Winterfest Magic in Pensacola
When the sand starts to cool and the lights begin to sparkle, it’s time for Pensacola Winterfest—an enchanting season of holiday lights, carriage rides, snow flurries, and festive fun. Located just minutes from Pensacola Beach, this event invites beachgoers and downtown visitors alike to stay a night or two and truly embrace the season.
Make it a full holiday getaway by staying right on Pensacola Beach. You’ll be close to the Winterfest excitement while still enjoying beachfront views, great dining, and cozy comfort. Explore Pensacola Beach hotels here.
What to Expect
From the moment you enter Plaza Wonderland on Palafox Place, the magic of the holidays surrounds you. Snow drifts through the air, carolers sing, and the scent of cocoa fills the streets. Families gather for trolley rides, light shows, and photos with Santa while characters like the Grinch and Snoopy make special appearances. Each evening brings something new, from free preshows and train rides to themed performances that capture the heart of the season.
The 2025 Pensacola Winterfest runs November 21, 23, 28–30 and December 5–7, 12, 14, 19–24, with nightly events that celebrate the joy of Christmas. Ride the Polar Express through the lights, laugh with The Grinch’s Merry Match, sing along during Cheer Up with the Peanuts Gang, or enjoy the new Mistletoe Magic romantic tour. A Christmas Carolreturns for Christmas week, reminding visitors of the season’s true spirit. Add in family photos with Santa, trolley rides, snow flurries, and festive performances—and you’ve got one of the most magical holiday traditions on the Gulf Coast. Explore tickets here.
Make it a Beach Weekend
Don’t just attend Winterfest—stay on Pensacola Beach, where your beach front hotel puts you close to the action while giving you sand, surf, and relaxation just steps away. After downtown’s holiday lights, you can stroll the boardwalk, sip cocktails by the Gulf, or enjoy a slow morning on the shore.
– Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach – Family-friendly resort featuring a lazy river, pool service, and direct beachfront access.
– Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach – Modern beachfront with a large lazy river, free breakfast, and on-site waterfront dining.
– Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach – Steps from the boardwalk with ocean views, outdoor pools, and complimentary breakfast.
–Hilton Pensacola Beach – Beachfront building offering multiple pools and popular on-site dining at Salt and Bonsai.
More to Help Plan Your Trip
– Pensacola Beach Eats You Can’t Miss
– Things To Do on Pensacola Beach
– Water Adventures on Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Winterfest turns downtown into a winter wonderland without leaving the coast. Light displays, themed rides, and main-street magic meet the sunshine and shoreline of Pensacola Beach for a holiday experience unlike any other. Stay a little longer—book your escape and blend beachfront calm with festive flair.
You Might Want To Check Out…
5 Reasons to Book a Pensacola Beach Stay Before the New Year
5 Reasons to Book a Beach Stay The holidays are coming fast—but before the hustle and bustle hits full swing, there’s still time to plan something for yourself: a beach getaway. Pensacola Beach in late fall is calm, colorful, and full of that coastal magic that...
Activities on Pensacola Beach
Activities on Pensacola Beach If you’re looking to add a little extra fun to your beach day or explore beyond the shoreline, Pensacola Beach is full of unique experiences to try. From dolphin tours and fishing trips to paddle adventures and floating tiki cruises,...
November Events in Pensacola
November Events in Pensacola Fall may be cooling things down, but Pensacola’s event calendar is just heating up. November brings art, food, music, and holiday magic to the Gulf Coast—proof that the fun doesn’t end with summer. From high-flying thrills to twinkling...
2025 Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
2025 Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show The skies above Pensacola are about to roar back to life as the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show returns November 14–15, 2025. As one of the area’s largest and most anticipated events, this two-day spectacle draws more...
2025-26 Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Schedule
Experience Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games 2025-26 Looking for a fun outing not far from Pensacola Beach? The Pensacola Ice Flyers’ 2025-26 season offers plenty of high-energy hockey action at the Pensacola Bay Center—perfect for family, friends, or a break from...
Why Fall is the Best on Pensacola Beach
Summer may get all the glory, but fall is when Pensacola Beach really shines. The crowds thin out, the weather cools just enough to make the sand feel softer, and the Gulf sparkles like it’s putting on a show just for you. It’s the perfect season to stretch out,...
Local Tours in Pensacola
Tours That Take Your Pensacola Trip Beyond the Beach While you’re here on Pensacola Beach, why not add a little extra adventure to your trip? Beyond the sugar-white sand and turquoise water, Pensacola is full of history, mystery, and memorable experiences. These...
UFO’s Haunted Course Pensacola Beach
Get Spooked at UFO’s Haunted Course on Pensacola Beach Spooky season is creeping closer, and UFO’s Mini Golf is transforming into the ultimate haunted adventure on Pensacola Beach. This year promises the most chilling haunted course yet, with spooky music, costumed...
October Events in Pensacola
October Events in Pensacola Pensacola knows how to keep the good times rolling into fall. October is packed with food festivals, spooky celebrations, live music, and plenty of Gulf Coast flair. From family outings to ghostly adventures, here’s your guide to the...
2025 Taste of the Beach – Pensacola Beach
Taste of the Beach Festival From October 9–11, 2025, Pensacola Beach hosts the Taste of the Beach Festival, celebrating the Gulf Coast’s culinary spirit in a sea-salt setting. This three-day foodie bash kicks off with special experiences like a sunset cruise and a...
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival From September 30 to October 12, 2025, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach come alive with the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, a lyrical celebration featuring Grammy-winning and multi-platinum songwriters alongside rising...
September Events in Pensacola
September Events in Pensacola From Gulf views to a packed calendar, September events in Pensacola bring together sunshine, flavors, and fun. From seafood festivals to movies on the beach, the season stays lively well beyond Labor Day. Stay close to it all at Surf...
