Bundle up and bring the family out to enjoy these fun family-friendly Christmas events! Detailed weather outlook follows below. ***Parades noted by asterisks
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Christmas Caravan Arts & Crafts Show Fri., Dec. 6 from 9 am – 3 pm at 3200 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. Venue to find unique Christmas gifts, baked goods and silent auction plus 50/50 raffle.
Holiday Pop-up Shopping Soiree Fri., Dec. 6 from 10 am – 3 pm at SCI Building at 220 W. Garden St. in Pensacola. Rally Gulf Coast’s Annual Holiday Shopping event to support kids fighting cancer. First 125 guests receive free swag bag and souvenir champange flute.
Winterfest Fri., Dec. 6 from 4:30-8:30 pm and Sat., Dec. 7 from 10 am – 8:30 pm in Downtown Pensacola (every weekend thru Christmas and daily starting Dec. 20). More than 500,000 lights set the stage for live performances, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” Santa and and a cast of holiday characters and more. Details: http://pensacolawinterfest.org
***Milton Lighted Christmas Parade & Fireworks starts 6 pm, Fri., Dec. 6 at Jernigan’s Landing, located at 5158 Willing St., Milton. Blackwater Pyrates Annual Milton Lighted Christmas Boat Parade proceeds from Russell Harbor Landing to Jernigan’s Landing. Light up Milton Fireworks follow parade.
***Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Friday, Dec. 6 starts 6:30 p.m. at Sabine Marina and proceeds over to Quietwater Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach, docking at 7:30 p.m. for a fireworks display presented by the Boardwalk Merchant’s Association. Then Santa will make his way over to the Quietwater Shell to greet children and pose for photos with Mrs. “Mermaid” Claus until 8:30 pm. Leading up to the parade, a kid’s party featuring cookie & ornament decorating plus Santa photos) will take place from 4-6 pm at Shaggy’s. Rain date is Dec. 13.
A Christmas Carol Fri., Dec. 6, Sat. Dec. 7 and Thurs., Dec. 12 from 7-9 pm at Taylor Chapel, located at 115 St. John St., Pensacola. Shining Light Players present Dickens’ timeless classic in an imaginative adaptation.
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
Christmas ZOObilee 2024 Dec. 7-8 & 14-15 from 9 am – 4 pm at Gulf Breeze Zoo, located at 6th Annual ZOObilee, featuring gingerbread bounce house, live music and entertainment and a Candy Cane Market full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season, including unique gifts from local artists and delicious holiday treats – plus a visit with Santa! Last admission 3 p.m. (no evening hours this season). Ticket info: https://www.gbzoo.com/event/christmas-zoobilee
Christmas on the Farm Dec. 7-8 & 14-15 from 10 am – 4 pm at Holland Farms, located at 2055 Homer Holland Road north of Milton. Hayrides and train ride to visit the “North Pole” where Santa and Grinch will be waiting to visit you! Includes a craft decorating activity. $15.
Holiday Market Sat., Dec. 7 from 10 am – 5 pm at Community Maritime Park, downtown Pensacola. Vendors, food trucks, Santa visit, bounce house and live music. $5 entry – free for kids 12 and under.
***Navarre Community Christmas Parade Sat., Dec. 5, starting at 1 pm on Presidio St. A tiny, kid-friendly parade followed by visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, free baked goods & beverages and vendors at Navarre Park, located at 8513 Navarre Parkway.
***Milton Christmas Parade presented by Stewart Law Firm Sat., Dec. 7 starts 6 p.m. Route: Clyde Gracey Community Center to James Street then south on Stewart Street, disbanding at Elva Street (one block north of Hwy. 90/Caroline St). Rain date is Dec. 14.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
4th Annual Christmas Fest Sun., Dec. 8 from 12-6:30 pm at at St. Michael’s Brewing Company, located at 2199 Hwy. 87 S in Navarre. 10 am-2 pm. Seasonal beer release, food tents/vendors, plus Christmas Village booths from 12-5 pm. Nick Andrews performs lives from 4:30-6:30 pm. No outside alcohol, no strollers in the taproom, and recommended to leave pets at home.
Santa in the Sand Sun., Dec. 8 from 2-4 pm at Emerald (formerly The Grillehouse), located at 8491 Navarre Parkway. FREE Professional Photos Taken With Santa By Felicia Holstein Photography plus live music by Stevie Hall.
Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade Sun., Dec. 8 starts at 2 p.m. on Pensacola Beach from Panferio Drive westward down Via De Luna toward Casino Beach, ending at the Gulfside Pavilion.
DAILY
Sowell’s North Pole open daily through Dec. 26 from 5:30-9 pm at 7560 Sowell Road in Milton. More than 1 million lights with train and camel rides, photos with Santa and more! Hot cocoa, popcorn and other holiday snacks available. $20 per vehicle. Train rides $2 each. Cash accepted at gate OR repurchase (card) ONLINE via https://www.sowellfarms.com/northpole
UPCOMING CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Farmer & Makers Market Sat. Dec. 14 from 12:30-4:30 pm at Windjammers on the Pier on Navarre Beach. Dozens of vendors set up, selling homegrown and handcrafted items.
Pensacola Christmas Parade Sat., Dec. 14 starts at 5:30 pm in Downtown Pensacola
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