute specially marked cups for strolling from one business to another.
These local eateries are perennial favorites for waterfront dining:
A favorite for seafood, Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill (1151 Bayview Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-763-8427) has an extensive menu and three levels of outdoor dining overlooking the bay.
Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar (5 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-979-5550) with its coastal flair and beautiful waterfront views, serves seafood and Southern dishes, overlooking Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Bay.
Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill (112 East 3rd Court, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-763-6442) has 180-degree waterfront views and a rustic atmosphere. Serving Southern favorites and seafood specialties, this casual dockside favorite is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Finns Island Style Grub (2808 W 12th Sreet, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-215-9273) is a favorite locals spot on the water. Here, tacos, quesadillas and island-style recipes are most popular.
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