Celebrate Christmas in July at The Sunday Social Market |
Shop local vendors, enjoy food-truck favorites and discover unique finds during a festive summer market at the Bay County Fairgrounds. |
Christmas cheer is arriving early in Panama City as The Sunday Social Market hosts its Christmas in July celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Bay County Fairgrounds.
The market will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2230 East 15th Street in Panama City. Admission is free, giving families, residents and visitors an affordable way to spend a summer Sunday while supporting local businesses.
The Christmas in July market will feature local vendors, handmade merchandise, food trucks and a variety of unique finds. Shoppers can browse vendor booths filled with gifts, crafts, clothing, accessories, home décor, specialty products and other locally offered items.
Although the calendar may say July, guests can expect a cheerful holiday atmosphere mixed with the relaxed feel of a community summer market. It is an opportunity to get an early start on Christmas shopping, find a one-of-a-kind gift or simply enjoy an afternoon exploring what Bay County’s small businesses and local makers have to offer.
Supporting Bay County’s Small Businesses
The Sunday Social Market is a relatively new addition to the Panama City market scene, but it has already experienced encouraging growth. The market launched earlier in 2026 and had reportedly doubled in size by its May event.
Market director Ashley Sweat told WJHG that the goal is to encourage community engagement while keeping support within Bay County. By giving entrepreneurs, artists, food vendors and small businesses another place to showcase their products, the market helps introduce local sellers to new customers.
Community markets can be especially valuable to businesses that may not operate from a traditional storefront. A market booth allows vendors to meet customers face-to-face, explain their products and build relationships within the community.
Every purchase made from a local vendor helps support a Bay County business owner, maker or family.
Food Trucks and Sunday Fun
Visitors should come hungry because local food trucks are expected to be part of the celebration. Guests can pick up lunch, enjoy a snack or try something sweet while walking through the market.
The indoor fairgrounds location also provides a convenient setting for browsing during the heat of a Florida summer afternoon.
The event is part of a larger Christmas in July weekend taking place across Panama City. The celebration begins Friday, July 17, with the Christmas in July Sip & Stroll in Historic Downtown Panama City. Holiday-themed shopping continues Saturday, July 18, during the Downtown Panama City Farmers’ Market before concluding Sunday with The Sunday Social Market.
Together, the events provide three days of opportunities to shop locally, enjoy festive activities and support small businesses throughout the Panama City community.
Whether you are searching for an early Christmas gift, looking for something handmade or simply want to enjoy a relaxing Sunday outing, The Sunday Social Market’s Christmas in July celebration offers a festive way to shop, eat and connect with the community.
Event Details
Event: The Sunday Social Market — Christmas in July
Your next favorite local find is waiting for you. |
Spotlight Sponsor |
FINTITAN |
| ★★★★★ |
FICA Tax Tip Credits for Restaurant Owners |
|
|
📺 Panama City Spotlight YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight
🎬 YouTube Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight/playlists
👍 Like and Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight
👥 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanamaCitySpotlight
🍴 Panhandle Fork - Like and Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleFork
🍴 Panhandle Fork - Join our Facebook Group: |
25 Comments
Join the conversation
Bay County has some seriously talented local makers and vendors. Any chance to put them in front of new customers is a win for everyone in this community.
Really nice that it runs until 3 so you don't have to rush out there at the crack of dawn. 10 to 3 is a pretty comfortable window for families.
Didn't even know this market existed until now and it's been going since earlier this year. Guess I need to pay more attention to what's happening around here.
The Sip and Stroll on Friday in downtown is super fun too if anyone hasn't done that before. The whole weekend is worth planning around.
I'll be honest the Christmas in July thing felt gimmicky to me at first but if it gets people out supporting local vendors then I'm all for it. Results are what matter.
Free, indoors, food trucks AND Christmas shopping in July? What's not to love honestly. This checks every single box.
My daughter makes jewelry and sold at a market last year in Gulf Coast. Said it was one of the best experiences she's had for getting her name out there. These events really do matter for small makers.
I have a small candle business and have been thinking about getting a booth at Sunday Social. Anyone here ever vended there? Curious how the foot traffic is.
Good to see this market growing so fast. Panama City needs more of this kind of stuff. Keeps people shopping local instead of driving to Tallahassee or ordering online.
Do they allow dogs at this market? Asking for obvious reasons because my dog goes everywhere with me and the fairgrounds is pretty open.
Started Christmas shopping in July last year and it was the best decision I ever made. Zero stress in December. Highly recommend this mindset.
I always feel bad that I never know about these events until after they happen. Glad I caught this one early enough to actually plan for it!
The indoor location is a game changer in July honestly. Anyone who's been to an outdoor market here in the summer knows exactly what I mean.
My wife has been looking for handmade home decor stuff and this sounds perfect. Putting it in the group chat right now.
Love that they're keeping the money in Bay County. Every time I buy from a local vendor I know it's actually helping someone's family, not a corporate headquarters somewhere.
Hope there's enough parking at the fairgrounds this time. Last big event out there got a little chaotic with cars everywhere. Just saying plan ahead.
I bought the most unique handmade earrings at the last Sunday Social Market. You genuinely cannot find stuff like that at the mall. Will be back for sure.
Three days of Christmas in July events is actually really cool. Friday Sip and Stroll, Saturday farmers market, Sunday social market. That's a full weekend right there.
Went to the downtown farmers market last year and loved it. Glad to see Panama City doing more of these community events spread across the whole weekend.
Does anyone know which food trucks will be there? That's honestly the deciding factor for me lol
I've been following Ashley Sweat and what she's doing with this market and it's really impressive how fast it's grown. Doubled in size since March is no joke.
The Bay County Fairgrounds is a solid spot for this kind of thing. Indoor in July means you're not melting in the heat while you browse. Smart move.
Christmas in July sounds cheesy on paper but honestly I love getting a head start on shopping before the holiday rush hits. Beats fighting crowds in December.
Free admission is a big deal for families around here. Not everything has to cost money just to walk in the door. Good on them for keeping it accessible.
Already putting July 19th on my calendar! I went to the May market and was shocked at how many vendors they had. Definitely worth the trip out to the fairgrounds.