Traditionally, the mention of Pensacola summons images of lazy days relaxing on sugar-white sands as the emerald green waves lap at your bare feet. Pensacola summers are hard to beat, but our winters might actually have an edge. I present five pieces of evidence to support this radical claim:
In Pensacola, I get to stroll through my very own winter wonderland, without needing snowshoes. Can you imagine getting your white Christmas with an average high of 65 degrees? It's the best of both worlds! I love going to the beach during the winter, not only because I can leave the sunscreen at home, but also because it's so serene. Winter is our offseason, so there are much fewer people on the beach. It's pretty easy to convince yourself that the beach belongs only to you and the occasional seabird. It also happens to be the time of year when you get the best rates on beach accommodations.
Every year, Downtown Pensacola dons its holiday best, and it is truly a sight to see. Thousands and thousands of twinkling white lights adorn every tree, lamppost, and storefront, transforming Palafox Street into something out of a classic Christmas film. The lights go up right around Thanksgiving and stay through the early part of the new year. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and someone you love and take a dreamy stroll.
Pensacola really does have so much to offer, but one element that consistently flies under the radar is our performing arts offerings. Did you know that we are one of just a few cities in the Southeast that boast the "big five"? Not only do we have an accredited art museum, but we also have a professional symphony, opera and ballet companies and a professional theatre - the Saenger. On any given weekend, you can go to the Saenger Theatre and see world-renowned opera singers performing one of the opera's grandest productions, or a professional ballet company performing the classics or brand new shows written specifically for them. You can also catch a touring Broadway show like the "Jersey Boys" or "The Sound of Music." The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra puts on incredible shows every year, but you don't want to miss their annual Beethoven in Blue Jeans in January.
Yes, you read that right. If the performing arts aren't your scene, how about catching a hockey game instead? If you're having a hard time picturing hockey in Pensacola, it's time to experience it for yourself. The best part, in my opinion, is the legion of fervent fans they have amassed over the years. An Ice Flyers game is much more than just hockey' It's become a Pensacola institution!
Did you know that Pensacola has been celebrating Mardi Gras almost as long as they have in the Big Easy? Mardi Gras was first observed in this country by our neighbors to the north in Mobile, Alabama, but it made its way down to Pensacola shortly after that. Though we celebrate with various parades and events from January through March, our main events take place in one weekend. The first two of the three main parades takes place on Friday and Saturday in Downtown Pensacola, while the third takes over Pensacola Beach. The New Orleans parades may be known worldwide, but they also have a reputation for being less than family-friendly. Here in Pensacola, we believe young and old should be able to let the good times roll together!
So, let's recap. A perfect, serene beach all to yourself on a 65-degree day. World-class performances. Dreamy holiday lights. Family-friendly fun.... and ice hockey. I rest my case. We'll see you this winter!
5 Ways to Warm Up this Season
Nothing says winter time in Pensacola like a cold breeze in the air. The leaves start changing, seasonal menus debut with items that include root vegetables and hearty meats, and those cozy sweaters start finding their ways into window displays. As the weather has changed, we want you to be fully prepared for those cooler temps, and we have just the list to do so.
10 Fun Free Things to do in Pensacola
Needing inspiration for a fun and inexpensive way to spend your time in the Pensacola Bay Area?
Enjoy the Local Life in East Pensacola
Pensacola’s beautiful beaches and historic downtown make us a great destination. If you want to see where the locals hang out, explore East Pensacola (and get outside while you're at it, too!)
Dive Into Winter in Pensacola
Break out the wetsuit and booties, and check out the unbelievable undersea beauty of our scuba Panhandle Shipwreck trail. Winter diving? You can see the difference. Visibility and sealife make winter diving the choice.
5 Ways to Enjoy the Beach in Winter
Whether you're looking to restore your soul, hike for a nice view or see an abundance of scenery and wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Pensacola this Winter.
Five fun facts about Mardi Gras in Pensacola
Mardi Gras is upon us once again, and Pensacola stands ready to let the good times roll! If you’ve never experienced Pensacola’s Mardi Gras celebration, you’re in for a treat. Nobody does Mardi Gras quite like we do. Here are five fun facts about Pensacola’s Mardi Gras celebration:
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