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"Rain Can't Dampen Christmas Spirit: Parade, Toy Drive, and Boat Parade Illuminate Panama City"
"Rain Can't Dampen Christmas Spirit: Parade, Toy Drive, and Boat Parade Illuminate Panama City"
"Rain Can't Dampen Christmas Spirit: Parade, Toy Drive, and Boat Parade Illuminate Panama City"
Get festive with Panama City's holiday events: Christmas parade, Operation Santa, Stuff the Bus toy drive, Jingle Bell Express, and Boat Parade of Lights!
Frank Gotaas
Dec 9, 2025
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The Downtown Panama City Christmas Parade was a huge success, despite being postponed due to rain. Families gathered along the parade route on Harrison Avenue to enjoy the festive floats and candy. Panama City Manager Jonathan Hayes noted that the parade, which featured over 200 entries, was the first to start at the Downtown Marina and end at Tommy Oliver Stadium since Hurricane Michael in 2018. Attendees like Lisa and Greg Howery were delighted by the variety of floats, from school bands to unique vehicles. The parade brought holiday cheer to the streets of Panama City. |
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Panama City Spotlight subscriber Meslissa Gallaher from the Bay County Library, which had the Mobile Library van float; said "The parade was a LOT bigger than last year! |
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Another Panama City Spotlight subscriber Lauren Hargrove of TIKI TAXI said; Last night was so much fun!! Thank you Panama City Spotlight for capturing TIKI TAXI Tacky Christmas joy during the Christmas Parade!! |
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To view more videos and photos go to our Panama City Spotlight Facebook page. Please Follow, Like and Share. https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight
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Uncle Ernie's Bayfront Bar & Grill located in Historic St. Andrews, offers more than just fantastic food, excellent service, and an incredible view. Dining with us, you experience a dose of history the moment you walk through the door. Along with the friendly service, this quaint house invites you to feel at home and at ease while you enjoy our award-winning food in a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere. https://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/
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Downtown Panama City is sparkling with holiday spirit as festive events draw crowds and invigorate local businesses.
The excitement kicks off on December 5th with the beloved Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Center for the Arts, followed by the dazzling Price Family Christmas Light Show.
Shoppers will discover one-of-a-kind gifts and local art at the Bay Arts Alliance Holiday Bazaar, open Friday evening and Saturday.
On Saturday night, families line Harrison Avenue for the colorful Downtown Christmas Parade, ending at Tommy Oliver Stadium.
Local shop owners like Madalyn Jones and Jenny Kelley report increased business and renewed enthusiasm, thanks to easier access and a bustling downtown.
The holiday fun continues with the 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights on December 13, as illuminated boats glide across St. Andrews Bay.
These celebrations offer joy, unity, and a major boost for Panama City’s downtown community. Read More... |
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Cruise Historic Downtown Panama City the fun way with TIKI TAXI 🚲🌴 🌺 is a fun pedal taxi service. Hop aboard the TIKI TAXI and enjoy a fun, laid-back ride through the heart of Historic Downtown Panama City! |
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Panama City is lighting up with holiday cheer as the 2025 ‘Stuff the Bus’ toy drive kicks off, bringing the community together to spread seasonal joy to local children.
Skip Bondur, lovingly dubbed ‘Old Saint Skip,’ leads the effort, spending ten days atop a scissor lift in the Walmart parking lot on 23rd Street to spotlight the cause.
This year’s goal is collecting 10,000 toys, but thanks to November’s early donations, hopes are high to surpass 20,000 toys, brightening Christmas for many area families.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages are welcomed at the 23rd Street Walmart through December 18th.
Volunteers will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., although gifts can be dropped off anytime.
Online donations are also accepted, ensuring everyone can participate in this uplifting holiday effort.
‘Stuff the Bus’ celebrates the generosity and unity that define Panama City’s holiday season. Read More... |
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The magic of the holidays is returning to Panama City with the Jingle Bell Express trolley, a beloved tradition set to delight families once again.
Starting Friday, December 5, 2025, this cheerful, free trolley will run every Friday and Saturday evening through December 20, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The service connects Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews, making it easy to enjoy the season’s twinkling lights, local shopping, and tasty holiday treats at stops like the Panama City Center for the Arts, Mosey's Downtown, and more.
Riders are treated to live carols from Panama City A Cappella, filling each journey with the spirit of the season.
With enchanting sights and festive sounds, the Jingle Bell Express promises unforgettable holiday memories for all ages. Read More... |
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Panama City is gearing up for the 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, bringing vibrant holiday spirit to St. Andrews Bay on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
This year’s cherished tradition will shine even brighter, as locals and visitors are treated to a captivating drone show at 5:00 PM, presented with help from Bay Arts Alliance and Bill Cramer Automotive.
The dazzling boat parade launches at 5:30 PM from St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, gliding along the waterfront past downtown, the Panama City Marina, and St. Andrews Marina, wrapping up near the Hathaway Bridge by 7:30 PM.
Guests can enjoy illuminated boats from lively waterfront bars or along the scenic shorelines.
A Holiday Village at Panama City Marina, open from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, offers festive vendors, music, and photos with Santa—perfect for families.
Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to join in the fun and celebrate this magical local tradition. Read More... |
Have you missed any previous PanamaCitySpotlight.com articles? You can find them all HERE! |