It’s that time of year to celebrate friends and family, experiencing the magic of the holiday season together! There is plenty to do in Panama City to ring in the holidays as 2020 comes to a close.

Looking for something for your little elves?

The joy and wonder of the holidays is captured in events for children and the child-at-heart with games, storytelling, and exploring in Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews.

Santa will make an appearance at The Little Mustard Seed from 6pm – 8pm on Friday, December 18th. Enjoy shopping, treats at the ice cream counter, and a visit with the jolliest guy around at 

this popular historic downtown destination.

On Saturday, December 19th start your day with the Christmas Market Downtown from 8am to 1pm and finish your Christmas shopping while the kids complete a Candy Land Game throughout the market. Be sure to stroll over to the Panama City Center for the Arts and explore their Winter Winter Wonderland Immersive Art Experience (open now – December 24th & January 1st – 9th).

Mrs. Claus will make her way to our historic districts on Saturday, December 19th and Sunday, December 20th. On Saturday, little ones can bring their letters to Santa, listen to Mrs. Claus’s stories, and even have a chance to receive a gift from her at 10am at Oaks By the Bay Park in Historic St. Andrews. On Sunday, the storytelling continues downtown at History Class’s North Pole Corner from 2pm -3pm. Settle in with a hot cup of cocoa while Mrs. Claus reads her favorite Christmas stories.

Homemade for the holidays

Christmas creativity is at your fingertips with several opportunities to put a personal touch on homemade decorations and gifts at the Panama City Center for the Arts.

Join a Stained Glass Angel Class on Thursday, December 17th at 4pm, or sign up for a Kids Reindeer Painting Class or Stained Glass Christmas Bell Class on Saturday, December 19th at 10am (fees required, space is limited).

Need some extra last-minute shopping time without your little ones around? Send your kiddos to the Kids Christmas Art Day Camp on December 23rd from 10am-1pm. Ages 5 & up will enjoy creating multiple art projects and Christmas ornaments.

Bring a little sparkle to your holidays

Christmas cheer is in the air at Historic St. Andrews! Illuminated with light and color from the Oaks by the Bay Christmas Lights Display, this exhibit can be seen daily from dusk until dawn.

Take an afternoon or evening stroll along Harrison Avenue to see the uniquely decorated Christmas Trees provided by the twenty-one Downtown Panama City business participating in the launch of the Downtown Tour of Trees.

Merry Melodies

The sounds of the holiday can be heard throughout our historic districts with caroling and concert events.

Join Floriopolis for an evening of merry making and joyful noises with Christmas Caroling in St. Andrews on Friday, December 18th from 6pm – 8pm at 1131 Beck Avenue.

Historic Downtown Panama City will be host to the City Hall Holiday Concert on Monday, December 21 from 9am – 10am in the City Hall rotunda on the main floor. The line-up of amazing local talent includes NuGulf Coast Youth Choir (led by Michael and Mechelle Grady), The Panama Symphony Orchestra (led by composer David Ott) and country singer Will Thompson.

Countdown to new beginnings

Historic Downtown Panama City will close its streets for the New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown on December 31st from 5pm-1am to kick 2020 to the curb and ring in the New Year! Featuring five amazing bands from all over the Southeast, a midnight countdown in front of the Martin Theatre’s new marquee, and digital projections on surrounding buildings, this is a party you won’t want to miss!