Panama City, Fla – November 30, 2018 – A number of holiday celebrations and annual festivals are still on in Panama City, Florida, despite the area receiving significant damage during Hurricane Michael. From Christmas to Mardi Gras, Panama City revels in these celebrations and will continue to keep the spirit of the holidays alive.

“The Panama City community will come together this holiday season to celebrate our strength and resilience in the face of disaster” says Jennifer Vigil, Destination Panama City president and CEO. “Now more than ever we need to get together to keep the community’s morale high and to bring back a sense of normalcy.”

St. Andrews Christmas Candlelight Vigil, December 7

Gather at the Old Sentry Oak in Oaks by the Bay Park for a candlelit vigil and a light show presented by Public Eye Soar. There will also be Christmas music by the Wabi Sabis and poetry readings, so bring your candle and come out to show support for the community. In addition, visitors are encouraged to drop off jackets and toys for Christmas to support the Bay District Schools and those children who’ve lost everything to Hurricane Michael. For more information, visit the Facebook event here.

Hope and Healing Holiday Celebration, December 8

The City of Panama City is hosting a holiday extravaganza at the Tommy Oliver Stadium. There will be a Santa station, holiday themed food trucks, a D.I.Y ornament station and hot chocolate and cider booths. The first 1,000 children get a free toy. For more information, visit the Facebook event here.

Outdoor Movie in the Snow, December 14

The Four Winds Church is hosting an outdoor showing of, Elf, at Oaks by The Bay Park. There will be snow machines, hot cocoa and a large screen to show this holiday favorite. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Facebook event here.

Panama City Christmas Parade, December 15

Watch floats parade the streets of Downtown Panama City for the seventieth Jaycees Christmas Parade. Join hundreds of spectators lining Harrison Avenue to watch the wonders unfold. The parade also raises money for local children in need. For more information, visit www.pcfljaycees.com.

St. Andrews Mardi Gras, February 22-23

Keep the celebration going at Panama City’s St. Andrews Mardi Gras. Celebrating their 22nd Anniversary in 2019, St. Andrews Mardi Gras is the most popular and largest Mardi Gras celebration in Bay County.Come see over 14 Krewes and over 30 brightly colored floats. As festive music is played along the route, tens of thousands of beads and doubloons will be tossed to the crowd of over 50,000 people! The 2-day parade and festival in historic St. Andrews is filled with food, fun and music. For more information, visit www.standrewsmardigras.com.