Christmas Markets and Holiday Events

About

Panama City's Christmas Markets transform major shopping centers into festive wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, holiday performances, and seasonal activities that blend traditional Latin American celebrations with international holiday traditions. Kids will be enchanted by elaborate decorations, visits with Santa Claus (often bilingual!), and special holiday entertainment including dance performances, choirs, and interactive workshops. These markets offer a perfect introduction to how Panama celebrates the Christmas season, with a tropical twist on familiar holiday festivities.

What to Expect

Expect air-conditioned shopping centers decorated with spectacular Christmas displays, including towering trees, light installations, and nativity scenes. Families can browse seasonal craft vendors, attend free concerts and dance performances, participate in children's workshops (making ornaments, decorating cookies, crafts), and meet Santa Claus. Many locations feature special entertainment zones with kids' activities, photo opportunities with holiday characters, and sometimes even artificial snow or ice skating rinks. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with a mix of Panamanian holiday music and international Christmas classics. Shopping centers remain fully operational, so you'll have access to regular stores, food courts, and facilities alongside the special holiday programming.

Highlights for Kids

• Meeting a bilingual Santa Claus in tropical holiday settings with spectacular photo backdrops
• Hands-on craft workshops where kids can make traditional Panamanian Christmas decorations or international ornaments
• Live performances featuring Panamanian folkloric dancers, children's choirs, and holiday character appearances
• Elaborate light displays and enormous decorated Christmas trees, some reaching several stories high
• Vendor booths selling unique toys, handmade crafts, and treats that make perfect souvenirs

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the Multiplaza or Albrook Mall apps before visiting for event schedules, maps, and special promotions—most content is available in Spanish, but mall staff typically speak some English
2. Visit weekday afternoons (2-5 PM) to avoid weekend crowds and have better access to Santa photos and activities; arrive early on weekends as popular workshops fill up quickly
3. Bring a light sweater or jacket for kids despite the tropical climate—Panama's malls are heavily air-conditioned and can feel quite cold after 30+ minutes indoors
4. Many craft vendors accept only cash (US dollars are used in Panama), so have small bills ready, especially if kids want to purchase small gifts or participate in paid activities

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons between 2-5 PM offer the best experience with smaller crowds and cooler outdoor temperatures. If visiting on weekends, arrive right when markets open (usually 10 AM) to beat the rush for popular activities like Santa photos and workshops. Early December offers the full festive experience with less congestion than the week before Christmas. Evening visits (after 6 PM) provide the most dramatic lighting displays but attract larger crowds of local families.

Food & Drinks

All venues have extensive food courts with international options (McDonald's, Subway, KFC) alongside local Panamanian restaurants serving kid-friendly options like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), empanadas, and patacones (fried plantains). Seasonal treats include traditional tamales, rosca de reyes (sweet bread), and various holiday cookies and pastries. Fresh fruit stands offer tropical smoothies and juices. Most restaurants accept credit cards, and prices are moderate ($5-10 per child's meal). Food courts have high chairs and family seating areas. Don't miss trying a traditional Panamanian hot chocolate with your kids.

Parking & Access

Both Multiplaza and Albrook Mall offer extensive free parking, though finding spots can be challenging during peak shopping hours—valet parking is available at Multiplaza for around $3-5. Malls are easily accessible by taxi or Uber (widely used in Panama City by tourists), which may be more convenient than navigating unfamiliar roads. All venues are fully stroller-accessible with elevators, ramps, and wide corridors. Public transportation (Metro) connects to Albrook Mall directly, making it especially accessible. Most shopping centers have family bathrooms with changing tables and nursing rooms.