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Pensacola Winterfest 2023

Watch Downtown Pensacola transforming into a true winter wonderland

Dates: November 17, 2023-December 24, 2023

Even though Pensacola doesn’t experience a lot of snow throughout winter, this is not a reason not to wrap palm trees in colored lights. Even in the south, Christmas is a great period to have a good cup of hot chocolate and celebrate the winter season.

Winterfest is an event where the historic Seville Square, and Palafox Street become a Christmas Town, accompanied with elves, Santa, numerous twinkling holiday lights, and even more. Polar Express Trolley is there for you to help see all of the wonderland at its best!

The festival starts with the annual Elf Parade along downtown. Kids of all ages march in costumes alongside a host of holiday characters, Santa, and an alligator “second line” brass band. The four-block stroll includes tumbling snowflakes, a Christmas song battle, and a pinch of cheer.

Winterfest’s foremost trolley tour features around 16 performances along a one-hour trolley journey through Downtown Pensacola. Jolly guides accompany you into a world of wonder that includes scenes from your favorite holiday memories. You have a chance to meet Elvis, the Grinch, and characters from “A Christmas Story” and “The Polar Express.”

Throughout the Pensacola Winterfest, everyone can also join free Winterfest Reindeer Games, which include visits with Santa, gourmet cocoa, a snow machine, and actual reindeer games.

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