It’s that magical time of year again in Panama City Beach—the air starts to get just a little crisper, lights begin appearing in windows, and the whole community gears up for two of our favorite holiday traditions: the Boat Parade of Lights on the water, and the Christmas Parade at Pier Park. If you’re planning to be here for the 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights and the 2025 Christmas Parade, you’ll want to mark your calendar, bundle up in your coziest layers, and get ready for some serious holiday cheer.
39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
When & Where:
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
- Route: Boats will launch from the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and float west along the shoreline—past the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, St. Andrews Marina, Historic St. Andrews—and finish near the Hathaway Bridge.
What Makes It Special:
- The glow of decorations on boats, reflections on the water, and all of us gathered along the shoreline watching it pass by—there’s nothing like it.
- Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina is back: music, vendors, and yes, Santa makes his appearance.
- There are prizes for best-decorated boats, so captains pull out all the stops. If you’ve got creative energy or know someone who does—watch for those standout designs.
Panama City Beach Christmas Parade (Pier Park) – 2025
When & Where:
- Date & Time: Friday, December 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM (check locally for final confirmation).
- Route: Starts at Sharky’s overflow parking lot, proceeds west along Front Beach Road into Pier Park, turns north at the roundabout, then ends east along Stingray Drive behind Target.
Highlights Not to Miss:
- Local marching bands, floats glittering and wrapped up in lights, lots of holiday decor and cheer.
- Parade walkers—often handing out candy (though float riders are asked not to toss candy for safety).
- The appearance of Santa at the end is always the warm-hearted cap to the night.
Tips To Be Prepared
Because I believe every event is better when you’re prepared, here are my little tips to help these parades feel even more special:
- Arrival Time: Give yourself plenty of time to park and find a good viewing spot. The shores and Pier Park roads will get crowded early (especially near Pier Park).
- Dress Warm & Layered: Even though we’re in Florida, December evenings can surprise you with a chill—especially by the water. Bring jackets, blankets, maybe even a thermos with something warm.
- Bring Chairs or a Blanket: While some seating may be available, most folks will want something portable to sit or perch on. A blanket on the sand or beach boardwalk works great for the Boat Parade; folding chairs are perfect for the Pier Park route.
- Check the Weather & Local Updates: If storms or strong winds come through, parades might be postponed or the boat route adjusted. Local news and Destination Panama City / PCB event pages will have updates.
- Capture the Moment: Whether it’s twinkling lights reflecting off the bay, the glow of floats in Pier Park, or little faces lighting up when they see Santa—it’s a perfect time for photos. But also, take a few moments to just soak it all in without a lens.
Viewing Spots Map (Suggested)
While official maps for 2025 may be released closer to event date, here are recommended viewing spots based on past routes & popular vantage points: Map for the Boat Parade of Lights shown above.
| Event | Best Viewing Locations |
| Boat Parade of Lights | • Shorelines along St. Andrews Bay — anywhere between the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and Hathaway Bridge gives good views. • Panama City Marina — great if you want docks, lights, and activity. • St. Andrews Marina • Historic Downtown Panama City section along West Beach Drive or near St. Andrews. • Waterfront bars and restaurants along the route (especially those facing the bay) for elevated / seated views. |
| Christmas Parade at Pier Park | • Along Front Beach Road (West end) toward Pier Park — earlier spots before traffic are ideal. • Pier Park itself — along the Boardwalk and main driveways. • Around the Pier Park roundabouts and along Stingray Drive (behind Target area) where floats will pass. • Arrive early to get near intersections for clearer viewing & easy escape afterward. |
Why These Events Mean So Much
Panama City Beach is a place that already gives us salt air, soft white sand, and emerald waters. But these holidays…they bring out something else—community. Neighbors waving to folks on decorated boats, kids cheering when the band goes by, families strolling Pier Park, lights creating that cozy, magical feel even when the nights are longer.
If you’re planning your stay around December, these parades are absolutely musts. And trust me, once you’ve seen that first boat glide by, lit up like a holiday dream, or stood among cheering crowds as floats pass under the Pier Park lights—your heart will feel full.
