Grand Holiday Happenings in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach will serve as Santa’s vacation home destination this holiday season with the launch of Fun for the Holidays. This six-week extravaganza encompasses themed events, activities, attractions and magnificent light shows that can be seen all the way from the North Pole. Fun for the Holidays continues through December with a $1 Million Dollar Christmas Lazer and Lights Show and surprise jaw-dropping spectacle and will culminate on New Year’s Eve with the Third Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted by Pier Park.
Panama City Beach’s Fun for the Holidays $1 Million Dollar Christmas Lazer & Lights Show
admission tickets to all three attractions:
$15 for adults
$10 for students, seniors, and active members of the military
$2 children age six to 12
Children under six are free
Locals will receive a discount
Attractions include:
Christmas Tree Forest & Ice Palace
A forest of over fifty, lighted Christmas trees and a 50 x 100 foot ice skating rink transform the intersection of Alf Coleman Drive and Front Beach Road into the hub of the holiday activities. The centerpiece of the forest is a 40-foot tree that captivates guests with twinkling lights choreographed to festive music.
Santa’s Beach House Village
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is transformed into Santa’s Beach House Village. In addition to lighting displays featuring elves, reindeer and other holiday favorites, visitors are greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ “friends of the sea” including illuminated starfish, seahorses, turtles, dolphin, fish and crabs. Kids will be able to pose with pictures with Santa; make their own holiday keepsake at the craft table; and enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and other holiday treats.
Christmas Under the Sea
Adorned with countless lights and animated displays, the 1,500 foot M.B. Miller County Pier provides a unique platform to experience the holiday lights overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
New Year’s Eve! Pier Park Beach Ball Drop
On Sat., Dec. 31, 2011, New Year’s 2012 will be ushered in by the Fourth Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted by Pier Park. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly entertainment including bounce houses, street performers, stilt walkers, face painters and live music. The dedicated children’s beach ball drop, consisting of thousands of inflatable beach balls, takes place at 8:00 p.m. Just before midnight, the 800-pound glowing beach ball begins its 100-foot descent to the delight of 20,000 revelers. New Year’s Eve activities are complimentary.
