A mong the various winter destinations available to residents of northern climates seeking a respite from the cold, Panama City Beach is not the warmest — that is, in terms of average outdoor temperature. But the home of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches strives to extend the warmest hospitality anywhere to its winter visitors. That sincere embrace is a product of a long-running relationship. In decades past, winter visitors arriving primarily from Canada populated hotels along the beach that offered monthly rates. More recently, people from Midwestern states have made up the majority of winter visitors, and hotel stays have given way to stays at condominium developments, many of them offering amenities geared toward seniors. Always, Panama City Beach has reached out to winter visitors and endeavored to make them feel appreciated. And, over time, the number of events planned with winter visitors in mind has grown. Here are a few …

WINTER RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS

Friday, January 17, 2020 (tickets for Homecoming available)

Friday, February 7, 2020 (tickets for Senior Prom available) 

Friday, February 21, 2020 (tickets for Grand Finale available)

Hosted by Visit Panama City Beach in the Lyndell Building at the PCB Senior Center, Appreciation Days provide additional opportunities for winter residents to meet up. “They serve to reunite everyone,” says Barrie Ainslie, Director of Visitor Services at PCB’s Visitor Information Center. “They provide the opportunity for winter residents to reconnect with their seasonal community by meeting old friends and making new ones while learning about all of the winter adventures that await them.” Tickets for other winter resident events — the Homecoming, Senior Prom and Grand Finale dances/socials — are sold at Appreciation Days, and businesses line up for the chance to introduce themselves to winter residents. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts are enjoyed by all. 

WINTER RESIDENT HOMECOMING DANCE

For winter residents spending their first season in Panama City Beach or their 10th, Winter Resident Homecoming provides a warm welcome for all who make Panama City Beach their temporary home. This year's Homecoming Dance and Social will be at Laketown Wharf on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 from 4-9pm.

PCB MARDI GRAS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Combine the excitement of an authentic Mardi Gras celebration with spectacular views of emerald green water and sugar white sand, and you’re in for a spectacular and slightly rambunctious treat. Held in conjunction with the Krewe of Dominique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach parade, the festival takes place the weekend before Fat Tuesday and features entertainment for the whole family. Feb. 9–10

WINTER RESIDENT SENIOR PROM

This annual event is one of the biggest winter resident events of the year, and you don't want to miss it! This is the event during which the winter resident prom king and queen are announced. This year's theme is Viva Las Vegas!

This year's Senior Prom will be at Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 from 4-9pm.

WINTER RESIDENT GRAND FINALE

The Winter Residence Grand Finale is a farewell/appreciation event to all of our Winter Residents for choosing Panama City Beach as your home away from home. This will wrap up all the Winter Resident activities with a bang and entertainment you will never forget. The Grand Finale will be at Laketown Wharf on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 4-9pm.