Christmas 2026 in Bay County: lights, parades, Santa and holiday events
Christmas is Friday, Dec. 25, 2026. We track 5 holiday events in Bay County through Jan. 1, from official and organizer sources. Next up: Emerald Coast Christmas at The Dock (Fri., Nov. 20).
- Christmas lights
- Christmas parades
- Photos with Santa
- Christmas shows and concerts
- Holiday markets
- New Year's Eve
Holiday events in Bay County
- Emerald Coast Christmas at The Dock
- Beach Home for the Holidays
- Steven Curtis Chapman: The Music of Christmas Tour – Panama City, FL
Holiday gift picks
Books worth wrapping this year
For Dad and every New Yorker at heart.
The Night We Came Back
A father, a son and the Knicks' 2026 championship run. Five Finals games, five lessons for life.
Get the hardcoverFor her: an improbable encounter. An inevitable love.
Desire and the Thaw
An unplanned stop in Iceland, a man who sees who she could be, and a love that burns slowly.
Get it on Kindle- Local author
For the young fantasy fan.
Beneath the Song
A dark epic fantasy written by a Freeport dad and his 6-year-old son. Book One of the Chronicles of the Forgotten Truth.
Preorder on Kindle
Two of these books are by a member of our team. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Weather
Questions visitors ask
What day is Christmas in 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, Dec. 25. New Year's Eve is Thursday, Dec. 31.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Bay County?
40th Annual Boat Parade of Lights (Sat., Dec. 12, 5 p.m., Panama City).
When are the Christmas parades in Bay County?
40th Annual Boat Parade of Lights (Sat., Dec. 12, 5 p.m., Panama City).
What is there to do on New Year's Eve in Bay County?
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop (Thu., Dec. 31, Panama City Beach).