This is your ultimate guide to holiday events and all the things to do in Pensacola. From Halloween thrills to Christmas festivities and spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for everyone in Pensacola! Pensacola, FL, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is a perfect destination for holiday festivities. The weather in Pensacola is perfect year-round, making the events during the holiday season comfortable and enjoyable.
With a diverse range of activities and events, you’re sure to find something that suits your holiday spirit. Whether you’re interested in attending spooky Halloween events, magical Christmas celebrations, or extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, Pensacola has it all.
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Halloween Events Pensacola
Gallery Night
On Friday, October 18th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM followed by an after party starting from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Gallery Night Pensacola will provide frightful fun with its Halloween Spooktacular themed event. The evening encourages ghouls and gals to come out in their festive Halloween finery to enjoy art, music, food, activities, and more. A children’s and adult’s costume contest will be held at our main stage on Palafox and Garden Street at 6:30 PM. A panel of judges will select the top 5 contestants, and winners will be decided by audience applause. Winners will receive a Gallery Night spooktober medal as well as a prize! Gallery Night events bring “Art to the Streets” with 30 fine artists and craftsmen, five food trucks, and live music venues. Artistic mediums include glass, paint, woodworking, jewelry, and mixed media. In addition to arts and activities, downtown restaurants, galleries, and shops will be open for extended hours, encouraging patrons to come and explore our award-winning downtown.
Halloween Bar Crawl
On Saturday, October 26, from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, join the Halloween Bar Crawl. These crawls are often called “Make Your Own Adventure Crawls” because they include a variety of bars, drink specials, and other activities but no set agenda. At the Mid Party, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, expect great drinks, fantastic music, and an unbeatable atmosphere to keep the party going strong. The After Parties, from 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM, typically feature a DJ or band and provide the best late-night atmosphere. Remember to get your ticket early as prices go up, and plan a safe and sober way home.
Beach-o-Ween
Get ready for a spooky good time at the 6th annual Beach-O-Ween on Friday, October 18th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. There will be many fun activities for kids of all ages, including a Halloween bounce house, costume contest, games, face painting, and hotdogs. Best of all, all games and activities are entirely free, and there will be plenty of candy to go around!
Pensacola Christmas Events
Pensacola Winterfest
Pensacola’s historic downtown streets light up during the holidays with more than half a million white lights—forming a magical backdrop for Winterfest, an iconic celebration that kicks off on Black Friday with the Winterfest Elf Parade and ends on Christmas Eve. The festival offers daily live performances, holiday trolley tours, cascades of “snow,” Santa, and more. Don’t miss meeting the Grinch too!
Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park
Join us at the Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park for a delightful early holiday shopping experience. Browse through a variety of craft vendors offering unique handmade goods, indulge in delicious treats from food trucks, and enjoy the lively atmosphere complete with a bounce house and live music. The entry fee is $5 for adults, while children aged 12 and under can enter for free, making it a perfect outing for families. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the holiday season in a vibrant and festive setting while supporting local artisans and small businesses.
Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade
Make your way to Pensacola Beach on Sunday, December 8th, to see Santa Claus close out the annual Surfing Santa Beach Parade! Starting at 2:00 PM from Panferio Drive at Gowens Park, the parade will make its way down Via De Luna toward Casino Beach and end at the Gulfside Pavilion.
Shopping Down Palafox
Amidst two dozen historic buildings dotted with chic stores, you’ll find a relaxed Southern style that sums up the unique shopping atmosphere of Downtown Pensacola. Spend a few hours or an entire day searching for gourmet treats, trendy clothing, handmade jewelry, fine art, and eclectic home furnishings. Palafox Street, with its explosion of growth and quaint shops along colorful Crepe Myrtle-lined streets, has been named one of the “10 Great Streets in America.”
New Year’s Eve Pensacola
Flora-Bama Annual New Year’s Eve Bash
On Tuesday, December 31st, the Flora-Bama is the place to be! With live music on all three stages until the party stops, food, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast, the Flora-Bama Annual New Year’s Eve Bash promises good times. The ticket includes all-you-can-eat dinner buffet from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, breakfast buffet starting at midnight, free champagne split, party favors, live music on all three stages, and surprises all night long. This event is for those 21+ only.
Ring in the New Year Sober Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing sober New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise around Little Sabine. Departing promptly at 11:15 PM, this cruise promises to offer a front-row seat to the breathtaking fireworks show, creating unforgettable memories to kick off the new year. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky and the tranquility of the water as you welcome the new year!
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Keep your eyes on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free firework display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. At midnight, a dazzling light display sponsored by Escambia County will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
Plan Your Visit
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Other Events in Pensacola FL
Foo Foo Fest
Foo Foo Fest is a 12-day celebration each fall, featuring culturally creative happenings, events, and moments under one banner, attracting visitors to beautiful Pensacola, Florida. Foo Foo Fest is big fun, with events of high artistic and cultural caliber, delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication. This year’s festival takes place from October 31 – November 11, 2024. Enjoy food, art, theater, music, and events served with a side of Southern sophistication.
Pensacola Beach Rentals at Beach Bum BB
Looking for the best Pensacola Beach vacation rentals? Beach Bum BB has you covered. Located in the heart of Pensacola Beach, our Pensacola Beach rentals offer easy access to all the holiday activities and events, plus provide a comfortable and luxurious place to relax. Enjoy the spectacular beach views and the convenience of staying close to all the action. Explore all the wonderful Pensacola events and make your holidays unforgettable with plenty of things to do in Pensacola, Florida. Come and experience the festive charm of this beautiful coastal city.
