Christmas morning on the coast begins a little differently – instead of snow, there’s soft golden light dancing on the waves. The hum of the surf replaces the crackle of a fireplace, and you might find yourself sipping coffee on the balcony while the sun rises over the Gulf.
The best gift you can give yourself on Christmas day is a slow, beautiful day — filled with simple meals, shared laughter, and, of course, that breathtaking view.
So, for this edition of Dining With a View, we’re celebrating the entire day — from sunrise to sunset — with an easy, coastal-inspired Christmas Day Menu designed to keep you relaxed, happy, and well-fed.
Morning: Gifts & Easy Coastal Breakfast
Christmas morning on the Gulf starts slowly and beautifully. Maybe you wake to the soft hum of the waves, or the first hint of sunrise spilling across the balcony. The aroma of coffee drifts through the condo, and laughter echoes as gifts are opened — a little paper rustling, a squeal of delight, and the joy of watching loved ones unwrap thoughtful surprises. It’s the perfect start to the day: warm hearts, full of excitement, and plenty of smiles.
Coconut-Rum French Toast
Whisk eggs, coconut milk, a touch of rum extract (or the real thing!), cinnamon, and vanilla. Dip slices of brioche and cook on a buttered skillet until golden. Top with toasted coconut flakes, powdered sugar, and fresh pineapple or mango for a tropical twist. You can just wing it on the amount of ingredients and make your own version, or for an exact recipe to follow, go to MadlyDelish.com.
Spinach & Feta Egg Bites
For a lighter option, these are easy to prep ahead. Whisk eggs, chopped spinach, feta, and a splash of cream. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature — perfect for snacking while gifts are being unwrapped. Use your culinary instincts and eyeball the quantities, or for an easy to follow recipe check out Tasty.com.
Sip & Smile: Pair breakfast with fresh-squeezed orange juice, a mimosa, or cinnamon-spiced iced coffee. Looking for delicious mimosa ideas? Check out our blog for a variety of classic to tropical mimosa recipes to enjoy and impress!
Tip: Prep everything the night before, so you can just heat, serve, and enjoy the excitement of gift opening without rushing.
Midday: Light Lunch or Coastal Grazing Board
By midday, the condo might be filled with new toys, laughter, and maybe a few sandy footprints from a quick stroll by the shore. Keep lunch easy — think fresh, colorful, and shareable.
Shrimp Cocktail with Citrus Sauce
Toss chilled Gulf shrimp in a homemade sauce of ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, and a squeeze of fresh orange for brightness. For fresh, local shrimp be sure to check out this website for a guide to the best seafood markets in Panama City Beach.
Coastal Charcuterie Board
Arrange sliced cheeses, smoked fish dip, crackers, nuts, and fresh fruit. Add festive touches like rosemary sprigs or dried cranberries for color. For ideas on how to build your board and where to shop for the perfect local ingredients for your board, be sure to check out our blog.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on mini skewers — drizzle with balsamic glaze. They’re quick to assemble, easy to eat, and look beautiful on the table.
Enjoy your spread right on the balcony — maybe with a cool breeze and your favorite holiday playlist in the background.
Bonus tip: Use a wooden cutting board or tray for easy cleanup — no fancy platters required.
Evening: Christmas Dinner (With a View, Of Course!)
As the sun begins to set and the Gulf glows in shades of pink and gold, it’s time to gather for dinner — something special, but still simple enough to let you enjoy the moment.
Main Course — Citrus-Herb Roasted Chicken or Seared Mahi-Mahi
Both are fragrant, flavorful, and easy to make in a condo kitchen.
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- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs) or 4–6 bone-in chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. Stuff cavity with citrus slices and rosemary sprigs (or arrange around chicken if using breasts). Roast at 375°F (190°C) for 1–1.25 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Seared Mahi-Mahi with Citrus Glaze
4 fillets of mahi-mahi (6–8 oz each)- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Season fillets with salt and pepper. Sear in butter or oil 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from pan. Whisk orange juice, honey, and Dijon in the same pan until slightly thickened. Pour over fish and serve immediately.
Sides — Fresh, Light, and Colorful
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes — creamy and comforting, with a drizzle of olive oil instead of butter for a fresh twist.
- Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon Vinaigrette — bright, crisp, and easy to make ahead.
- Winter Citrus Salad — a refreshing delight!
- Dessert — Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Peppermint Tarts
Keep dessert small and sweet. The tang of Key lime feels like Florida sunshine on your plate, while the peppermint chocolate tarts bring that cozy Christmas flavor.
If you don’t feel like making desserts, you can opt for picking them up. How does a fresh cannoli or waffle roll sound? Or a slice of Napoleon or Peanut Brittle cake? The Sunrise Cafe Bakery in Panama City Beach has them all and more. Or for a made from scratch in-house Key lime pie, check out Andy’s Flour Power. Be sure to check ahead to make sure they have the items you want available.
Drinks for the Sunset Toast:
Sparkling rosé, cranberry spritzers, or a glass of champagne — perfect for raising a glass to another beautiful Christmas by the sea. Looking for show-stopping drinks? Dive into our Sunkissed Cocktail blog series and find the perfect recipe to light up your holiday.
A Day to Remember
The best part about this Christmas menu? You’ll spend more time watching the waves than washing dishes. Each meal is simple, coastal, and joyful — exactly what the holidays should be.
Set your table, string a few lights, light a candle, and let the Gulf be your centerpiece.
Because at the end of the day, Christmas isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. The laughter of family, the smell of something delicious in the oven, and that quiet moment when the sun sets over the water — that’s the real magic.
Send your photos to reservations@premiumbeachcondos.com or tag your Christmas view with #DiningWithAView — we’d love to see how you’re celebrating this beautiful day by the Gulf!
