PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Panama City Beach is a Real.Fun.Beach 365 days a year, with more visitors discovering the destination every year. Once again, an extravaganza of themed events and activities will take place throughout November and December, culminating with the Panama City Beach Biggest Loser RunWalk on Dec. 28 and the Seventh Annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop on Dec. 31, featuring a kid-friendly Family Beach Ball Drop with 10,000 inflatable beach balls released onto Pier Park Drive at 8 p.m., followed by more music and entertainment until a huge beach ball is lowered as part of the countdown to the new year.
“Here in Panama City Beach, we don’t believe fun has an off-season,” shares President and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau Dan Rowe. “We strive to deliver fun events throughout the year, so you always have an excuse to visit.”
Below is an overview of special holiday events and offerings in Panama City Beach. A comprehensive listing of all upcoming activities is available at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
Chili Vibrations – Reggae Festival & Chili Cookoff: Nov. 14-16
Bringing connoisseurs of island sounds and tasty chili together, the inaugural Chili Vibrations Reggae Festival & Chili Cookoff features the sounds of Julian Marley & the Uprising, Iration, Dirty Heads and Matisyahu taking the Aaron Besant Park Amphitheatre stage. In addition to world-class sounds, the International Chili Society sanctioned completion promises to tempt taste buds.
PGA Q-School: November 16-22
The Hombre Golf course is again hosting the PGA Tour Qualifying School in Panama City Beach, giving golfers the chance to earn their way onto the professional circuit. The course is both challenging and scenic, and spectators are invited to come out and watch the action unfold.
Run for the Redfish: Saturday, Dec. 6
The 2014 Run for the Redfish Half Marathon and 5K begins at Pier Park and travels down Front Beach Road, looping back to its start concluding with an after party at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. Views of the Gulf of Mexico can’t be missed on one of the most picturesque courses in the Southeast. Last year over 850 runners participated and this year promises to deliver an even greater turnout.
Optimist Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 13
An annual Panama City Beach tradition, the parade includes floats from local businesses, schools, community groups, marching bands and car clubs weaving through Pier Park and along Front Beach Road.
Biggest Loser Run/Walk & Health Expo: Sunday, Dec. 27-28
Hosted by Dan and Jackie Evans, season five contestants on NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser,” the Half Marathon and 5K RunWalk was sold out last year with thousands participating. The non-intimidating environment offers visitors and locals an opportunity to kick off their New Year’s resolution to live a healthier lifestyle, or cap a successful year of striving for a healthier lifestyle, with a course that allows walkers to complete the race at their own pace.
Panama City Beach’s Sixth Annual Beach Ball Drop: Wednesday, Dec. 31
The Sixth Annual Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park will feature music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight, when an 800-pound glowing beach ball descends to signify the New Year. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a Family Celebration complete with prize drawings, stilt walkers, mascots and the countdown to a kid-friendly Family Beach Ball Drop at 8 p.m., consisting of fireworks and more than 10,000 inflatable beach balls released onto Pier Park Drive.
With more than 16,000 rooms in a variety of lodging categories from condos to beach resorts, Panama City Beach has something to suit every reveler this holiday season. One of America’s top beach destinations, Panama City Beach is renowned for its emerald-green waters and white sandy shores.
Visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com for a comprehensive updated listing of deals and values to soak in the remainder of 2014.
