Christmas Cheer Comes to Harrison Avenue for Panama City’s 5th Annual Christmas in July Market |
More than 130 vendors, festive entertainment, local food and a holiday toy drive will fill Historic Downtown Panama City on Saturday, July 18. |
Christmas is arriving early in Historic Downtown Panama City as the Panama City Farmers’ Market hosts its 5th Annual Christmas in July Market on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
The special market will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. along Harrison Avenue, stretching from Fourth Street toward Beach Drive. Organizers expect more than 130 vendors, making this year’s celebration the largest Christmas in July Market held downtown so far.
Visitors can spend the morning browsing a large selection of farm-fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, specialty foods, artwork, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, home décor and other products offered by local farmers, makers and small-business owners.
The regular Panama City Farmers’ Market is known for combining local shopping with food trucks, live music and a friendly community atmosphere. The Christmas in July edition will add holiday-themed activities and festive entertainment throughout downtown.
A Head Start on Holiday Shopping
Although Christmas is still several months away, the market provides an opportunity to get an early start on shopping while supporting locally owned businesses.
Shoppers may find handcrafted gifts that are not available in traditional stores, including artwork, candles, soaps, pottery, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods and personalized items. Because each booth is operated by a farmer, artist, baker or independent business owner, purchases made at the market directly support people working and creating in the local community.
The changing mix of vendors also means that no two visits to the farmers’ market are exactly alike. Some shoppers may come for fresh vegetables and baked treats, while others may discover a one-of-a-kind gift or a new local business.
Help Stuff the Bus
The Christmas in July Market will also give visitors a chance to help local children.
Guests are encouraged to bring a donation for the Stuff the Bus Toy Drive, which collects toys to help spread holiday joy to families in the community. The midsummer drive gives organizers additional time to gather gifts and prepare for the Christmas season.
Visitors who would like to participate should bring a new toy to donate while attending the market.
The toy drive adds a meaningful community-service element to a morning already centered around supporting local farmers, artists and entrepreneurs.
Make a Morning of It in Historic Downtown
The market’s downtown location makes it easy to turn the event into a full Saturday morning outing.
After exploring the vendor booths, visitors can stop for breakfast, coffee or lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and cafés. Downtown shops, boutiques and art galleries will also be open within walking distance of the market.
Guests can explore the Panama City Mural Trail, visit McKenzie Park or continue toward the Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Bay. Historic Downtown Panama City offers restaurants, locally owned shops, public art and waterfront attractions just a short walk from Harrison Avenue.
The Christmas in July Market is part of a larger festive weekend downtown. The celebration begins Friday, July 17, with the Christmas in July Sip & Stroll and continues Sunday, July 19, with The Sunday Social Market at the Bay County Fairgrounds.
About the Panama City Farmers’ Market
The Panama City Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Panama City.
The market has been named Best of Bay for five consecutive years, from 2021 through 2025, and has also received national recognition as one of the country’s leading farmers’ markets.
More than simply a place to shop, the market serves as a weekly gathering place where residents, visitors, farmers, artists and small-business owners can connect.
Event Details
Event: Panama City Farmers’ Market’s 5th Annual Christmas in July Market Market area: Fourth Street to Beach Drive
Visitors may want to arrive early for the best selection, bring reusable shopping bags and prepare for warm July weather with comfortable clothing, water and sun protection.
Whether you are shopping for fresh local food, searching for an early Christmas gift or simply looking for a festive way to spend Saturday morning, the 5th Annual Christmas in July Market offers a chance to celebrate the season while supporting the people and businesses that make Panama City special. |
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25 Comments
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Waterfront, murals, good food, local shops all within walking distance of the market. Downtown PC has really come a long way. Events like this just make it better.
I picked up the most beautiful handmade ornaments at last year's Christmas in July market. Still on my tree. Worth every penny and the vendor was so kind.
Free admission, live music, local food, handmade gifts AND a toy drive? Honestly what more do you want from a Saturday morning.
My small business did a booth here last year and the crowd was amazing. People actually stop, talk to you, and buy local. Great community.
The McKenzie Park area looks beautiful this time of year too. Combine the market with a walk down to the bay and you've got yourself a great Saturday.
Kinda wish they did a Christmas in July evening market instead so it's a little cooler outside. Morning in July is rough even at 8am.
Bringing my mom down for this one. She loves the handmade candles and soaps they sell. Always leaves very happy with way too many bags.
130 vendors is impressive. I remember when this event was maybe half that size. It's grown a lot in five years.
The stretch from Fourth Street to Beach Drive is actually a really nice walk. Grab some produce, check out the art, stop for breakfast after. Perfect morning honestly.
I always mean to go and then sleep through my alarm. July 18 is going on the calendar RIGHT NOW so I have no excuse.
My daughter found a pottery vendor here two years ago that she still orders from. That's what I love about it — you discover small businesses you'd never find otherwise.
Does anyone know if the food trucks at the regular market are also there for the Christmas in July edition? That's the real question for me.
Appreciate them doing the toy drive in July. Gives the organizers way more time to collect stuff before December which honestly makes a lot of sense.
The fresh baked goods are what get me every single time. I always tell myself just one thing and then I leave with a full bag.
My wife and I grab coffee from one of the cafes nearby and just walk the booths slowly. Honestly one of our favorite Saturday routines.
Walked the mural trail last time we went and it made the whole morning so much better. If you haven't done it yet definitely add it to the trip.
Nothing against the market but Christmas stuff in July is where I draw the line lol. Let me have my summer first people.
I do all my Christmas shopping here every year — the real Christmas in December I mean. Getting a head start in July actually sounds kind of brilliant.
Five years in a row winning Best of Bay AND national recognition? That's not nothing. This market is genuinely one of the best things about living here.
Love that it's a whole weekend thing with the Sip and Stroll Friday night and the Sunday Social too. Makes for a really fun full weekend downtown.
Honest question — is parking anywhere near Harrison Ave on a Saturday morning even possible when 130 vendors show up? Last time I circled forever.
I always find the coolest handmade jewelry at this market. Stuff you just can't get at the mall. Can't wait to see who's set up this year.
July in Panama City is HOT. They weren't kidding about the sunscreen tip lol. Going early is the only way to survive it.
Bringing a toy for Stuff the Bus is such a great idea. Easy way to give back while you're already out shopping. Will definitely toss one in the car.
Been going to this market since year one and it just keeps getting bigger. 130 vendors is no joke, Harrison Ave is going to be packed!