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When is Pensacola Winterfest 2026?
Winterfest 2026 runs on these nights:
- November: 20, 22, 27, 28
- December: 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
First shows start at 5:00pm on Fridays and 4:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Calendar of Events for the full schedule.
Every night you can enjoy our free Winterfest Christmas Special, visit Santa, and drop in on the Grinch. Hop aboard the Polar Express, celebrate with the Whos on the Grinch's Merry Match, or cheer up with the Peanuts gang. Scrooge returns Christmas week for a thrilling reminder of the spirit of the season.
Where is Winterfest?
Winterfest is based at the plazas around the Old County Courthouse, at the corner of Palafox and Government Streets in Downtown Pensacola. Use 223 S Palafox Place, 32502 in your GPS or maps app, and check out our map for directions.
From Southwest Pensacola or NAS
Take Garden Street to Palafox Place, turn right. Winterfest is three blocks down on your right.
From Nine Mile Road and Pine Forest
Take I-110 south to the Garden Street exit. Turn left at Palafox Place. Winterfest is three blocks down on your right.
From Gulf Breeze
Take Gregory Street to Palafox Street. Turn left onto Palafox. Winterfest is five blocks down on your right.
Where can I park?
Plenty of parking is nearby! The Old Courthouse Parking Garage at 25 W Intendencia Street is on-site, and there are several public lots and lots of free on-street parking close by. The City of Pensacola has detailed maps of downtown parking.
Accessible parking is available in the on-site garage at 25 W Intendencia Street. You can reach the Winterfest plazas directly through an arcade on the first floor of the garage, next to the accessible parking spots, via a curb ramp.
What should we wear?
Dress in layers! Pensacola evenings can range from warm to downright chilly. Bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves on colder nights, and don't forget the kids' jammies if you're riding the Polar Express! We have blankets and cocoa to help keep you warm on the chilliest nights.
What if the weather is bad?
The show goes on! On rainy or very cold nights, the Polar Express may run on an enclosed trolley to keep you cozy. If anything changes, we'll let ticket holders know by text or email.
What kind of vehicles run the tours?
Our fleet includes an open-air tram for the Polar Express and special trolleys designed just for our other tours. In rainy weather, the Polar Express may also run on an enclosed trolley.
What are the tours?
All four tours are family-friendly and run about 25 minutes from opening show to drop-off back at the courthouse.
🚂 The Polar Express Tour — All aboard!
Sip hot cocoa as tap-dancing servers kick off a musical show on the courthouse steps. Then climb aboard our open-air tram for a 20-minute ride packed with songs, lights, and magical surprises along the way.
Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer
🎄 The Grinch's Merry Match
Meet Thing 1 and Thing 2, the Mayor of Whoville, Martha May Whovier, and the Grinch himself! The Whoville Fire Department is standing by with an emergency exit slide, just in case something goes wrong. The Grinch Tour is best for kids 6 and up and those who love a little thrill.
Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer
🐶 Cheer Up, It's Christmas Charlie Brown
Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they search for the perfect Christmas tree! You'll travel through festive forests and snowy streets and discover what makes Christmas the happiest time of the year.
Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer
👻 Scrooge — A Christmas Carol (Christmas week only)
Step into the classic tale and meet stingy Ebenezer Scrooge, his ghostly business partner Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future. Best for ages 6 and up — there are ghosts and a few spooky moments.
How long are tours and when should we arrive?
Tours run about 25 minutes from opening show to drop-off back at the courthouse.
Plan to check in 15 minutes before your tour time. That gives you time to park, find the boarding area, and get a good spot for the opening show. The trolleys can't wait, so please don't be late!
Can I drive the route to see the show?
The magic happens on the trolleys — most of the music, characters, and surprises are designed for riders. Driving alongside also creates traffic and safety problems, since our actors sometimes step into the street. Hop aboard for the full experience!
Got a large group with a private bus? Call us at 850-583-1365 and we'll arrange a guide and a place in the schedule for your group.
Do I Have to Get Reservations Online?
Tours and photo times sell out in advance, so we strongly recommend booking ahead to make sure you get a seat. If you have a large group, book before Halloween to lock in your preferred date and time.
When seats are open, we sell tickets for the next available performance at our reservations kiosk near the trolley boarding area.
Advance tickets are only available online. If you can't complete your purchase online, give us a call at 850-583-1365 and we'll be happy to help over the phone. Please note that no one at the Old County Courthouse or Artel Gallery is available to help with Winterfest tickets during the day.
What do tickets cost?
Book before October 1 for the best prices! Prices vary by tour, photo session, and night — see our calendar for details.
Kids 24 months and younger ride free in a parent's lap and don't need a ticket.
How will I get my tickets?
As soon as your order is complete, your tickets are shown on screen and emailed to you. At checkout, you can also choose to have a copy texted to you when it's time to check in.
At check-in we look up your reservation by name, so a paper ticket isn't required. You're welcome to print your tickets if you prefer.
Want them by mail? Choose the mail-delivery option at checkout for a small fee. Postal delivery takes 3–5 days and is not always available.
How do I check in? What if I forget or lose my tickets?
No worries — we have your reservations on file! You don't need to bring a paper ticket with you. Choose "text me my tickets when it's time to check in" at checkout and we'll send a reminder link straight to your phone 15 minutes before your reservation.
If you need a hand any time Winterfest isn't performing, call 850-583-1365 and our volunteers will be happy to help.
What if I miss my tour or need a different night?
Missed your tour? Visit the tickets kiosk on Palafox — we'll do our best to get you on another tour the same night if seats are open.
Need a different night? Call us at 850-583-1365. We can usually move your tickets for a $10-per-guest change fee, plus any difference in price. Tours sell out, so the sooner you call, the better your chances of landing your new preferred time.
Because Winterfest is a nonprofit run by volunteers, your ticket purchase counts as a donation and isn't refundable.
I have a large group. Can we book a private tour?
Absolutely! Give us a call at 850-583-1365 and we'll happily arrange a private tour for your group.
Is Winterfest accessible?
Yes! Here's what we offer:
ASL interpretation on request
A wheelchair lift on the Polar Express tour- Accessible parking in the on-site garage at 25 W Intendencia Street, with a curb-ramp connection to the plazas
- A script in advance so you can follow along — just ask
Tours with ASL or lift service are marked when you choose your time and vehicle. Text or call 850-583-1365 for any other accommodation needs and we'll do everything we can to help.
Is there food at Winterfest?
Yes! We serve Santa's Sodas, hot chocolate and yummy cookies at our Gingerbread House near the Grinch's Merry Match boarding area. Many great downtown restaurants are also open throughout the season.
Are there restrooms?
Yes — restrooms are available on-site and at many businesses along Palafox Place. Just ask any elf for directions!
Can I take photos and video on the tour?
Please do! Snap all the photos and video you'd like, and tag us @pensacolawinterfest when you share. For everyone's safety, please keep phones and cameras inside the trolley, and use flash sparingly so our performers can see.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat?
Strollers can't ride along on the trolleys, but there's a safe spot to park them at the boarding area while you're on tour. Car seats aren't required — kids can sit on the bench seats with you, and little ones 24 months and younger can ride free in a parent's lap.
Who can I call if I need help?
Our customer service volunteers are happy to help at 850-583-1365. We're not always in the office, but we'll get back to you as quickly as we can!