All Aboard for Holiday Cheer at Pensacola Winterfest
In just a few short weeks, Pensacola will embrace the magic of the holiday season as Winterfest returns Nov. 20 through Dec. 24, transforming downtown into a festive winter wonderland.
Step into Plaza Wonderland on Palafox Place, where falling snow sets the scene for a magical holiday experience filled with festive events and enchanting performances. Bring the whole family to enjoy train rides, live shows, character meet-and-greets and more holiday fun you won’t want to miss.
“It’s really a neighborhood block party that just got out of hand,” Pensacola Winterfest President Caron Sjoberg said. “Local festivals and community events like Winterfest are the heartbeat of our community, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate culture, history, art and local traditions.”
What began as a weekend trolley ride has grown into a six-week seasonal celebration, giving families a holiday tradition to look forward to year after year.
The fun doesn’t stop when the holidays end. Beyond the holidays, Winterfest trolleys continue to serve the community throughout the year, providing convenient transportation between downtown destinations during special events and celebrations.
“Although born from a holiday tradition, Winterfest’s trolley program has evolved into a year-round community resource,” Sjoberg said. “Today, our trolleys transport tens of thousands of residents and visitors to festivals, markets, cultural events, sporting competitions and community celebrations, helping connect people with the experiences that enrich life in the Pensacola Bay Area.”
The holiday season is still the highlight of Winterfest, with plenty of festive fun for the whole family. Snap photos with Santa and the mischievous Grinch, hop aboard the Polar Express, or join the Snoopy and Scrooge tour. With beloved holiday characters around every corner, it’s the perfect way to embrace the magic of the season.
What’s new to Winterfest? There’s everything from free special performances to a new holiday market and more.
Attendees will also want to prepare for a little Who-ville-style chaos this year, as Winterfest kicks off with a mischievously merry, wild Grinchmas March at Gallery Night on Nov. 20.
“Each tour has new twists and we’re making improvements to the Winterfest Plaza too, but the biggest changes are in our free special events,” Sjoberg said. “There’s a brand-new Santa Village holiday market downtown at the Elf Parade on Black Friday in Plaza Ferdinand. Every night of Winterfest we will have free Christmas special performances on the steps of the Old County Courthouse, and we’ll wrap up with the Santa Sendoff on Christmas Eve.”
Of course, Winterfest wouldn’t be complete without the annual Elf Parade, a free celebration coming downtown on Nov. 27 and starting at 2 pm. Before the festivities begin, Santa will pick his favorite holiday costumes, and the lucky winners will get to march in the parade. So dust off those pointy ears, break out your most festive elf gear and get ready to sleigh the holiday season.
“If you like Christmas or coming downtown, you’ll find something to celebrate at Winterfest,” Sjoberg said. “Very young kids will enjoy Polar Express, Snoopy and Santa best. As they grow, the excitement of the Grinch and Scrooge keep things fresh and funny. Of course, we’re all about 10 years old at Winterfest, just taking in the holiday magic and enjoying a big gingerbread cookie. If you keep Christmas in your heart you never really have to grow up.”
Ready to join the holiday fun? Visit pensacolawinterfest.org to explore showtimes, compare ticket options and plan your Winterfest adventure. Ticket prices vary by event and date, so check the website for the latest details before heading downtown for a little holiday magic.
For seasonal updates, special announcements and more festive fun, follow @PensacolaWinterfest on social media.
From beloved holiday traditions to exciting new experiences, CLICK HERE to view this year’s full lineup of merry tours.