PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (November 15, 2007) – This holiday season, travelers are dreaming of the silky, white shoreline at one of “America’s Most Beautiful Beaches” - Panama City Beach, Fla.

Offering a warm and welcome winter getaway, the Northwest Florida destination beckons with seasonal festivities set against a backdrop of glistening white sand and emerald-green waters. Tree lightings, parades, live musical performances and family entertainment – it’s all part of the celebration in Panama City Beach. And with mild temperatures and reduced rates at area accommodations, there’s even more cause for holiday cheer.

Get out of the snow and into the spirit of the season with these festive highlights:

An Old Fashioned Christmas

The sweet scents of gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider nip at the nose during Home for the Holidays. Merchants adorn the historic Downtown Panama City with pine swags, mistletoes, wreaths and lights for this old-fashioned holiday celebration. Find presents for everyone, shopping while delighting in horse-drawn carriage, sleigh bells, carolers, scrumptious treats. Little ones may even catch a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus strolling among the holiday revelers.

When: Friday evenings from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Nov. 23 – Dec. 21, 2007
Where: Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Fla.
Price: Carriage Rides: $5.00/ person

Silent Night, Wondrous Lights

St. Andrews Bay sets the stage for a magical celebration at sea during the annual Boat Parade of Lights. For more than two decades, boats of all shapes and sizes have dressed up in grand style for this festival of twinkling lights. The Christmas Fleet gathers for judging and cruises past Panama City Marina through St. Andrews Bay. Their destination: historic St. Andrews Marina, where they pass thousands of spectators before sailing off into the night.

When: Saturday, December 8, 2007
Where: Judging starts approximately 5:30 pm near St. Andrew Bay Yacht Club; parade will cruise past Panama City Marina at the foot of Harrison Ave. and conclude at St. Andrews Marina, Beck Ave., Panama City, Fla.
Price: Free

Nutcracker Sweets

Let Uncle Drosselmeyer take you to a land where snowflakes leap and sugarplums whirl. The Moscow Ballet dances into Panama City for the anniversary of its world-renowned Great Russian Nutcracker. With 50 artists, 400 costumes and spectacular sets, the Moscow Ballet’s graceful Nutcracker aims to amaze the entire family.

When: Thursday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Marina Civic Center, 8 Harrison Ave., Panama City, Fla.
Tickets: $24.75 - $45.75 available at the Civic Center Box Office, or call Ticketmaster, 850-434-7444

Oh Tannenbaum

Twinkling lights and holiday carols fill the air during the Panama City Beach Christmas Tree Lighting. This time-honored nighttime spectacular displays a giant tree aglow with colored lights and holiday ornaments. Christmas carols are compliments of local school children, while Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and other refreshments are provided by local church groups and community clubs. For the rest of December, Panama City Beach sparkles with holiday cheer.

When: Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Where:Frank Brown Park
16200 Panama City Beach Parkway,?Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Price: Free

Here Comes Santa Claus

The streets of Panama City become a dazzling winter wonderland during the Panama City Christmas Parade. More than 130 floats dress up in grand fashion for this annual holiday celebration. Marching bands, dance troupes and live musical ensembles add to the festivities, joined by jolly old St. Nick and his sleigh.

When: Saturday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Panama City
Price: Free

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, The Travel Channel, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH or 850-233-6503, or visit www.thebeachloversbeach.com