Beach Home for the Holidays 2026: Thanksgiving Weekend in Panama City Beach

A: Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, 2026, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Activities start at 3:30 pm each day at Aaron Bessant Park in Pier Park. Admission is free.

Q: What happens on Friday, November 27?

A: Campfires, s'mores and Santa Village open at 3:30 pm. Panama City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at 5:15 pm, the Christmas tree is lit at 5:55 pm, The Band Perry plays live at 6 pm, and fireworks go off at the Russell-Fields City Pier at 7:30 pm.

Q: What happens on Saturday, November 28?

A: Campfires, s'mores and Santa Village open again at 3:30 pm. At 6 pm the Panama City Symphony and Panama City Ballet play a free holiday concert of festive favorites under the stars. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

A: Our Gulf-front hotels are on Front Beach Road with free self-parking: Chateau Beachfront Hotel (12525 Front Beach Rd), Beachcomber Beachfront Hotel (17101), Palmetto Beachfront Hotel (17255, minutes from Pier Park) and Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel (20723, on the quieter west side). Book direct online or call 1-888-627-0625.

Q: Where can we eat on Thanksgiving weekend?

A: Barefoot Hide-A-Way, 15405 Front Beach Rd, is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm all year, with Gulf views, fresh seafood, Southern favorites and live entertainment. Call 850-249-2031 to check holiday hours. Barefoot On The Beach is closed for the season until spring 2027.

Q: How do I book a Thanksgiving weekend stay?

A: Book direct on any of our hotel pages or call our team at 1-888-627-0625.