– Taking Place Friday, November 18 – Saturday, December 23, 2011 –
Panama City Beach, FL., December 12, 2011 – Panama City Beach will serve as Santa’s vacation home destination this holiday season with the Fun for the Holidays series. 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 was launched on Fri., Nov. 18, 2011 with a Christmas tree lighting and surprise video mapping light show. Remaining dates for the series are Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-23 from 6-10 p.m. and Dec. 26-30 from 5-9 p.m. The holiday celebration culminates with the Fourth Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted at Pier Park on Dec. 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
“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.”
In the spirit of Christmas, Panama City Beach is extending skating hours at the artificial ice rink and local admission prices to all moving forward. Families can now enjoy ice skating Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Admission to the attractions will be $5 for adults; $3 for seniors, military* and students; children aged six to 12 are $2; children under six are free. Skating admission is $2. Skating admission will be complimentary for visitors who bring an unwrapped new toy for donation.
Attractions include:
Digital Video Projection
An enchanting, animated light show projected in high-definition over 18 stories of the Sterling Reef resort property. Visitors can be among the first to see a large scale video mapping show utilizing state-of-the-art projection technology. The six minute awe-inspiring video brings the magical sense of Christmas to visitors of all ages. Characters include Santa and a dolphin family with a flair for holiday decorating –Flip, Flop and Snowflake. Decked out in holiday gear, the family swims in unison to the sounds of a majestic orchestra, as they prepare for an underwater gift exchange.
Christmas Under the Sea
The digital video projection display off 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.” On either side of the pier, mapping scenes can be found stretching 100 feet wide. Here, the festive dolphin family decorates their home under the sea with tropical tunes playing, and are joined by friends including sea turtles and fish.
Christmas Tree Forest & Ice Palace
A lighted Christmas tree forest 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. On Dec. 26-30, families can also enjoy outdoor movies under the stars.
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. Kids will be able to pose for pictures with Santa; make their own holiday keepsake at the craft table; and enjoy holiday treats.
Mike Jones: Salvaged Santa Book Signing
Retired Panama City policeman and founder of the Salvage Santa program for underprivileged children, Mike Jones will present his new book Salvaged Santa for signing on Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-23. Salvaged Santa tells Jones’ life story, including the start of the gifting program and details on his heroic rescue of six Bay District School Board members from a gunman in December 2010.
Beach Ball Drop
On Sat., Dec. 31, 2011, New Year’s 2012 will be ushered in by the Fourth Annual Beach Ball Drop hosted at Pier Park. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can enjoy family-friendly entertainment including a performance by country starlet Sarah Darling, 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.
*Military discount applies to retired, Guard, Reserve and active members. Military ID must be shown to receive the discount.
For additional information on Fun for the Holidays or to seek options for accommodations, please visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
About Panama City Beach:
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers. These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. Panama City Beach recently opened the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. You can now follow us on Twitter @PCBeach to receive up the minute news and details on special offers and deals.
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