Cherished events bring holiday magic to Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews
Panama City, FL – November 19, 2024 – Experience the charm of Panama City’s two waterfront, historic neighborhoods and create unforgettable holiday memories with family and friends during this season’s line-up of beloved community celebrations.
The magic begins on Friday, November 29 with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Historic St. Andrews. Treat yourself to a cozy cup of hot cocoa and begin your holiday shopping at the local boutiques. Continue to Oaks by the Bay Park to join the sing-along of carols and watch as the magnificent tree and surrounding decorations are illuminated during the lighting ceremony at 6:00 p.m. End your evening with dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants.
The festivities continue in both historic neighborhoods the following weekend, beginning with the Downtown Christmas Celebration and the lighting of the soaring Downtown Christmas Tree (December 6, 5:30 p.m., Panama City Center for the Arts). Enjoy classic and contemporary carols performed by Bay High School Choir as you shop the Holiday Bazaar showcasing local artisan vendors (December 6, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and December 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Families will also enjoy activities for children, a free special screening of ‘The Polar Express’ in McKenzie Park and a visit with Santa Claus.
Then it’s all aboard the Jingle Bell Express! These specially designated and decorated Bayway shuttles will run on a continuous loop between Downtown and St. Andrews on the first three Friday and Saturday evenings in December (December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21, nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m). Marvel at the holiday lights and join Panama City A Cappella in joyful carols as you cruise along St. Andrews Bay. The Jingle Bell Express is free to ride, and a list of stops can be found at: https://destinationpanamacity.com/annual-event/jingle-bell-express/.
Disembark at Oaks by the Bay Park to discover the Very, Merry Night Market (December 6, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), a special shopping experience under the colorful glow of the holiday lights, with handmade gifts, unique home décor, and delicious seasonal treats from your favorite farmer’s market vendors. Enjoy karaoke with everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, before strolling down Beck Avenue for seasonal treats at area restaurants.
The City of Panama City Christmas Parade returns to Downtown on Saturday, December 7 with a procession of floats, vehicles, and parade walkers decorated by community businesses and organizations. The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 13th Street and continue south to 6th Street.
Finally, on December 14, the 38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights illuminates the waters of St. Andrews Bay, departing from St. Andrews Yacht Club at 5:30 p.m., and following the shoreline past Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina, and Historic St. Andrews before ending at the Hathaway Bridge. Don’t miss the Holiday Village at Panama City Marina, or the live entertainment, food and drink specials, and extended shopping hours of Deck the Drews in Historic St. Andrews that same night.