It’s never too early for the holiday season and Christmas fun! This year’s Winterfest festivities will kick off earlier than ever to get the Pensacola community in the Christmas spirit. Beginning November 6, downtown Pensacola will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring festive decorations, performances and more.
This year’s Winterfest lineup will feature classic, fan-favorite activities, including the Polar Express Tour and photos with Santa and the Grinch. The classic Elf Parade will return at the end of November, bringing the community together to watch their favorite holiday characters march through the downtown streets.
One new event that Winterfest Board President Denise Chenel Power is excited to announce is the Grinch’s Great Christmas Tree Heist. This all-new tour invites attendees to join the Whoville gang for an evening of excitement as they attempt to hunt down and capture the naughty Grinch. Throughout the tour, the Grinch will pull some of his most mischievous tricks in an attempt to become the most popular Winterfest character, but will he convince guests that he should become the new President of Winterfest instead of Santa Claus?
In addition to the newly added tour, Santa and the Grinch will have the opportunity to prove who is the better leader of Winterfest through a series of entertaining weekly debates. “Every week, there is a new debate between the protagonists bearing on important issues of the day, such as the Gingerbread Housing Shortage,” Power said.
Attendees will get to decide who they think should be the next Winterfest President, and the winner will be announced during the ceremonial lighting of the downtown Christmas decorations on November 29.
This year’s festivities will once again include the popular Elf Parade, providing an opportunity for the entire family to dress up in their most festive holiday costumes and ugly sweaters. You can also rock your best Santa’s elf costume or the ugliest Christmas sweater you own and compete in contests to determine who will help lead the Elf Parade.
On November 29, the parade lineup will begin at 12:30 pm at 18 W. Government St. in downtown Pensacola. The costume contest will be held at 1:25 pm, with the winners announced just prior to the parade at 2 pm.
Winterfest guests can expect a variety of different activities for the whole family to enjoy. Along with photo opportunities to commemorate the return of this beloved annual event, there will also be a variety of fun holiday-themed activities, tours and performances taking place throughout the duration of the festival.
For more information on tickets and the complete lineup of 2024 Winterfest events, visit pensacolawinterfest.org and follow @PensacolaWinterfest on Facebook.
Great Christmas Tree Heist
November: 6, 15, 23, 24, 29, 30
December: 1, 6 – 8, 13, 15, 20 – 24
The new event will not be one to miss. In addition to the lively debates, take a ride on the Grinch’s trolley and join the heist to decide if you believe the Grinch should replace Santa Claus as the President of Winterfest.
Polar Express Tour
November: 22 – 24, 29, 20
December: 1, 6 – 8, 13, 15, 21 – 24
Get your tickets now for the Polar Express tour to join the conductor on the trip to the North Pole. This 25-minute experience will immerse guests in the story of the Polar Express as told by the conductor. Expect visits from your favorite characters throughout the wintry ride and a cup of hot chocolate to stay warm.
Grinch’s Merry Match
November: 6, 15, 23, 24, 29, 30
December: 1, 6 – 8, 13, 15, 20 – 24
Another returning activity is the Grinch’s Merry Match, where the entire Whoville community will join the excitement of Winterfest. Accompany the Whos on the Grinch’s trolley for a fun ride, photos and a front-row seat to watch the Grinch find his merry match!
Photos with Santa
November: 6, 15, 22 – 24, 29, 30
December: 1, 6 – 8, 13, 15, 20 – 24
Santa Claus is coming back to Pensacola this year to defend his place as the reigning leader of Winterfest and will be available for pictures after each trolley tour. Guests can purchase professional photos or use personal cameras to take pictures and videos during the event. Make sure you let him know what you want for Christmas!
Photos with the Grinch
November: 6, 15, 22 – 24, 29, 30
December: 1, 6 – 8, 13, 15, 20 – 24
Despite his grumpy demeanor, the Grinch loves to strike his best pose for pictures in competition with his Christmas rival. Mr. Grinch will be available again this year for photo opportunities at his throne, and he would love to know if you believe he should be the next President of Winterfest.