Winterfest 2020 Update

When we heard news of the COVID-19 pandemic, our elves immediately sought to find new and safe ways to celebrate Christmas with the Pensacola community. We are pleased to announce that there will be a Winterfest in Pensacola this year… although it is going to look a little different than it has in the past.

Your family can choose between two new shows this year! On board our Polar Express Tour, you will see tap-dancing hot chocolate servers, snowy landscapes, and learn what it truly means to believe. Capacity on our trolleys will be limited and guests will be required to wear masks while onboard.

For more adventurous types, try our brand new Cajun Christmas! Board a tram to ride to the Historic Village where Papa Noel will read The Cajun Night Before Christmas in front of a fireplace. After the story, you can wander the Museum of Industry, play a scavenger hunt, listen to a live jug band, dance with Papa Noel’s alligator team and eat gumbo!

You will even be able to come visit Santa this year! His sleigh is in the workshop right now being redesigned to allow for social distancing. Winterfest will also be expanding the use of our reservation system to Santa visits in order to eliminate queues.

We take the safety of our guests and staff very seriously. Because of this, Winterfest has made the difficult decision to cancel the Elf Parade, Fireworks display, and our traditional Performance tours. Our new experiences will incorporate social distancing, we will increase cleaning measures, and require our guests and staff members to wear masks. Santa has even recruited Thing 1 and Thing 2 as safety checkers around the Christmas Plaza. They are very excited to help guests play this new game called “social distancing” and to add some fun to these new guidelines. Check out all you need to know about Winterfest safety on our know before you go page.

Visits with Santa and all tours will take place on Nov. 27, 28, and Dec. 5, 11, 18 -24 and be located at 223 Palafox Place. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for updates! Tickets will be available for purchase on October 1.

The Magic of Pensacola Winterfest

The moment you enter Plaza Wonderland on Palafox Place, the snow begins to fall. A cup of hot chocolate and the sound of a trolley bell bring back memories of the Polar Express. The conductor calls your name: All aboard for the most wonderful journey you'll take this Christmas season. Take a ride aboard our mini-train through the lights, snow, and magical scenery of Winterfest!

Come see our NEW performances! Instead of our traditional, hour-long performance tours, we have two exciting experiences for your family to choose from.

Find out More

Still have questions? Ask the Chief Elf! You can email us, call us, or text us at 850-583-1365 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:p.m. CST. If the elves are busy, you may leave a message and we will return your call.

Friend us on Facebook and sign up for our email list to keep in touch about fun activities like our mini train!