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Holiday Season Events in PCB & Nearby

By rey | Updated: 09/15/2025 | Reading Time: 5 min

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Nothing says Holiday Season like a good parade! Some of the best entertainment for the whole family - and it's free

Well now, suga', let me tell you something folks don’t always realize. Panama City Beach ain’t just for bikinis, flip-flops, and spring break crowds. When the holidays roll around, this stretch of the Emerald Coast shines up brighter than Grandma’s silver. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, our little slice of Florida turns into a beach-meets-Christmas wonderland. You might see Santa sailing in on a boat one day and fireworks painting the sky over sugar-white sand the next!

Now, I know what you might be thinking: with so many events scattered ‘round PCB, Panama City proper, Lynn Haven, and those fancy 30A towns, how on earth do you keep up? Well listen here, I'll tell you so don't fret. And know that some things are free as sweet tea at a church dinner, while others you’ll need tickets for (sometimes weeks in advance). But not every “festival,” bless their hearts, is worth bundling up the babies for...

That’s why I put this guide together. Just like a neighbor leaning over the fence, I'm here to share which parades, light displays, Santa visits, and holiday markets are the real deal, far as I'm concerned. So fix yourself a cup of cocoa, sit a spell, and let me walk you through my local holiday highlights.

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Family Friendly Holiday Events in Panama City Beach

Now if you’re traveling with little ones, or even those middle-schoolers who act “too cool for Christmas” (but still sneak a smile at Santa), these are the ones you’ll wanna mark down.

• Panama City Christmas Parade – Dec 6, Downtown Panama City. Floats, marching bands, and plenty of small-town sparkle.

• Lynn Haven Christmas Parade – Dec 6, a little calmer but full of hometown cheer.

• Winter Wonderland, Lynn Haven – Nov 15. Rides, games, live music — free fun for the whole crew.

• Santa’s Arrival by Boat, Destin Harbor – Late Nov. You haven’t lived ‘til you’ve seen Santa wave from a boat against that emerald water.

• Beach Home for the Holidays, Aaron Bessant Park (PCB) – Nov 28–29. Santa’s Village, s’mores, holiday movies, fireworks — this one’s the crown jewel, and it’s free.

• Photos with Santa at Pier Park – Nov 27–Dec 24, daily. Perfect for when you’re already out shopping.

• ZooWorld’s Cajun Santa Photos (PCB) – Dec 20–24. Santa with a side of exotic animals? Now that’s one for the scrapbook.

💡 Near Me Discovery tip: Get to the parades an hour early if you want a good spot. Bring folding chairs, a blanket, and maybe some boiled peanuts or cookies to keep everybody happy.

Christmas Activities & Parades in the PCB Area

If you like your holidays with a touch of fancy, head over to those 30A communities. Child, they decorate like it’s straight outta' a Hallmark movie!

• Rosemary Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony – Nov 28. Carols, lights, and all that old-world charm.

• Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes – Dec 6. Ticketed event, but worth it if you love peeking into gorgeously decorated beach houses. Proceeds help local programs, too.

• Seaside Christmas Parade – Date TBD. Quirky, artistic, and as picture-perfect as the town itself.

• Optimist Club Christmas Parade (PCB) – Dec 14. Pure community spirit with school bands and youth groups.

• Emerald Coast Christmas Bazaar & Food Truck Festival (PCB) – Late Nov. Shopping, food trucks, kids’ fun — Christmas shopping never tasted so good.

• Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s (Pier Park) – Dec 8. Arcade games, breakfast, and Santa? You’ll have to drag the kids home.

💡 Near Me Discovery tip: Snag tickets for Rosemary Beach and Seaside events early. They sell out faster than sweet potato pie gets gobbled up at a family reunion.

Holiday Festivals & Christmas Light Displays Near Panama City Beach

Now let’s talk about the sights that’ll make your jaw drop and your heart swell. Here's a roundup of a few that I absolutely love!

• Panama City Boat Parade of Lights – Dec 13. Dozens of boats decked in twinkling lights gliding across St. Andrews Bay. Bring a blanket and some cocoa.

• Decor by the Shore (PCB) – A neighborhood trail where folks compete with the biggest, brightest displays. Drive slow, play carols, and soak it in.

• Jingle Bell Express Holiday Trolley Ride (Panama City/St. Andrews) – First 3 weekends of Dec, Fri & Sat nights. Trolley, lights, shopping, and carolers.

• Christmas Village & Vendors (Panama City Marina) – Shop handmade gifts during the Boat Parade.

• Sunset Celebration & Raising of the Christmas Marlin (Bay Point) – December. Only here would we trade a tree lighting for a marlin raising — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

💡 Near Me Discovery tip: Best light spots? Pier Park’s giant tree, the marina during the parade, and those hidden-gem neighborhoods on the Decor by the Shore trail.

Ringing in The New Year: New Year’s Eve in Panama City Beach

Child, PCB knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve bash! Here's the best places to join in on the NYE festivities:

• Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park – Dec 31. Family ball drop at 8 PM, big countdown at midnight with fireworks, live music, and a beach full of folks cheering in the new year.

• Seaside Fireworks Countdown – A little fancier, a little quieter, but the view over the Gulf is unforgettable.

• Local NYE Parties – From beachfront bars to live music spots, if you want champagne and dancing, you’ll find it here.

💡 Near Me Discovery tip: Do the early kids’ drop with the little ones, then tuck ‘em in and come back for the midnight show if you’re up for it. And don’t forget to make dinner reservations ahead of time; nothing’s worse than a two-hour wait with hungry bellies on NYE!

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Your Holiday Questions, Answered

What’s free to do?
Beach Home for the Holidays, Winter Wonderland, the Seaside Parade, Jingle Bell Express, and most parades.

Where can I see Santa?
Pier Park daily, ZooWorld’s Cajun Santa, and his boat arrival at Destin Harbor.

What’s best for kids?
Winter Wonderland, Beach Home for the Holidays, Pier Park Santa, and ZooWorld.

Where are the prettiest lights?
Decor by the Shore, Boat Parade of Lights, and Pier Park’s giant displays.

What’s the biggest NYE bash?
The Beach Ball Drop, hands down!

“The best free holiday events in PCB include Beach Home for the Holidays, the Seaside Christmas Parade, and the Panama City Boat Parade of Lights.”

Key Takeaways: Your PCB Holiday Game Plan

• PCB has something for everyone: parades, home tours, boat parades, fireworks, and plenty of Santa sightings.

• Free favorites: Winter Wonderland (Nov 15), Beach Home for the Holidays (Nov 28–29), and Jingle Bell Express.

• Ticketed highlights: Rosemary Beach Holiday Tour of Homes, Breakfast with Santa, and select 30A events.

• Don’t miss dates: Beach Home for the Holidays (Nov 28–29), Boat Parade of Lights (Dec 13), and NYE Beach Ball Drop (Dec 31).

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