Christmas Glow Pedal Boat Rides at OWA! Enjoy Downtown OWA's Christmas lights and illuminated Christmas tree from the water aboard a glowing pedal boat.
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There’s plenty to enjoy during the Christmas season in Pensacola, but some of the Gulf Coast’s most memorable holiday experiences are just a short drive away.
From an outdoor performance of The Nutcracker along 30A to spectacular Christmas light displays in Alabama and Mississippi, there are plenty of reasons to plan a little holiday road trip this year.
Here are six Christmas experiences worth the drive from Pensacola.
The Nutcracker Ballet in Seaside, Florida
When: Sunday, November 22, at 5 PM
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 2 hours
Admission: Free
One of the most magical ways to kick off the Christmas season is with an outdoor ballet performance in the heart of Seaside.
Ballet Pensacola will perform Act II of The Nutcracker at the Seaside Amphitheater, bringing the classic Christmas story to life beneath the evening sky.
Spend the afternoon exploring Seaside’s picturesque streets, grabbing lunch from the Airstream food trucks and browsing local shops before settling in for the performance.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and arrive early to grab a good spot. Seating is first come, first served.
Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens
When: November 20 through January 9
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Admission: Ticketed event
If there’s one Christmas light display worth making the drive for, it’s Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore, Alabama.
Now celebrating its 31st year, Magic Christmas in Lights transforms the sprawling 65 acre garden estate into an illuminated Christmas wonderland.
Visitors can wander through elaborate light displays, enjoy holiday music, sip hot chocolate and explore the beautifully decorated historic Bellingrath Home.
The experience is especially popular with families, couples and anyone looking to start a new Christmas tradition.
The lights are open from 5 PM to 9 PM, excluding November 25 and 26, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Christmas in Downtown Fairhope, Alabama
When: Beginning November 19
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 1 hour
Admission: Free for the downtown festivities
Fairhope already feels like something out of a movie, but during Christmas, the charming Alabama town becomes even more picturesque.
The annual Lighting of the Trees takes place on Thursday, November 19, illuminating the streets of downtown Fairhope for the holiday season.
Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring local boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants before enjoying the Christmas lights after sunset.
Other early holiday events include Christmas Movie in the Street on November 21 and the Downtown Christmas Open House on November 22.
For a full day of Christmas festivities, consider combining a visit to Fairhope with an evening at Bellingrath Gardens.
Watch OWA’s Christmas Tree Lighting from a Glow Pedal Boat
When: Saturday, November 21, from 2 PM to 8 PM
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 45 minutes
Admission: Free event, pedal boat rentals available for purchase
Imagine watching a spectacular Christmas tree lighting from the middle of a lake aboard your very own illuminated pedal boat.
OWA Parks & Resort in Foley kicks off the Christmas season on November 21 with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting, featuring live entertainment, festive train rides, magical snowfall and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
For a truly unique holiday experience, book a glow pedal boat with Aura Adventures and enjoy the festivities from the water. These colorful, illuminated boats accommodate up to four people, making them perfect for a family outing or a Christmas date night.
With Christmas lights reflecting across the lake and the festive atmosphere of Downtown OWA surrounding you, it's hard to imagine a more memorable way to kick off the holiday season.
We recommend reserving your glow pedal boat in advance for this special evening.
Book Your Glow Pedal Boat for the Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas at The Village of Baytowne Wharf
When: Throughout November and December
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin offers something you might not expect to find on the Emerald Coast: ice skating.
Its seasonal ice rink is open through February 7, giving visitors a chance to enjoy a classic winter activity without traveling far from the beach.
The village also hosts several free Christmas events throughout the holiday season, including:
November 27: Outdoor showing of The Polar Express
November 28: Here Comes Santa Claus, featuring the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks
December 1 through 31: Nights of Lights
December 11 and 18: Grinchmas
December 12: Tuba Christmas
Between the waterfront restaurants, festive decorations and holiday entertainment, Baytowne Wharf makes for a great family outing or Christmas date night.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
When: November 27 through January 3
Distance from Pensacola: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Admission: Ticketed event
For those willing to venture a little farther west, Gulfport, Mississippi, is home to one of the largest Christmas light displays in the region.
The Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival transforms Jones Park into a waterfront Christmas attraction featuring more than 1.5 million lights.
Visitors can enjoy illuminated displays, carnival rides, a holiday train, dancing Christmas trees and Santa’s Village.
Make a full day of the trip by exploring the Mississippi Gulf Coast, visiting local restaurants and enjoying the waterfront before heading to the festival after dark.
Make the Most of Christmas on the Gulf Coast
One of the best parts of living in Pensacola is how many unique destinations are within driving distance.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic Christmas date night, a festive family outing or a new holiday tradition, these destinations offer something a little different from the usual Christmas celebrations.
And with so many events beginning before Thanksgiving, there’s no need to wait until December to start enjoying the holiday season.
Looking for more Christmas events, local festivals and things to do closer to home? Explore Must Do Pensacola and follow us on Facebook for the latest happenings throughout the Pensacola area.
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