Join us for the holidays
There is nothing quite as magical as Christmas on the Emerald Coast. Add to it a variety of events scheduled throughout the region, and it’ll be easy to get into the holiday spirit.
Here is how you can experience the holidays on the Emerald Coast
Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display
This amazing drive-thru Christmas Light display is taking place in Milton, just north of Navarre. It runs from Nov. 27 – Dec. 26. The lights create a unique and magical experience as you drive through.
Second annual Christmas ZOObilee at the Gulf Breeze Zoo
The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most exciting daytime event to kick off the coming holiday season. We invite you to join us for the second annual Christmas ZOObilee at the Gulf Breeze Zoo December 12, 13, 19, 20.
Christmas ZOObilee includes winter-themed bounce stations, live music and entertainment, a Candy Cane Market full of gifts, sights, smells and tastes of the season, including unique gifts from local artists and delicious holiday treats. Fun for the entire family, Christmas ZOObilee wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the jolly man in a red suit. Sundays with Santa is the perfect opportunity to hand-deliver last-minute Christmas letters while snapping a treasured photo with Saint Nick in his sleigh. With all event activities included with regular daytime admission, Christmas ZOObilee is the area’s can’t miss holiday event.
Pensacola Winterfest
Downtown Pensacola comes alive with song and dance, arts and crafts during the holidays. Pensacola Winterfest’s tours and photos with Santa take place in Plaza Wonderland at the corner of Government Street and Palafox Place. Snow and music start at 5 p.m. on Fridays, 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, on all Tour nights. You can get the details HERE.
Event Schedule:
Visit Santa: Nov. 27, 28 and Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Visit Grinch: Nov. 27, 28 and Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Polar Express Tour: Nov. 27, 28 and Dec. 5, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Celebrate Christmas, Louisiana-style!
Christmas is a time to celebrate with family, and no one does that better than Louisiana! This brand-new experience immerses you in Cajun Christmas traditions, games, and food!
Cajun Christmas is a brand-new performance for Winterfest. Guests will watch an opening show on the courthouse steps before being boarded on a trolley with a delightful guide. Your guide will tell you stories of how they celebrate Christmas in the bayou as you take a short ride to the Historic Village. At the village, you will disembark the trolley to another performance featuring Papa Noel, the Cajun Santa Claus. From there you will be free to roam the village, visit the museum, play a scavenger hunt, or dance to a live string band. Cajun treats will be available for purchase on site. There is no limit to how long you can stay at the village, but trolleys will pick up guests to ride back to the courthouse every 30 minutes, the final ride arriving at 9:00pm.
For the safety of our guests and our performers, capacity on our trolleys will be limited and guests over the age of 2 will be required to wear masks while onboard.
Catch a ride on the Polar Express with this magical tour! This 20-minute tour immerses you in the story of the Polar Express with visits from your favorite characters.
Join the Conductor for a magical journey to a life-size steam engine! Share in the adventure as the Conductor recounts the story of the boy who received the first gift of Christmas… a bell from Santa’s sleigh! On board our Polar Express Tour, you will see tap-dancing hot chocolate servers, snowy landscapes, and learn what it truly means to believe. Rekindle the wonder of the beloved story book, along with the belief in the magic of Christmas. All passengers will receive a mini-cup of hot chocolate.
Please dress for the weather! This performance takes place on an open-air tram. You are welcome to bring blankets on chilly nights to stay warm. Please note that this experience will be different than in years past. We have re-staged our musical performances to take place outside of the tram so that all guests will be able to have a perfect view, regardless of where they sit. We don’t want anyone to miss a thing!
Safety of our guests and staff is our priority! This tour will take place on an open-air tram and follow social distancing practices. Capacity on this tour will be limited and guests over the age of 2 will be required to wear masks while onboard.
Polar Pajama Party
Come dressed in pajamas if you like! We’ll be awarding a special prize to the rider with the most festive pajamas on each trip.