The holiday season is here, and it's time to indulge in the colorful and magical world of Christmas lights. The enchanting spectacle of these twinkling illuminations has a unique charm that can melt hearts and spread joy. As realtors, Charles Thompson and John Doyle from Paradisum Group Brokered by eXp Realty, we had a unique opportunity to interview Santa Claus himself about the best light displays from Bay to 30A. Here's the festive journey that Santa recommends, filled with the spirit of Christmas and an abundance of radiant lights.
• LIGHT DISPLAYS •
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Christmas Extravaganza at Grace Presbyterian Church, Panama City
Renowned for its almost a million bright lights, the Christmas Extravaganza at Grace Presbyterian Church in Panama City is a must-visit. Organized by Scott Fester, this drive-thru or walkthrough light show has been featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”
What's Special?
From a Christmas house and an igloo to the presence of Elsa and Santa Claus, the Christmas Extravaganza offers a variety of entertainment, including music, a balloon artist, a snow machine, and face painting. The light show runs until the first week of January, with the timings being from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on weeknights and from 5:30 to 11 p.m. on weekends.
A Friendly Gesture
While the admission is free, the church accepts $5 donations per person and $1 for s’mores and hot chocolate. A small contribution can make a big difference in spreading the joy of Christmas.
David Price's Christmas Light Show, Lynn Haven
Moving on, Santa recommends David Price's Christmas light show at 1306 Vermont Ave, Lynn Haven, known as one of Bay County’s most popular Christmas light spectacles. David has been spreading the holiday spirit for the last seven years, welcoming thousands of visitors to his home.
Patriotic Themed Display
This year’s Christmas light show is Patriotic-themed with more than 100,000 synchronized lights. It lasts 20 minutes and is accompanied by themed related songs including “God Bless the USA” and “Everybody Loves Kool-aid.”
Unique Features
The show features a 30-foot Christmas light tree, eight-foot-tall candles with inspirational words, two synchronized inflatable tube men, a bubble machine, and two flat-screen TVs. A transmitter projects a signal from David's house, allowing anyone within a mile radius to tune into 104.9 FM and listen to the songs synchronizing the lights.
Charitable Efforts
David accepts monetary and toy donations to benefit Project 25 and An Angel’s Pantry charitable organizations. The light show runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on weeknights and from 5 to 10 p.m. on weekends until early January.
Electroluminosity Lights, Panama City Beach
Santa's journey continues to the Electroluminosity Lights show at 309 Brynn Court in Panama City Beach, managed by Bill Porter. Operating for eight years, this pixelated light show features more than 8,000 Christmas lights synchronized to popular Christmas tunes.
Singing Faces
The most popular displays are the “singing faces,” which include a seven-foot singing Christmas tree that is synchronized with the music. The light show runs until the second week in January, showcasing every night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on weeknights and from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Radio Frequency
Visitors can walk or drive to see the lights and tune in to 93.5 FM for the best experience.
Christmas Village at Oaks by the Bay Park, St. Andrews
The historic Christmas Village at Oaks by the Bay Park in St. Andrews is another must-see. This 20-plus-year tradition transforms the park into a Christmas light walkthrough with colorful displays to spread the holiday spirit.
Free Entry and Musical Evenings
The walkthrough is free to the public and runs each night through the new year. Live music is also featured every Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Holiday Lights Festooned at 30Avenue, Inlet Beach
The journey from Bay to 30A begins with Inlet Beach, where a trip to 30Avenue is enhanced by holiday lights festooned to the signature palm trees. The venue also features classic characters from The Nutcracker ballet and a large Christmas tree in the front green space.
Twinkling Lights at Rosemary Beach
Next, the twinkling lights at Rosemary Beach lend a festive touch to the live oaks circling both sides of Barrett Square, with a beautifully decorated Douglas Fir Christmas tree as the main attraction.
Holiday Wreaths and Lights at Alys Beach
Known for its signature architecture, Alys Beach is enhanced with holiday wreaths, lights, a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree, and packages decorating the amphitheater.
Seaside Amphitheater
A visit to Seaside Amphitheater treats guests to a large Christmas tree added to the top of Airstream Row. The decorative lights under the arch of the beachfront Coleman Pavilion provide a striking and romantic backdrop for photos.
Cerulean Park, WaterColor
Plan a stroll through the walking trails of Cerulean Park, where bright stars overhead are accentuated by a beautifully lit Christmas tree, holly-covered arches, and more.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is a classic destination for checking out holiday lights and festivities, such as Baytowne On Ice and a series of holiday concerts.
Holiday Lights in Concert at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Miramar Beach
Combine shopping with a spectacular display at the Holiday Lights in Concert at Silver Sands Premium Outlets. This impressive presentation synchronizes many holiday songs with colorful lights.
Christmas Reflections, DeFuniak Springs
The annual Christmas Reflections holiday light show transforms Lake DeFuniak into a shimmering mirror of holiday illumination with more than ten million lights and thousands of festive decorations.
As we conclude our journey from Bay to 30A, we hope you enjoyed this tour of Santa's favorite Christmas light displays. We wish you a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and a wonderful sense of wonder.
Ring up Paradisum Group Brokered by eXp Realty at 850-320-8385 or Contact Us now and let us sprinkle some holiday magic on your real estate adventure to make it merry and worry-free!