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Happy Holidays from the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Burea
Official News of the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau

White Christmas in the Pensacola Bay Area

Go ahead and dream of a white Christmas this year. The Pensacola Bay Area boasts 52 miles of pristine white, sandy beaches. With mild winter temperatures, a big New Year's Eve celebration and even snow-sledding excitement, there are plenty of reasons to head to the beach this winter.

In this month's issue:

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Despite what the Weather Channel may say, there is snow in Northwest Florida. Come and join the fun at Sam's Fun City, where they'll feature a snow-sledding hill. The special event is one day only on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Dash for Cash

Race fans 16 and older can feel the thunder of fast-action go-kart racing with the 9th Annual Snowball Showdown on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Fast Eddies Fun Center. A total purse of $276 goes to the top three finishers. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and is a great way to rev up for the 42nd Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway.

Polar Bear Plunge

If you've never participated in this chilling New Year's Day tradition, why not go ahead and take the plunge? The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line on Perdido Key and Paradise Bar & Grill on Pensacola Beach host a Polar Bear Dip, a popular and exhilarating splash-around. Afterwards, everyone joins in a Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas to bring good luck for the New Year.

Pensacola Florida's Facebook profile

Downtown countdown with illuminated pelican

Ring In the New Year in the Pensacola Bay Area

The City of Pensacola is hosting Downtown Countdown 2008 on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Families can enjoy a free street-party with live music, a children's area and fireworks, along with a 10-foot, half-ton illuminated pelican that will be dropped 100 feet at midnight. Children will have their own special countdown at 8 p.m. Plus, everyone will get a "KISS at midnight" thanks to the KISS Army tribute band.

Sole Inn and Suites room

Great Hotel Deals

Many area hotels are offering great packages to make your New Year's Eve even more special, while saving you money. You can enjoy the retro, posh interiors of Solé Inn and Suites, which just opened in November. The 1950s-style hotel is walking distance from the festivities. Enjoy a night's stay, complimentary cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m. and breakfast for just $99.

Countdown the Rates

10. Meyer Real Estate, four nights for the price of three
9. Portofino Island Resort & Spa, $199 for two nights with shuttle service, champagne and strawberries
8. Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, $189 per night for two people including complimentary champagne, tickets to Seville Quarter entertainment complex and annual passes, free shuttle service, breakfast and late check out.
7. Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel, $139
6. Hampton Inn & Suites University Mall, $104 with breakfast
5. New World Landing, $109 with breakfast, walking distance from festivities
4. Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, $99 with champagne and breakfast
3. Courtyard by Marriott University Mall, $89
2. TownePlace Suites by Marriott, $89
1. Fairfield Inn by Marriott University Mall, $79 with breakfast
Divinity dessert

Absolutely Divine Divinity

This delicate dessert is as pure and soft as snow. Made with sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and pecans, it's simple, too. Find this recipe and more from JW Renfoe Pecan Company for a real Christmas treat.

Upcoming Events

ZOOLights - November 22 - December 27

Winterfest Tours - November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13, 19-24, 26-28

Pensacola Children's Chorus, Christmas on the Coast - December 6-7

Sizzling Specials

RMI Vacations
Money in your Pocket Savings

Pointe South Vacation Rentals
10% off with online booking

More deals and specials