10 Things to do For the Holidays

It’s that time of year again; time for mistletoe, sweater weather, and extremely long shopping lines. After a year like 2020, it is safe to say everyone needs a little extra holiday cheer this season. I have put together a list of 10 activities to do this holiday season to help lift your spirits– COVID-19 friendly of course. 

• The Sowell North Pole Christmas Light Display

This light display is located in Milton, FL at 7650 Sowell Rd. and has over one million lights on display. You can view the lights by car or by train. Cost varies from $10-$15 per vehicle and is $2 per person for the train ride. Camel rides and pictures with Santa are also available at extra cost.

• Polar Express Tour 

Dive into the Polar Express movie experience by climbing aboard this magical tour. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as you watch the tap-dancing servers go by and listen to the Polar Express story. Ticket prices vary from $18-$29 for adults and $13-$20 for kids. 

• The Cajun Night Before Christmas 

This experience immerses you in a true Cajun Christmas with fun traditions, games, and food. An opening show will take place in downtown Pensacola on the courthouse steps. Guests will then board the trolley and be taken to another performance featuring the Cajun Santa Claus. After the performances, you are free to roam the village and participate in all of the activities they have laid out for the night, including a scavenger hunt. Ticket prices vary from $18-$29 for adults and $13-$20 for kids. 

• Cookie Decorating Contest 

There is nothing like a little friendly competition. Grab your favorite cookie recipe, some icing, and festive sprinkles and have a cookie decorating contest with your close family and friends. You can even do this virtually via Zoom or another platform to practice social distancing. 

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display

Sit back and watch the magic explode as we say goodbye to 2020 and hello to a new year. Located at the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk, a brilliant light show will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound. 

• Host a Virtual Holiday Baking Party

Baking together is better than baking alone. Find a recipe and share it with your close friends as you all join a group call and bake together. Add some festive music in the background to really get into the holiday spirit.

• Drive By Christmas Lights

There is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than grabbing a cup of hot chocolate and hitting the road to look for lights. Here is a map of the best decorated houses and neighborhoods in Pensacola so you can spend your time enjoying the view instead of searching for the best spots. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=12f6_spFdLzTAMxZwv2CNxmJSihMQs-d8&ll=30.53319419920892%2C-86.99250180000003&z=10

• A Lionel Christmas

Enjoy Holiday lights, train rides for the kids, hot chocolate, and multiple model railroads. Located at the West Florida Railroad Museum from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 31st. This event is offered at no cost to you, but donations are accepted. 

• Downtown Pensacola Lights Display

Stroll through Downtown Pensacola and enjoy the glistening lights on display up and down Palafox street. If you get hungry along the way, stop at one of the many local restaurants and enjoy a bite to eat as you soak in the beauty of this Holiday season. 

• Bellingrath Gardens

Located in Theodore, AL are the Bellingrath Gardens celebrating their 25th year of Christmas magic. Though this may be a bit of a drive, it is totally worth it. The Bellingrath Gardens have more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes across the 65-acre property. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $8 for ages 5-12.