Pensacola Winterfest
Visitors step into Plaza Wonderland to experience falling snow, festive lights, and live stage performances featuring Sam the Snowman and dancing reindeer. Guests can board open-air trams or enclosed trolleys for musical, character-led tours based on holiday stories like the Polar Express, A Christmas Carol, and the Grinch. The festival also offers family photo sessions with Santa and the Grinch, along with treats and hot chocolate at the Gingerbread House.
What to Expect
Theatrical trolley tours, falling snow, live performances, and holiday character visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children 24 months and younger are free in a parent's lap)
Neighborhood
Downtown Pensacola
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Pensacola Winterfest, Inc.
Food & Drink
The Gingerbread House offers cookies, hot chocolate, and Santa's Sodas.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday character fans
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Free parking is offered on North Palafox or at Commendencia Landing on Friday and Saturday evenings; a circulator trolley runs to destinations along Palafox.
- Accessibility: Offers accessible garage parking with curb ramps to the plazas, wheelchair lifts on the Polar Express tour, ASL interpretation upon request, and advance scripts.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve Santa or Grinch photos ahead of time, because the photo sessions run by reservation on select nights only.
- Leave the stroller at the boarding area, because strollers are not allowed on the trolleys.
- On Friday and Saturday evenings, park free on North Palafox or at Commendencia Landing and take the circulator trolley along Palafox.
- Book the Scrooge & Marley tour for Christmas week, because that is the only time it runs this season.
- Request ASL interpretation or a script in advance if you need them, since both are available on request.
Special Events & Promotions
- New in 2026: the free Winterfest Christmas Special, a nightly stage show on Palafox hosted by Sam the Snowman with his dancing reindeer.
- The Scrooge & Marley tour runs Christmas week only.
- Opening night on November 27 pairs the free daytime Elf Parade with that evening's tours.
- Photos with Santa and Intrude Upon the Grinch photo sessions need their own reservations.
- Partner hotels offer discounted rates for a Winterfest getaway.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tours can I take?
You can take the Snoopy tour (Cheer Up Charlie Brown), the Polar Express tour and Grinch's Merry Match. The Scrooge & Marley tour runs Christmas week only. Photos with Santa and Intrude Upon the Grinch photo sessions are also offered.
What is the Winterfest Christmas Special?
It's new in 2026. Sam the Snowman hosts this free stage show on Palafox every show night, with his dancing reindeer and other characters.
Where can I get food and drinks?
The Gingerbread House serves Santa's Sodas, hot chocolate and cookies. It's near the Grinch's Merry Match boarding area.
Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers can't ride on the trolleys, but you can park them at the boarding area.
What happens if it rains?
The show goes on. On rainy or very cold nights, the Polar Express may use an enclosed trolley. Ticket holders get a text or email if anything changes.
More Christmas Events Near Pensacola
More Christmas Events near Pensacola
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.