New York City may have the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, but north Florida’s gulf coast knows how to put on a Christmas celebration that can rival any other.
Summer festivals often get all of the attention, but December is a perfect time to visit Wakulla County and see the amazing celebrations that are taking place. December in Wakulla County means lights in the trees, magic in the air, and you might even see a few snowflakes (although they probably won’t be falling from the sky)!
Christmas in Panacea
The annual Christmas in Panacea festival is entering its 11th year, and this celebration promises to be the best ever! The 2015 edition will take place on Saturday, December 5th, and the family fun will commence at 4:00 PM. Games, Activities for the kids, and a spectacular bounce house will be open at 4:00. You can even play in the snow in your very own winter wonderland. There will also be several vendors and entertainment options, and hot dogs and refreshments will be served soon after.
Starting at 6:30 PM, the famous Panacea Christmas Parade will begin, winding its way down US Highway 98 and featuring festive floats, boats, and decorated homes and storefronts. Be sure to stick around after the parade to witness the lighting of the 20 ft. tall Panacea Christmas tree in downtown. Also, rumor has it that a special guest who sports a white beard and dresses too warmly for the north Florida winters will be making an appearance to chat with all of the good little girls and boys after the tree lighting. Christmas in Panacea is truly your one-stop shop for family holiday fun!
Christmas in the Park
On December 12th, it’s the annual Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Christmas in the Park event. This has always been a fantastic way to give back to the kids in the community, and if Santa isn’t too tired from all the festivities that day, he will come by Hudson Park for pictures with children and to accept gift wish-lists. This event starts at 3pm and goes until 8pm, and there will be games, prizes, train rides, and many vendors.
Christmas in Sopchoppy
The following day, on Saturday, December 12th, the city of Sopchoppy gets in on the Christmas fun with its own festival. Christmas in Sopchoppy begins at 9:00 AM and runs through the afternoon, offering you plenty of time to enjoy the activities and celebrate in style. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase seasonal merchandise made from local artisans, and you can enjoy lunch thanks to several food vendors. Topping it all off will be live Christmas music, Santa Claus, and much more. Christmas in Sopchoppy is your chance to celebrate the season on the gorgeous gulf coast!
