Spending Christmas in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach? This beach town loves Christmas, and they show it with parades, festivals, markets, and more. From surfing Santas to vintage markets, there is Christmas cheer for everyone in Pensacola Beach!
Pensacola Christmas Lights
See Pensacola Beach and Downtown Pensacola transformed into sparkling winter wonderlands with the help of thousands of Christmas lights, from business storefronts to private residences.
First City Lights Festival
Downtown Pensacola has been transformed into a glowing wonderland by thousands of sparkling Christmas lights! You’ll experience classic holiday music while you shop under the glow of white lights, and this gorgeous display won’t disappear at the end of the holiday season: the new light installation is said to be sticking around for good.
Winterfest Trolley Tours
Tour through Downtown Pensacola and get in the Christmas spirit at Winterfest 2023. These tours take place on open-air trolleys, with musical performances staged to take place outside of the tram so everyone gets a perfect view of the action. Exciting tours during Winterfest include The Grinch’s Merry Match, A Whoville Christmas Caper, Polar Express Tour, and the Scrooge Tour.
Pensacola Christmas Parades
Enjoy the excitement of these Pensacola Beach area Christmas parades, fun for all ages with great music and festive displays.
Pensacola Christmas Parade
December 9, 2023 from 5 – 8 pm
This popular Christmas event in Pensacola draws over 50,000 visitors annually, including hundreds of parade applicants and performers from all over the states. This festive event features brightly-lit floats, talented marching bands, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Lighted Boat Parade
December 2, 2023 from 6:30 – 8 pm
Setting sail from Sabine Marina in Little Sabine Bay, the lighted boat parade of Pensacola Beach is a hit with locals and visitors alike every year. Boaters show off their creativity and passions with their light displays, cruising along the Santa Rosa Sound and Boardwalk area before circling back to the marina.
Surfing Santa Beach Parade
December 2, 2023 at 2 pm
A classic holiday tradition in Pensacola Beach, the Surfing Santa Beach Parade brings thousands of spectators to Via De Luna Drive. Surfing Santas on colorful floats of all kinds plus live entertainment make this Christmas parade in Pensacola Beach one of the most popular Christmas events in the area.
Pensacola Christmas Markets
Need to do some holiday shopping? Look no further than the Pensacola Christmas Markets, offering plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park
December 2, 2023 from 10 am to 6 pm
Get your holiday shopping done early at the Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park! Talented vendors from all over Pensacola Beach gather to showcase and sell fine art, gifts, decor, jewelry, and more. You’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, a bounce house, and even visits with Santa.
Christmas Gift Market
Every Saturday in December from 10 am to 4 pm
Soak in the holiday spirit at the weekly Christmas Gift Markets at Alyssa’s. Every Saturday until Christmas, talented vendors will line the front porch of Alyssa’s with carefully-crafted and unique gifts.
Holiday Accommodations
Find the perfect accommodations for your winter retreat to Pensacola Beach. Compare and choose from these Pensacola Beach hotels to get ahead for your holiday vacation planning.
Fairfield Inn Pensacola Beach
16 Via De Luna Dr.
The brand new Fairfield Inn Pensacola Beach is a beachfront oasis, offering magical waterfront views and luxurious rooms. Book your Pensacola Christmas stay with Fairfield Inn and get a delicious complimentary breakfast, access to luxury amenities, and more.
Hilton Pensacola Beach
12 Via De Luna Dr.
Just steps from the best shopping and dining Pensacola Beach has to offer, Hilton Pensacola Beach is a 4-star resort with all the amenities you’d expect from a holiday stay at one of America’s top vacation destinations. From private waterfront balconies to fine dining on-site, this is one of the best hotels on Pensacola Beach.
Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach
14 Via De Luna Dr.
Lean into a coastal Christmas at Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, where the vibrant beachy vibe is obvious from first glance. Stunning views of the gulf create the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos, and there’s nothing like floating in a heated lazy river!
Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
2 Via De Luna Dr.
Choose the room type that suits your group’s needs and settle in for a comfortable, affordable holiday stay in Pensacola Beach at the Hampton Inn. With direct access to Casino Beach’s attractions and the gorgeous stretch of beach directly behind the hotel, you’ll have plenty to do during your stay.
Surf & Sand Hotel
40 Fort Pickens Rd.
The only hotel with direct Santa Rosa Sound access, Surf & Sand Hotel is the perfect balance of resort-style adventure amenities and a laid-back surfer vibe. Also known as “the fun hotel,” this vintage inspired beach hotel is sure to make your holiday in Pensacola Beach extraordinary.
Ready to plan your Christmas in Pensacola Beach? Start with the best accommodations on the beach, and let the rest of your plans fall into place thanks to the easy access to the area’s most popular Christmas events!
