‘Tis Time To Season Your Holidays with Island Spirit
Christmas on the Boardwalk (weekends in December)
The oversized tree and bright red sleigh are in the center of the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where kids can speak to Santa Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 6-7, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Ends at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7). Instrumentalist Jacoby Curry will play from 1:30 -3:30 p.m on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
Toys for Tots Texas Hold ‘Em 4444 Fun Tourney Sat Dec 6 at 1 p.m
The Toys for Tots Texas Hold ‘Em 4444 Fun Poker Tournament is a beach tradition, and a way for the locals to makes sure “every child has a toy at Christmas.” This year’s tourney is set for Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. at Paradise Bar and Grill.
The entry fee is two new unwrapped toys or $20. Everyone is welcome to play and players show up with loads of toys. Organizers also put Toys for Tots collection boxes around the Beach and Gulf Breeze. United States Marines arrive, in uniform, at the poker tournament to pick up the toys. There are tons of prizes, even if you don’t win. A custom Champion’s tumbler, engraved by Prim in Proper, is part of the grand prize.
Adventures with Santa Sat Dec 6 at 2-4 p.m.
Santa hangs at the soundfront adventure park, Laguna’s, on Saturday, December 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Can you drive faster than Santa in his go-kart or perhaps you just want to see him go zipping across the park? The 2-hour park pass is $25 and the photo opps are unlimited.
Grinchmas at Crab’s Sun Dec 7, 9 to Noon
The mean, green guy who tried to steal Christmas is stirring up a morning party on Sunday, December 7 at Crab’s. The Gulf front restaurant with the red roof hosts their annual Grinchmas beginning at 9 a.m. There’s Grinch games, Grinch crafts and cookies to munch on. Kids can order Grinch pancakes which comes with a visit to the Hot Chocolate bar for breakfast. There’s plenty on the adult menu, too.
Surfin Santa Beach Parade Sun Dec 7, 2 p.m.
Santa makes his way around the Island that bears his name all weekend, but he is the star Sunday’s Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade. The parade, which rolls at 2 p.m. on Via de Luna from Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion, is a not-to-miss family friendly holiday event. Look for dignitaries in convertibles, marching units and high-spirited parade entries like our cover girl, Angela Moore.
This year’s Grand Marshall knows who’s naughty or nice - it’s Pensacola Beach Elementary School Principal Rachel Watts. Don’t be surprised if she is being escorted by some of her students along the parade route.
Spectators will see floats, decorated golf carts and there’s always lots of beads and trinkets to take home. And, best of all, Santa will be riding high atop at bright red fire engine where he can see all the kids waving and calling his name.
Shaggy’s Sunday Sugar Cookie Workshop, Sun Dec 7, 3 pm
Shaggy’s on Pensacola Beach Blvd. throws open the doors on their own version of Santa’s Funshop with cookie decorating, and plenty of holiday fun from 3 to 5 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Chamber’s Lighted Boat Parade Fri Dec 12 6:30 p.m and Fireworks Show, 7:30 p.m.
The beach’s boat captains start early in the week transforming their sailing and fishing vessels into sparkling spectacles complete with seasonal music and over the top themes. The competition is stiff for the annual awards of “Most Merry” and “Best of Show.” The lighted boats make their way into Little Sabine Bay where they sail a slow loop at 6:30 p.m. before heading out into Santa Rosa Sound, under the Beach Bridge heading east. The Lighted Boat Parade is visible from most soundfront locations, but if you want to see Santa, you need to be at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
“Once the parade concludes, Santa will arrive at the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk amphitheater’s shell stage to greet children and take photos aboard his sleigh from 7:30-8:30 p.m.,” said Chamber CEO and Head Elf Jessica Simpson. “He is joined this year by Mermaid Claus.”
There are a bunch of busy merchants on the Boardwalk who are making the night sizzle and sparkle. They sponsored the Lighted Boat Parade Fireworks Show over the Santa Rosa Sound from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Breakfast on the Beach with Santa and His Helpers, Sun Dec 14, 8 to 11 a.m.
Santa’s landing his sleigh on the sand at Casino Beach Bar and Grill, Sunday, December 14. He will be there from 8 to 11 a.m. with games for the little ones, a cookie decorating station, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Bring one new, unwrapped toy donation for Gulf Coast Kids House and receive a complimentary photo with Santa — sent straight to you after the event! Brunch and regular menus will be available.
To ensure the quality of your visit, reservations are required. Available on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. Call, 850-932-6313.
Brunch with Santa Sun Dec 14 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flounder’s goes North Pole. The entire restaurant is turned into a winter wonderland, ready for families to enjoy Brunch with Santa, Sunday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get this - Fred Flounder even has snow at the soundfront location. Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf make appearances. It was hard to keep Buddy from eating all the candy canes and drinking all the hot chocolate last year. There are all kinds of fun things to do like cookie decorating and you can even send a letter to Santa. Plenty of menu options for grown-ups and a special kids selections, too.
Sisters of the Beach Brunch Sun Dec 14 11 a.m.
The SOB Brunch will be at Flounder’s, Sunday, December14 at 11 a.m. This tradition goes back decades. It’s a ladies only, champagne fueled morning of eating, drinking, singing and sharing a few hours reconnecting.
Holiday spirit is high as ladies arrive wearing their most merry attitudes and outfits. For some it’s a reunion, for others a holiday outing without kids and guys. A special toast is made to the staff at Flounder’s as the SOBs serenade them with their signature song. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Brunch is Dutch treat. The SOBs gather for a group photo and sing “The 12 Days of Christmas.”