Winterfest Elf Parade

Downtown Pensacola sparkles year-round with celebrated parades, but none is as colorful, whimsical, and fun-filled as Winterfest’s annual Elf Parade—led by none other than Santa himself!
Mark your calendars: Friday, Nov. 28 (yes, Black Friday!) is the day when red and green rule the streets and holiday cheer takes over downtown. Thousands of smiling faces will line the sidewalks as the parade officially kicks off the holiday season.
👂 Elf ears? Absolutely.
🎄 Ugly sweaters? The uglier the better.
🚼 Decked-out strollers, wagons and skateboards? Yes, yes, and yes!
Line-up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Baylen and Government Streets behind the Escambia County Courthouse.
Before the parade steps off, Santa himself will host a jolly costume contest—awarding prizes for:
• Biggest elf ears
• Best-decorated stroller
• Best-decorated wagon
• Ugliest sweaters
• Cutest dog in a stroller
…and winners will proudly lead their section of the parade!
From there, the merry procession will follow Government Street to Palafox, continue to Zaragoza, wind to Tarragona, and return to Government Street—spreading joy every step of the way. (View the full route at www.elfparade.com.)
This free, family-friendly tradition is brought to you by Winterfest, a local nonprofit that’s been making holiday memories since 2006. It’s even been named a Top 20 Fall Attraction by the Southeast Tourism Society!
For videos, photos, tickets, and more merry details, visit www.pensacolawinterfest.org.