What's Happening in the area through the weekend:
Thursday, Dec. 18
WINTER RESIDENTS PROGRAM:Monday through Friday at The Ark, 19208 Hibiscus St., Panama City Beach. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wood Shop. 10 a.m. to noon, Pine Needle Weaving. 1-3 p.m., Golf Ball Carving. Details: 249-1980
COMPUTER BASICS PART 2 OF 2:9:30 a.m. at the Bay County Public Library, 898 W. 11th St., Panama City. Learn the basic features of the Internet Explorer web browser, learn the difference between a search box and URL box and learn to evaluate a website's content. Prerequisite: Computer Basics Part 1 or equivalent experience. Details: 522-2107 or NWRLS.com
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME:10:30 a.m. at the Bay County Public Library, 898 W. 11th St., Panama City. Suggested ages, 3-5 years. Details: 522-2118 or NWRLS.com
ARTISTS IN ACTION: 1-6 p.m. at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave. Free. Details: 769-0608, CityArtsCooperative.com
BAY BOOMERS ACTIVITY PROGRAM:1-3 p.m. at the Bay County Council on Aging, 1116 Frankford Ave., Panama City. Art class with Jerry Pilcher. Details: Robin Khalidy, 769-3468
CHESS:1-3 p.m. at the Panama City Beach Public Library, 12500 Hutchison Beach Blvd., Panama City Beach. Let's play! Players and boards are welcome. Details: 233-5055 or NWRLS.com
FEARLESS OIL PAINTING:1-3 p.m. at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave., Panama City. Classes with instructor Jan Benicoff. Details and registration: 769-0608
BAY BOOMERS ACTIVITY PROGRAM:3-4 p.m. at the Bay County Council On Aging, 1116 Frankford Ave., Panama City. Afternoon tea. Details: Robin Khalidy, 769-3468
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:4-7 p.m. Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach; free and open to the public. Walk through ancient Bethlehem, check out the petting zoo, see the live nativity, shop at the Christmas market and more. Performances by the Hutchison Beach Elementary chorus and the Gulf Beach Baptist Church choir at 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Backpack Blessings collects food and toy donations. Details: 234-3435 or BCVillage.org
55+ DANCE CLUB: 6 p.m. Thursdays at Daffin Park Community Center in Millville. Coffee and punch served. Music starts at 7 p.m. $5 per person. Details: 481-6383 or 265-8058 or billgainey@knology.net
ADULT BALLET CLASS:6-7 p.m. at The Rehearsal Room, 105 S Palo Alto Ave. Details: 252-0889, therehearsalroompc.com
AMERICANA UNDER THE STARS: 6-8 p.m. at the amphitheater at Topsail Hill State Park, 7525 W. County 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage and enjoy some music in the park. This event is family/ pet friendly and fun for all ages. Details: 267-8330
BASIC POTTERY CLASS:6-8 p.m. A six-week beginner course at the Visual Arts Center. Details: 769-4451, vacnwf.org
AMERICANA UNDER THE STARS: 6:30-8 p.m. at the amphitheater at Topsail Hill State Park, 7525 W. County 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. Grant Peeples performs. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage and enjoy some music in the park. This event is family/pet friendly and fun for all ages. Details: 267-8330
FIGURE DRAWING:6:30 p.m. with Heather Clements at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave. Register by noon the day of: Heather, 703-915-0615 or HeatherArt@hotmail.com
BINGO NIGHT:7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 375, 6937 N. State 77, Southport. Details: elysse.samillano@comcast.net
‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD’:7:30 p.m. at the Seaside Repertory Theatre, 216 Quincy Circle in Seaside. All of your favorite “beloved holiday classics” crammed into a night of high-energy frivolity featuring three REP actors armed with a bazillion props and costumes. Plus 30A Dancewave performance. Tickets: $20. Details: LoveTheRep.com
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ LIVE RADIO PLAY:7:30 p.m. at the Martin Theatre, 409 Harrison Ave., Panama City. The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play and produce the sound effects to tell the story of idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Details and tickets: 763-8080 or MartinTheatre.com
Friday, Dec. 19
WINTER RESIDENTS PROGRAM:Monday through Friday at The Ark, 19208 Hibiscus St., Panama City Beach. Arts and crafts classes and other activities for winter residents. Details: 249-1980
DRAWING - AN EASY APPROACH TO FIGURES: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gulf Coast State College. 5230 W. US 98, Panama City. Learn the basics of figure drawing, using shapes and lines and learning how to look at what you see. Fee: $79. Details: 872-3823 or gulfcoast.edu/CorpCollege
WINTER RESIDENTS APPRECIATION DAY:9-11 a.m. at Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, 17001 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach. Enjoy coffee and donuts while learning about upcoming activities and meeting the Visitors Services staff. Details: VisitPanamaCityBeach.com
BLOOD DRIVE:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Panama City Mall, 2150 State 77, Panama City. Join Powell Broadcasting and Jaycee’s of Panama City for a holiday blood drive. Donors receive a tote bag and long-sleeve holiday shirt.
SEA NEEDLES: 10 a.m. to noon at the Panama City Beach Library, 12500 Hutchison Blvd. Knitting group invites all needle crafters to join in with knitting, as well as crocheting, embroidery and cross-stitch. Details: 233-5055
BEACH MICE:1-3 p.m. at TopsailHill State Park, 7525 W. County 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. Learn about the endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse and how the park monitors and protects this important species. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park's clubhouse. Entry fee is $6. Details: 267-8332
FREE ART FRIDAYS:1-6 p.m. at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave. Details: 769-0608, CityArtsCooperative.com
CANADA DAY: 3-10 p.m. at Bay Point Wyndham Resort, 4114 Jan Cooley Drive, Panama City Beach. Details: 236-0624
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:4-7 p.m. Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach; free and open to the public. Walk through ancient Bethlehem, check out the petting zoo, see the live nativity, shop at the Christmas market and more. Performances by the St. Andrews Baptist singers and Redeemer Dance Company at 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Center of Hope collects food and toy donations. Details: 234-3435 or BCVillage.org
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT:5 p.m. at the Chipola Forestry Center, 715 W. 15th St., Panama City. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to meet Santa and then enjoy a showing of “The Polar Express” with hot chocolate and popcorn.
A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS:6-9 p.m. in downtown Panama City with horse-drawn carriage rides, snow slide, carolers, concerts, extended shopping hours and kids activities, including train ride and inflatable obstacle course.
JINGLE BELL TROLLEY:6-9 p.m. The Jingle Bell Trolley travels between downtown Panama City and St. Andrews every half hour so visitors can enjoy both Christmas celebrations. As you ride, check out the lawn decorating contest along the way and vote for your favorite.
WINTER WONDERLAND EXPRESS: 7-10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 10561 N.W. Theo Jacobs Way, Bristol. Riders may choose to ride one or all of three trains during the event: “Old Reliable,” a diesel engine replica; Engine No. 59, a steam replica; and the Crown, a coal-fired steam engine. Tickets: $5 each for Old Reliable or No. 59, $8 each for the Crown; children age 5 and younger free. Details: (850) 643-6646 or VeteransMemorialRailroad.org
‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD’:7:30 p.m. at the Seaside Repertory Theatre, 216 Quincy Circle in Seaside. All of your favorite “beloved holiday classics” crammed into a night of high-energy frivolity featuring three REP actors armed with a bazillion props and costumes. Plus 30A Dancewave performance. Tickets: $20. Details: LoveTheRep.com
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ LIVE RADIO PLAY:7:30 p.m. at the Martin Theatre, 409 Harrison Ave., Panama City. The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play and produce the sound effects to tell the story of idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Details and tickets: 763-8080 or MartinTheatre.com
THE OWSLEY BROTHERS: 9 p.m. at Mosey’s, 425 Grace Ave., Panama City. With Old Florida and The Jerry Riddle. No cover. Details: Facebook.com/moseysdowntown
Saturday, Dec. 20
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina; free and open to the public. Details: 234-3435
POLICE UNITY TOUR REMEMBER OUR FALLEN LAW ENFORCEMENT RUN TO REMEMBER/CROSSFIT COMPETITION:registration starts at 7 a.m., run at 8 a.m., crossfit at 10 a.m. at Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach. Details: Sally Sparks, 814-2488, or Steve Obrien, 248-2153
GRAND LAGOON WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Capt Anderson's on Thomas Drive. Enjoy the region's finest makers, bakers and growers at PCB's year-round farmers' market. Live music, free tastings and family fun. Details: WaterfrontMarkets.org or 763-7359
ST. ANDREWS WATERFRONT FARMERS MARKET:8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smith Yacht Basin beside the Shrimp Boat Restaurant, 12th Street and Beck Avenue. Rain or shine. Vendors, live music, Kids Craft table. Bring a fishing pole and stay for the day. Details: HistoricStAndrews.com/market or 872-7208
SEASIDEFARMERS MARKET:9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Seaside Amphitheatre. Fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products and other unique offerings, cooking demos and activities. Year-round event. Details: SeasideFL.com
COMMUNITY DAY:noon to 6 p.m. at Miracle Strip Amusement Part, 284 Powell Adams Drive, Panama City Beach. Northstar Church is partnering with Miracle Strip Amusement Park to offer free admission and rides. Details: Sonya Henderson, communications director, 832-8258 or sonya@northstar.cc
MESSIAH LUTHERAN BELL CHOIR:shows at noon and 2 p.m. at the Panama City Mall, 2150 State 77, Panama City. The bell choir presents two Christmas performances with sing longs of carols and Christmas songs to be enjoyed by all. Details: 785-2398 or messiah-lutheran.net
SIXTH ANNUAL LUNCH WITH SANTA:noon to 3 p.m. at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, 16230 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach. Free photos with Santa.
ARTISTS IN ACTION: 1-6 p.m. at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave. Free. Details: 769-0608, CityArtsCooperative.com
FREE WINE TASTING:1-4 p.m. every Saturday at Carousel Supermarket, 19440 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach. Details: 234-2219
SHARKS AND DOLPHINS: 1-2 p.m. at TopsailHill State Park, 7525 W. County 30A, Santa Rosa Beach. Learn to identify the differences between these two species often seen at the beach. Enter the park through the main gate and the staff will direct you to the park's clubhouse. Entry fee is $6. Details: 267-8332
‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD’: 2 p.m. in Ruskin Place at Seaside. Bring chairs and blankets. Open to the public.
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:4-7 p.m. Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach; free and open to the public. Walk through ancient Bethlehem, check out the petting zoo, see the live nativity, shop at the Christmas market, see the Boats of Hope launch and more. Performances by Neysa Wilkins at 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The Salvation Army collects food and toy donations. Details: 234-3435 or BCVillage.org
BOATS OF HOPE LAUNCH: 5 p.m. atCapt. Anderson’s Marina, 5550 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach. Free admission. Local, fresh food drive for needy families. Illuminated paper boats light up Grand Lagoon at Bethlehem Village. Reserve your boat at BCVillage.org or 763-7359
HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT: 5:30 p.m. at the amphitheatre in Seaside. Special holiday performance by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.
WINTER WONDERLAND EXPRESS: 7-10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 10561 N.W. Theo Jacobs Way, Bristol. Riders may choose to ride one or all of three trains during the event: “Old Reliable,” a diesel engine replica; Engine No. 59, a steam replica; and the Crown, a coal-fired steam engine. Tickets: $5 each for Old Reliable or No. 59, $8 each for the Crown; children age 5 and younger free. Details: (850) 643-6646 or VeteransMemorialRailroad.org
‘EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD’:7:30 p.m. at the Seaside Repertory Theatre, 216 Quincy Circle in Seaside. All of your favorite “beloved holiday classics” crammed into a night of high-energy frivolity featuring three REP actors armed with a bazillion props and costumes. Plus 30A Dancewave performance. Tickets: $20. Details: LoveTheRep.com
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ LIVE RADIO PLAY:7:30 p.m. at the Martin Theatre, 409 Harrison Ave., Panama City. The holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play and produce the sound effects to tell the story of idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Details and tickets: 763-8080 or MartinTheatre.com
Sunday, Dec. 21
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina; free and open to the public. Details: 234-3435
GRAND LAGOON WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Capt Anderson's on Thomas Drive. Enjoy the region's finest makers, bakers and growers at PCB's year-round farmers' market. Live music, free tastings and family fun. Details: WaterfrontMarkets.org or 763-7359
30A FARMERS MARKET: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach. Each Sunday, join this community event featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese, preserves, sauces, bread, sweets, prepared foods to go and much more. Details: 30aFarmersMarket.com
GRAND SQUARE ROUNDS: 2:30-5:30 p.m. at Grand Square Hall, 1105 Bob Little Road, Springfield. Ballroom dance lesson until 3:30 p.m., followed by dancing. $10 per couple. Details: 265-9488 or 814-3861
SILVER AND GOLD – VILLAGES UNFOLD: 3-5 p.m. at 1515 State 390, Panama City. This event highlights the private Christmas village collections of local residents, including Fontanini nativity displays and vintage and new assortments from Department 56, Thomas Kincaid and Lemax. Donations accepted for repairs at Camp Kolomoki. Details: 873-3999 or GSCFP.org
AMERICANACAFÉ SUNDAYS:3:30 p.m. Roberts Hall, 831 Florida Ave, Lynn Haven. Join us for an open mic showcase of local musicians from 2-3 p.m. before the concert. Donations appreciated. Details: 722-4915
CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM:4-7 p.m. Dec. 17-21 at Capt. Anderson's Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach; free and open to the public. Walk through ancient Bethlehem, check out the petting zoo, see the live nativity, shop at the Christmas market and more. Performances by the St. Andrews Baptist singers at 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. The Panama City Rescue Mission collects food and toy donations. Details: 234-3435 or BCVillage.org
HOOP DANCE CLASS: 6-7 p.m. at CityArts Cooperative, 318 Luverne Ave., Panama City, with Heather Clements. Beginners welcome; hoops available to borrow or buy. Details: 769-0608