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The downtown holiday season will include Polar Express and Grinch tours, character photos, an Elf Parade and performances through Christmas Eve.
Pensacola Winterfest begins Friday, November 20, with ticketed holiday tours and character visits in downtown Pensacola.
The 2026 season continues on select nights through December 24. Families can choose from the Polar Express Tour, Grinch’s Merry Match, Santa and Grinch photo sessions, and the Scrooge and Marley Tour during Christmas week.
A free Elf Parade will officially open the downtown celebration November 27.
Winterfest Dates for 2026
Winterfest activities are scheduled for select nights on:
November 20, 22, 27 and 28
December 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
Not every tour or photo experience operates on every date. Guests should select the specific attraction and departure time before purchasing.
The official Winterfest website provides live ticket availability. Popular Christmas-week departures can sell out before the event date.
Polar Express and Grinch Trolley Tours
The Polar Express Tour and Grinch’s Merry Match begin November 20 and operate on multiple nights through Christmas Eve.
Published prices vary by date. Early-season tickets begin at $10 for children and $16 for adults on November 20 and 22. Prices increase on busier dates, including the opening-night celebration and Christmas week.
For Winterfest ticketing, adults are guests age 11 and older. Children are age 10 and younger. Children age 24 months or younger can ride free when seated in a parent’s lap.
The trolley shows combine transportation through downtown Pensacola with staged performances and holiday characters. Families should arrive early enough to locate parking, check in and board at the assigned time.
Santa and Grinch Photo Sessions
Photos with Santa and Intrude Upon the Grinch also begin November 20.
The entry photo package includes candid images and one posed photograph. Published starting prices are $39 on the earliest dates, with higher prices on peak nights. Additional poses can be added for an extra charge.
The package price applies to the photo experience rather than a separate admission charge for each person pictured. Buyers should review the current package description when reserving because available times and prices vary by date.
Free Elf Parade on November 27
The Pensacola Elf Parade takes place Friday, November 27.
Lineup begins at 12:30 p.m. near Government and Palafox streets.
Costume and wagon judging begins at 1:25 p.m.
The parade starts at 2 p.m.
Participation and viewing are free. Families can wear elf costumes, decorate wagons or strollers, enter the announced contests and march through downtown.
The free afternoon parade and the ticketed evening Winterfest tours happen on the same day. Families can attend both without choosing between them. Winterfest identifies 5:30 p.m. as the beginning of evening tour activity, although individual ticket times should be followed.
Scrooge and Marley Arrive During Christmas Week
The Scrooge and Marley Tour is scheduled only during the final portion of the season, beginning December 19 and continuing through Christmas Eve.
Tickets vary by date, with published child prices generally between $16 and $17 and adult prices between $23 and $26.
Families interested in this tour should not wait for the November opening weekends, because it is specifically reserved for Christmas week.
Where to Park for Winterfest
Winterfest takes place across downtown Pensacola rather than inside a single venue.
Guests should use the parking guidance attached to their selected tour and allow extra time for downtown traffic. Public garages, metered spaces and paid parking areas are available throughout the district, but spaces closest to the boarding area may fill first.
Parking is not included in the published tour prices unless expressly stated during checkout. Drivers should follow posted rates and time limits.
The Elf Parade will also affect traffic around Government and Palafox streets on November 27. Families attending the parade should plan to park outside the immediate route and walk to lineup or viewing areas.
Choose and Reserve the Experience Early
Winterfest offers both free and ticketed ways to participate in downtown Pensacola’s holiday season.
Families looking for a free activity can plan around the November 27 Elf Parade. Those wanting a trolley show or character photographs should compare dates, ticket prices and remaining departure times through the official Winterfest calendar.
Choose the experience that best fits your group, then reserve tickets before peak December dates begin selling out.
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