Celebrate the Season by Hunter Morrison
As musician Andy Williams once said, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow.” It truly wouldn’t be the holiday season without festivals and events to celebrate it. Fortunately, Pensacola will be hosting a variety of fun events this holiday season. And yes, some of them will include snow (even though it may be artificial). So set down the milk and cookies, put on your snow boots and celebrate the holidays at these fun and, most importantly, COVID-19 safe events this holiday season.
First City Lights Festival
Winterfest
The organizers of Winterfest have been working all year to find creative solutions to bring joy to the Pensacola community in the safest way possible. Their hard work has paid off, as Winterfest is set to take place at 223 Palafox St. on Dec. 5, 11, 12, 18-24. Just like in years past, Santa Claus and The Grinch will still be available for photos. This year, instead of waiting in a crowded line to get your picture taken, guests will be required to make a reservation time for photos either online or on location. You can also expect to see snow at Winterfest, no matter what the weather may be. On Dec. 12, be prepared for a special snow day, with icy treats, snowy activities and an artificial blizzard. While you’re there, be sure to catch a ride on the Winterfest Express, giving all passengers a delightful ride through Santa Plaza. Winterfest is even allowing the kids to write a letter to Santa in the annual Santa letter contest. Winners of this contest will receive a special prize at the Santa send-off ceremony, which takes place on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the event. Staff will also be required to wear masks. For more information on Winterfest, go to pensacolawinterfest.org.
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Experience the awe and beauty the holiday season has to offer at the First City Lights Festival. Working alongside Winterfest, the First City Lights Festival will showcase half a million twinkling lights in downtown Pensacola. “We work with a company to get Christmas lights put up and as many trees as possible up and down Palafox Street,” said Walker Wilson, executive director of the Downtown Improvement Board. “Those lights will stay on through the middle of January.” The lights from this festival will stretch a total of ten blocks from Wright Street to Cedar Street. While at the First City Lights Festival, be sure to check out Winterfest, which is set to occur on Dec. 5, 11, 12, 1824. For more information on the First City Lights Festival, go to visitpensacola.com.
The Gordon Holiday Festival
Celebrate and embrace creativity this holiday season at The Gordon Community Art Center Holiday Festival. The Gordon Holiday Festival will feature two programs with musicians, dancers and poets that are free and open to the public. “I want to celebrate some of our local talent,” owner of The Gordon Christine Kellogg said. “This is what will be in the shows, which are open to the public.” The event will also feature local artists displaying and selling holiday gifts. Live music and lights will be displayed outside in the garden area. Food and drink will also be available for purchase. This will be an indoor and outdoor event. Masks and social distancing will be required. Hand sanitizing stations will also be present. The Gordon Holiday Festival is scheduled for Dec. 5 from 5 pm to 9 pm. For more information about The Gordon Holiday Festival or The Gordon Community Art Center, visit thegordon. org or call 850-857-8961.
