Holidays in Pensacola

Share the Holidays

Any time is the best time to visit Pensacola, and holidays are no exception.

Experience Pensacola during the holidays, where cherished traditions and exciting events await. From Christmas parades to July 4th fireworks displays, Easter sunrise church services on the beach, and New Year's Day plunges into the Gulf, there's something for everyone.

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Fall

Halloween

Ghouls, mummies, and pumpkins - you guessed it, Halloween in Pensacola! There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween here in Pensacola. There are tons of activities and attractions to get your spooky season on this year.

The annual Beach-O-Ween event on Pensacola Beach is sure to leave you with a good time and good memories with the whole family! Come out in your costumes and get in the spooky spirit.

The annual Boo at the Zoo event at Gulf Breeze Zoo is a great family friendly experience that allows trick-or-treating throughout the zoo with Halloween-themed activities. There are also a number of haunted houses in the area if you're seeking a fright. Many bars and restaurants also host Halloween parties or costume contests. With Pensacola's rich history, a ghost tour is a fun idea to learn about our city's haunted sites and spooky tales. Don't forget about the pumpkin patches and farms in our area as well.

Explore Halloween-themed Events in Pensacola

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to come together and reflect on all things we are thankful for - and Pensacola is one of them! Celebrate Thanksgiving with your own feast and take advantage of our local grocery stores to find everything you need this season. Pensacola's mild climate during this season makes it a lovely time to spend time outdoors with family and friends, whether you're having a relaxing walk or picnicking beach-style.

A Pensacola Thanksgiving: Gobble, Sun, and Fun

A Pensacola Thanksgiving: Gobble, Sun, and Fun

When the turkey’s calling and the beach is beckoning, there’s only one place to be: Pensacola, Florida. We’ve got your ticket to a Thanksgiving like no other this year, where sandy shores meet holiday feasts. Whether you’re a Pensacola local coming home or visiting in pursuit of a sunny escape, here’s how to enjoy Thanksgiving in Pensacola to the fullest.

Veteran's Day

Pensacola has a strong military community as well as several military installations in the area, with several activities to honor our veterans. Veteran's Day is a significant and heartfelt occasion to honor and show gratitude to the men and women who have served in the military. Check out these events below to express your gratitude for those who have fought for our nation's freedom.

Winter

Winter Holiday

Looking for a coastal holiday season this year? Pensacola truly knows how to celebrate in style, offering a variety of festivities that will leave you filled with lots of memories.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere at Winterfest as Downtown Pensacola transforms into a winter wonderland. From the delightful Elf Parade to performances of "The Polar Express" and other beloved holiday shows, Winterfest is a treat for all ages. You can even get the chance to meet Santa himself and share your Christmas wishes.

For those who enjoy a good parade, Pensacola doesn't disappoint. The Pensacola Christmas Parade has been going on for decades and rolls down Palafox Street every December.

But that's not all! Pensacola the holiday season to the water - with the Lighted Boat Parade of course! It's fun for the whole family.

Whether you stroll through Downtown Pensacola, immersed in thousands of twinkling lights, or venture to the beach to witness the magic of a lighted boat parade, Pensacola offers a winter holiday experience like no other. Pensacola is ready to welcome you with open arms and wishes you a Happy Holiday!

Check out seasonal holiday events in Pensacola

Winter Holiday and New Year Activities and Events in Pensacola

Winter Holiday and New Year Activities and Events in Pensacola

Experience twinkling holiday magic for all ages…that’s the Way to Beach.

New Years

From dinner, to parties, to fireworks shows, Pensacola is the spot to be to ring in the New Year. Check out our events calendar and the blog below to stay updated on New Years celebrations.

Ring in the New Year in Pensacola

Ring in the New Year in Pensacola

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to celebrate. From reflecting on the past year to celebrating and looking forward to the next, Pensacola has activities and events for the whole family that sparkle.

New Year Events in Pensacola

Mardi Gras

Pensacola's Mardi Gras celebrations offer a unique blend of local traditions, vibrant parades, and lively entertainment. It’s a tale old as time. Rich feasts, swanky costumes, glittery gold, and more celebrate Carnival.

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Valentine's Day

Pensacola offers a range of activities and options to make Valentine's Day memorable for you and your partner. Sunset beach strolls, romantic dinners, couples' spa day, wine tastings - you name it, it lives here.

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Romance in Pensacola

Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Romance in Pensacola

Pensacola — with its sugar-white beaches, turquoise surf and charming, colonial-era downtown — has become a magnet for couples looking for a romantic getaway. You’ve scored major points just by getting here, but what do you do once you’ve arrived?
Couple on Beach

St. Patrick's Day

In Pensacola, celebrating Irish culture and heritage is made easy with a variety of options. From lively Irish pubs and the famous McGuire's run to St. Patrick's Day pub crawls, you're sure to have a great time. Whether you're looking for traditional Irish food, live music, or a festive atmosphere, Pensacola has it all to make your St. Patrick's Day a memorable celebration.

Spring

Easter

Celebrate Easter in the Pensacola Bay Area. There are several restaurants hosting Easter brunches and lunches, as well as different community events like Easter egg hunts. Not to mention, the spring weather is typically delightful!

Mother's Day

Pensacola offers various ways to celebrate and make the day memorable for your mother or mother figure. Treat mom to a nice brunch or dinner, take her out shopping at a local boutique, or explore the great outdoors and take advantage of Pensacola's beautiful weather. Not to mention there are several markets to attend where you can grab a handmade gift, or even treat her to a spa day. There are so many ways to make mom feel special and make her day memorable.

6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Pensacola

6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Pensacola

Discover how to make Mom feel special in Pensacola this Mother’s Day.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or an opportunity to kick off the summer season; it is an occasion that allows us to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by our military personnel. In recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of service members, May is designated as Military Appreciation Month. Check out the page below for some great Military Trip planning tips.

Military Trip Planning and Resources

Military Trip Planning and Resources

Naval Aviation Museum

Father's Day

Celebrating Dad in Pensacola can't get any better. There are a plethora of activities to do here. Hit the history sites - there are several museums, forts, and historic sites to explore. History not dad's thing? Well, there are tons of breweries, outdoor adventures like kayaking and surfing, or even sports. During this season the Blue Wahoos Baseball games are going on, so take dad out to the ball game.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated every year on June 19th in the United States, commemorating the end of slavery. Many cities across America celebrate in different ways. Some will hold festivals, parades, and other activities to mark the occasion. There are events happening right here in Pensacola this year. There will be a Juneteenth themed Gallery Night as well as other events to celebrate the Journey of Juneteenth.

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Summer

July 4th

July 4th in Pensacola is a lively and festive celebration. Pensacola offers a range of activities and events to commemorate Independence Day. There are fireworks displays to enjoy, a freedom run, and more.

Blue Angels

While the Blue Angels Air Shows aren't federal holidays in America, we like to celebrate the Pensacola Beach Air Show as if it was one! A Pensacola Holiday if you will. There is a whole week of events leading up to the official Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show on Saturday, called Red, White, & Blues Week.

Blue Angels Air Shows

Pensacola is home to two annual airshows, the Pensacola Beach Airshow featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in July, and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow in November.

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Labor Day

Labor Day in Pensacola encapsulates what it truly means to kick back and relax. This long weekend is a perfect time to plan your trip to Pensacola, and enjoy the outdoors and diverse activities with a side of perfect weather. This is a time for locals and visitors alike to fully embrace the essence of relaxation and leisure. Check out these blogs and plan a Labor Day weekend trip to Pensacola.

72 Hours in Pensacola: Your Guide to the Perfect Long Weekend

72 Hours in Pensacola: Your Guide to the Perfect Long Weekend

If you find yourself with a long weekend, Pensacola is a great destination to soak up some seasonal sun and take in new experiences. Here’s a guide to a perfect long weekend.
Couple kayaking at Big Lagoon State Park

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