Winter Time Vacations
Greetings from Grand Panama Beach Resort! We’re excited to bring you news, happenings and special reports from Panama City Beach and our little slice of paradise.
You’re probably already familiar with the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”, but now you can add “World’s Best Value” to the long list of accolades Panama City Beach has received.
Last year, CNN named Panama City Beach as their #3 winter travel destination. And this winter, returning guests and new visitors can take advantage of some great values with Grand Panama Beach Resort’s winter packages.
Extended-stay rates are currently in effect now through February and you can also take advantage of our special 25% off promotion for even more savings.
Enjoy all of the luxury and service you’ve come to expect from Grand Panama Beach Resort’s acclaimed accommodations and exceptional staff at some of the best rates available anywhere on the beach. You’ll still get the full complement of amenities Grand Panama has to offer. It’s an unbeatable value anytime you’re searching for a restful reprieve from the cold this winter.
And we’ll even help you find your own private slice of paradise on our un-crowded beach right out your door.
Want to get out and explore? Area activities and events also heat up in the winter with plenty to keep you busy and entertained during your stay. Check out a sampling of some upcoming highlights in and around Panama City Beach. The Grand Panama Beach Resort is centrally located and close to all of the action, yet quietly removed from everything.
Plan your next trip around some of these special events or use it as a guide to supplement your stay whenever you choose to visit. Call us anytime at 850-249-1244 to take advantage of some of the best winter values anywhere and check back often for more updates and details on Panama City Beach news and events. We look forward to seeing you soon!
November
4-6: Madonnaro – Enjoy the unique sights and sounds of an Italian street painting festival. Stroll through the quaint, colorful streets of Pier Park and watch the “Madonnari” as they create their masterpieces. The Italian tradition dates back to the Renaissance and its popularity is growing at many festivals in our area as well.
4-5: UNwineD – A celebration of craft beer, wine, coastal food and smooth music. Treat yourself to two nights of indulgence featuring award-winning beverage selections and specially-prepared cuisine from celebrated area chefs. There’ll be plenty of great live music and special appearance and cooking demonstration from celebrity Food Network personality Alton Brown.
4: Panama City Friday Fest – Downtown Panama City comes alive with music, food and plenty of fun on the first Friday of every month from March through November. Enjoy the 2011 finale and all of the festivities, dining, shopping and entertainment that come with it.
5: Ironman Triathlon – Marvel at the seemingly endless parade of these world-class athletes as they compete in this grueling test of endurance in the waters and streets along the beach. Cheer on the thousands of swimmers, bikers and runners throughout the day as they strive to finish the more than 140-mile long course.
7-12: Emerald Coast Cruzin’ Car Show – Thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks descend on Panama City Beach for this week-long festival. Chrome and colors will be gleaming and add to the sparkle of our beaches and emerald waters with more than 3,000 hot rods and cool classics. Parades, dances, activities and special shows are held throughout the event.
10-13: Holly Fair – This popular annual event features more than 80 merchants offering unique items from boutique apparel to one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, accessories and home décor.
12-13: Festival of Nations – Experience a cultural diversity of food, crafts, music and dance in downtown Panama City during this colorful two-day event.
12: “Art-Tique” Arts and Antique Walk – Stroll through a variety of downtown Panama City art galleries and antique stores featuring wine tastings, free workshops and special demonstrations from some of the area’s finest artists. Browse through the antique collections and find a special treasure.
25: Santa’s Arrival/Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting – Welcome Santa to the beach and enjoy the annual lighting of the 20-foot Christmas tree along with carolers amidst the colorful shops of Pier Park to ring in the holiday season.
26: Annual Boat Parade of Lights – Join the thousands of spectators who line the shores of St Andrews Bay for the spectacle of this colorful lighted boat parade. The boats start at the St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club and pass by the Panama City Marina en route to the St. Andrews Marina.
December
2: Festival of Trees – Dozens of Christmas trees decorated by community businesses will be on display along with gingerbread houses, crafts and gifts. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment and a silent auction or peruse Mrs. Claus’ Boutique to find the perfect gift.
3: Christmas Bazaar – A wonderful selection of local handmade decorations, ornaments, cards, jewelry candles and more will be on display and available to take home at the Panama City Beach Senior Center
3: Christmas Parade – Join in the community festivities as dozens of floats, marching bands, entertainers and more parade through the streets of Panama City starting at the Panama City Marina and proceeding along Harrison Avenue.
3: Christmas Boat Parade – Dozens of boats will light up the night on the picturesque waters of Grand Lagoon during this Christmas boat parade. Excellent vantage points are available from four marinas and a variety of popular restaurants and nightspots.
5: Christmas Tree Lighting – The 32nd Annual Panama City Beach Christmas Tree lighting at Frank Brown Park will be accompanied by music and refreshments from a number of area school, church and civic groups.
7: Michael McDonald in Concert – Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter will perform songs from his famous solo and Doobie Bros. repertoire along with standard favorites.

