Mind How You Go

The Chief Elf took some time from her very busy schedule this season to answer your most frequent questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask! Please note Pensacola Winterfest has an all-volunteer staff, so we may be at work and need some time to get back to you.

When is Pensacola Winterfest 2025?

Pensacola Winterfest events run on the following days in 2025: November 21, 23, 28–30; December 5–7, 12, 14, 19–24.
We perform our free preshows, and have visits with Santa and the Grinch each night of the event. Take a ride on the Polar Express or celebrate with the Whos on the Grinch's Merry Match. New this year you can Cheer up with the Peanuts Gang or cozy up with someone special for Mistletoe Magic. Scrooge returns on Christmas week for a thrilling reminder from the spirits of the season.

Our first performance is at 5:00pm Friday nights, and 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday nights. Check out our Calendar of Events for the full schedule.

What types of vehicles run the tours?

Our fleet for 2025 includes an open air tram for the Polar Express and special trolleys designed just for our other tours! In the event of inclement weather, the Polar Express Tour may also take place on an enclosed trolley.

What's the difference between the tours?

The Polar Express tour begins with a musical show on the courthouse steps where tap-dancing servers will give everyone a cup of hot cocoa. The conductor of the Polar Express will lead everyone aboard an open-air tram to embark along a 20 minute journey to the Polar Express. During the ride, you'll be delighted by musical performances and exciting effects along the way. Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer

The Scrooge tour takes you through the classic tale A Christmas Carol! You and your family will get a chance to encounter the stingy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, his dead business partner Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future! Experience this spooky Christmas tale as you, along with Ebenezer, learn to hold Christmas in your heart and keep it all the year! Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer

The Grinch's Merry Match will introduce you and your party to many classic Seussian characters such as Thing 1 & Thing 2, the Mayor of Whoville, Martha May Whoveir, and, of course, the Grinch himself! The Whoville Fire Department is ready with an emergency exit slide just in case something goes wrong! Learn More Get Tickets Watch Trailer

Mistletoe Magic will take you on a dazzling musical tour as you are led by your guide, Bing Crosby into a world of holiday hits! Cozy up next to someone special, as you are serenaded by seasonal sensations such as Elvis Presley, Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and more! So hold your mistletoe high and sing along to all of your favorite Christmas songs! Learn More Get Tickets

On Cheer Up, It's Christmas Charlie Brown, you'll join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they search for the perfect Christmas tree! As we journey through festive forests and snowy streets, you‘ll discover plenty of Christmas cheer and adventure here. Perhaps you and even Charlie Brown too will find out what makes Christmas the happiest time of the year! Learn More Get Tickets

Can I just drive through the route to see the performances?

Alas, no. Since so much of the action takes place on the trolleys, your experience would be a little bit like watching your neighbor's television through the living room window. Also, following the trolleys can cause traffic and safety issues as our actors sometimes have to go into the street. If you have a larger group with a private bus, we are happy to arrange a guide and a place in the schedule for your group. We strongly recommend boarding our custom-designed trolleys for the full experience.

Is there food at Pensacola Winterfest?

Yes! We serve great hot chocolate and yummy cookies at our Gingerbread House by the boarding area for the Grinch's Merry Match. Many excellent downtown restaurants are open throughout the season.

Who can I call if I need assistance?

Our customer service volunteers will be happy to assist you at 850 583-1365. We're not always in the office, but we'll do our best to get back to you quickly.

Do I need to reserve online? Can I get tickets in person at the event?

The past several years, tours and photo times have sold out in advance, so reservations are strongly recommended to ensure a seat. If you have a large group, we recommend booking before Halloween to guarantee you get your preferred date and time.

When there are seats available, we do offer tickets for the next available performance at our reservations kiosk, where the trolleys board.

Advance tickets are only available online. If you are unable to complete your purchase online, please give us a call at 850 583-1365. We'll be happy to help over the phone. No one at the Old County Courthouse building will be able to assist you during the day.

What do tickets cost?

Be sure to book before October 1 for the best prices! Prices vary for our tours and photo sessions by night. Please see our calendar for details. Kids 24 months and younger can ride for free in a parent's lap, and don't need a ticket.

What is the refund policy?

There are no refunds if you miss your tour, but we are happy to honor your ticket for another tour on the same evening as your reservation if seats are available.

Can I move my tickets to another night?

Winterfest is a nonprofit event with a volunteer staff, and your payment is considered a donation. We will do our best to accommodate change requests with a fee of $10 per guest in addition to any difference in price. Please note that our tours are often full and we may not be able to find seats for you at your preferred time.

How do you deliver my tickets?

Once your order is complete, your tickets will be presented to you online and sent by email. At checkout, you can choose if you would like to have a copy your tickets texted to you when it's time to check in for your tour.

At check in we will confirm your reservations by name, so you don't need to have a physical ticket with you. You are welcome to print the electronic tickets we send you.

You can also have your tickets delivered by mail for a small fee. Postal delivery may take 3-5 days and is not always available.

What if I can't print my reservations? What if I lose them or forget to bring them?

Don't worry! We have your reservations on file, so it's not necessary to bring paper tickets with you to the tour.

Please note: no one at the Old County Courthouse building will be able to assist you with reservations during the day. If you need assistance any time Pensacola Winterfest is not performing, please call 850-583-1365 and our volunteers will be happy to help.

Will you mail my tickets to me?

Yes! Please select the "deliver by mail" option at checkout and your tickets will be mailed to you. Delivery may take 3-5 days. It is not necessary to bring your printed tickets with you to the event.

I have a large group and would like to book a private tour. How do I make arrangements?

Give us a call at 850-583-1365 and we'll be happy to arrange your tour.

Are the tours accessible for the disabled?

We offer tours with ASL interpretation on request. The Polar Express tour has a lift for mobility devices. Tours with these services available are marked in the ticketing process when you select a time and vehicle. Please text or call 850-583-1365 for additional information or if you have other accommodation needs.

If you would like to receive a script in advance to improve your ability to understand and enjoy our tour, please contact us.

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. You can use the address 223 S Palafox Place, 32502 for your GPS or maps app. Take a look at 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?

There are several public lots nearby and plenty of free on-street parking. The Old Courthouse Parking Garage at 25 W Intendencia Street is on the site of the event, and the City of Pensacola has detailed maps of available downtown parking.

Is there parking for the disabled?

Accessible parking is available in the on-site parking garage at 25 W Intendencia Street. The Winterfest plazas can be accessed directly through an arcade on the first floor of the garage adjacent to the handicapped parking spots, via a wheelchair-accessible curb ramp.

How long are the tours?

Our 2025 tours run about 25 minutes from opening show to arriving back at the courthouse.

Are there restrooms at the event?

Restrooms are available on site, and at many of the businesses along Palafox Place. Ask any elf for directions.