November is the month for giving thanks. It’s a month for cooking and baking and when we begin our preparations for the upcoming holiday season. It’s a month for family traditions or to start your own traditions on Thanksgiving day. It’s a month to remember and honor our Veterans on Veteran’s Day. It’s even the month of “national clean out your fridge day” (no doubt to prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving feast) on the 15th. And, of course, we can never forget Black Friday, when most of us officially begin our Christmas shopping.
And, with December coming up and it being such a busy month, have you ever considered taking a trip to the beach in November to relax and regroup before the rush of the upcoming season? If not, you should, especially to Panama City Beach, where there are so many great reasons to do so.
In November, the weather is almost perfect if you don’t like the steaming hot summer weather with temperatures averaging in the low 70’s and the water is still warm enough to swim during the early part of November. The crowds are gone. The beaches are quiet and undisturbed with the sun setting in the over the water for spectacular sunsets! On top of that, the water has a lot less of that seaweed…unlike in the summer months.
There are a lot of great annual events that also happen in November so let’s spotlight some of those events.
Ironman In Panama City Beach
Date: November 2, 2024
Time: 6:00 a.m.
Where: Pier Park
This annual event is one of the most talked about events in Northern American races. It consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bicycle ride and a 26.22 marathon run, all raced in that order. The race begins at Russel-Fields Pier Park with the 2.4 mile swim, followed by the 112 mile bicycle ride through the beautiful Florida pines, and finally ending with the 26.2 mile run back along the Emerald Coast shoreline to the finish line, which is always lined with spectators, ready to cheer the participants on to their finish at Pier Park, ending where it all began.
Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, this is an event that you don’t want to miss! Have you ever thought about being a volunteer and helping out? Volunteers are always needed to make special events like this happen, so if you’d like to consider it, be sure to apply here for check-in, or for the bike aid stations, and much more! You’ll be a part of an amazing race!
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
Date: November 7-9. 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
This event was created for the automotive enthusiast, so whether you drive a hot rod or muscle car, you’re going to find something for everyone at this family friendly event. Visit their website at EmeraldCoastCruizin.com for more information. Classic cars and white sand beaches combine for the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show. Explore the event schedule and come to see hot rods.
Not entering a car? As a spectator they’ve got you covered! You can stroll the event with access to thousands of Show Cars and Trucks on display. While there, enjoy their Vendor Market Midway and Concerts. Admission Only Tickets can be purchased at the Event Spectator Gate for $20 per day (children under 12 are free). To purchase tickets online go to their website. They offer general admission tickets for one day or for the entire 3-day event. So start your engines and roar into the holiday season at full speed!
Veteran’s Day Freedom Celebration
Date: November 11, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Capt. Andersons Marina, Panama City Beach, FL
This annual event is to celebrate all active and retired military. There is a celebration at the dock, followed by a free dolphin encounter cruise for those active and retired military members and their families!
To learn more about this event, other annual events, and about Capt. Anderson’s Marina, visit their website.
Also, on Veteran’s Day, many restaurants offer FREE meals for Veteran’s. You can spend your entire day, from breakfast to dinner, and never get to all the places that are offering specials to our veterans! Some offer meals that you can have on the 9th, 10th, and the 11th.
Beach Home For The Holidays
Date: November 29-30th, 2024
Time: See Below for Schedule of Events
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
If you happen to be planning your Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Panama City Beach, you definitely want to attend the Beach Home for the Holidays event at Aaron Bessant Park. It’s a perfect way to warm your hearts and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!
Santa Claus will be starting early with his appearance at this event. You’ll see a Christmas tree lighting, hear carolers, eat s’mores, and there are also many other activities for kids of all ages!
Friday, November 29 Events:
- 3:30 p.m. – Campfires, S’mores and Santa’s Village Open
- 3:30 p.m. – Holiday Movie*
- 5:15 p.m. – The Nutcracker by The Panama City Ballet
- 5;55 p.m. – The Lighting of the Christmas Tree
- 6:00 p.m. – Headliner: Home Free
- 7:30 p.m. – Fireworks
Saturday, November 30 Events:
- 3:30 p.m. – Campfires, S’Mores *& Santa’s Village Open
- 4:15 p.m. – Holiday Movie
- 6:00 p.m. – Panama City Symphony Orchestra
*The all-vocal country group Home Free will bring an unforgettable night of music on Friday. They will mix Christmas classic songs with other country hits on their “Any Kind of Christmas” tour. To find more about the group and their touring dates, be sure to check out their website. Taste of Country hails them as “country music fans’ favorite a capella group.”
Black Friday
November is also very well known for Black Friday and records the largest number of shoppers throughout the year in America. As we all know, it falls on the day after Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. And, for us shoppers, it’s a day for great discounts and the excitement of finding a good deal! Often we find sales on items that we aren’t able to purchase or afford other times of the year. Even if you find yourself in Panama City Beach for your Thanksgiving, be sure to make a list, check it twice, and head over to Pier Park to see the great deals you can find there.
Taking just a bit of time JUST FOR YOU in November to prepare yourself for the upcoming Christmas season will do wonders to your mind, body, and soul and will help alleviate some of those stressful days leading up to December. We’re hear to help you in any way we can.
When you decide that a November getaway to Panama City Beach is just what you need, be sure to check out our availability at Premium Beach Condos. We’d love nothing more than to have you spend your Thanksgiving holiday with us in one our beautiful condos! Our gulf front condos are just what the doctor ordered, with beautiful views and sunsets, and after your relaxing stay with us, along with all the fun festivities that November has to offer, you’ll go back home feeling refreshed and ready to take on the holiday season!
“Peering from some high window, at the gold of November sunset and feeling that if day has to become night, this is a beautiful way.”
— E. E. Cummings
