The holiday season is fastly approaching and Wakulla County knows just how to celebrate this special time of year in style.
Christmas in Panacea
Every year, the quaint waterfront town of Panacea goes all in on the festive holiday spirit with the Christmas in Panacea celebration. This great event essentially kicks off the Christmas season in Wakulla County, and it is held every year on the first Saturday in December at 4:00 PM in beautiful downtown Panacea.
Christmas in Panacea was established in 2005 as a way for the community to show strength and resilience after Hurricane Dennis, and it quickly grew to become one of the most beloved festivals in the county. Every year, festivities include man-made snow to play in (a true rarity for most Floridians!), numerous children’s games and activities, and a show-stopping parade through downtown Panacea that features festive floats provided by the community. The nearby Gulf Specimen Marine Lab also offers free admission beginning at 2:00 PM and ending at 5:00 PM so that guests can see some of the incredible marine exhibits housed at the lab.
Christmas in Sopchoppy
The town of Sopchoppy may be small, but its citizens have an abundance of holiday spirit that is always on display at the annual Christmas in Sopchoppy festival. Mark your calendar for the second Saturday in December, starting bright and early at 9:00 AM, to experience just how important Christmas traditions are to this vibrant community.
You’ll have a chance to meander through the streets of downtown Sopchoppy while enjoying the beautiful lights and decorations, browsing the holiday-themed wares of local arts and crafts vendors, and listening to the sounds of Christmas classics. A certain jolly guy who favors red suits has been known to make an appearance as well, so make sure the kids are ready with their holiday wishlists!
Christmas in the Park
Finally, no holiday season in Wakulla County is complete without a celebration in our largest community, Crawfordville. Each year, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s office sponsors the Christmas in the Park celebration on the 2nd Saturday in December, starting at 3:00 PM.
Stop by Hudson Park in Crawfordville for a variety of merry games and activities for kids, including bouncy castles, train rides, and opportunities to win great prizes. Santa Claus will be making an appearance here as well, and he’ll be ready to pose for pictures with your little ones and listen to their Christmas wishlists.
Whether you choose to attend one of the Christmas events or stop by all of them, there’s no denying that the holiday season is a special time of year in Wakulla County. Start planning your December stay today and get ready to celebrate the season like a Wakulla County local.
