Panama City Beach Unwraps Fun for the Holidays
Panama City Beach will serve as Santa’s vacation home destination this holiday season with the launch of Fun for the Holidays. This six-week extravaganza encompasses themed events, activities, attractions and magnificent light shows that can be seen all the way from the North Pole. Fun for the Holidays begins on Fri., Nov. 18, 2011 with a Christmas tree lighting and surprise jaw-dropping spectacle and will culminate on New Year’s Eve with the Fourth Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted by Pier Park.
“This year, we are pulling out all the stops for an unforgettable holiday celebration in Panama City Beach,” states Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our sugar-white sand beaches so closely resemble snow that guests coming from chillier climates will feel right at home. Plus, our accommodations are very affordable during this time, allowing room in the budget for gifts and stocking stuffers.”
Panama City Beach’s Fun for the Holidays admittance cost to all three attractions is $15 for adults, $10 for students, seniors, and active members of the military; children age six to 12 are $2; and children under six are free. Thursday night is local’s night with admission for Bay County residents $5 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and active members of the military; children age six to 12 are $2; and children under six are free. Ice skating is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12.
Attractions include:
Christmas Tree Forest & Ice Palace
A forest of over fifty, lighted Christmas trees and a 50 x 100 foot ice skating rink transform the intersection of Alf Coleman Drive and Front Beach Road into the hub of the holiday activities. The centerpiece of the forest is a 40-foot tree that captivates guests with twinkling lights choreographed to festive music.
Santa’s Beach House Village
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is transformed into Santa’s Beach House Village. In addition to lighting displays featuring elves, reindeer and other holiday favorites, visitors are greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ “friends of the sea” including illuminated starfish, seahorses, turtles, dolphin, fish and crabs. Kids will be able to pose with pictures with Santa; make their own holiday keepsake at the craft table; and enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and other holiday treats.
This amazing event is located right across the street from our very own Sterling Reef property which will be the backdrop for the illuminated video Christmas show!Christmas Under the Sea
Adorned with countless lights and animated displays, the 1,500 foot M.B. Miller County Pier provides a unique platform to experience the holiday lights overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
Beach Ball Drop
On Sat., Dec. 31, 2011, New Year’s 2012 will be ushered in by the Fourth Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted by Pier Park. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly entertainment including bounce houses, street performers, stilt walkers, face painters and live music. The dedicated children’s beach ball drop, consisting of thousands of inflatable beach balls, takes place at 8:00 p.m. Just before midnight, the 800-pound glowing beach ball begins its 100-foot descent to the delight of 20,000 revelers. New Year’s Eve activities are complimentary.
Posted on Monday, November 07, 2011