Have you been thinking of shaking up your typical holiday traditions this year? While some may argue that home is where the heart is, the beach isn't so bad either. Trading the bitter cold for sunny Florida is the perfect way to spend the holiday season. Families can make new memories with white sand instead of white snow and spend time outside instead of staying cooped up in the house. If you're dreaming of Thanksgiving or Christmas in paradise, keep reading to see why you should vacation in Pensacola Beach this holiday season.
Beautiful Weather
It's no longer a secret that Northwest Florida is becoming a popular destination for visitors looking to escape to beautiful beaches and comfortable weather. While the Pensacola area does experience cooler temperatures in the winter, November and December usually enjoy mild weather. In December, Pensacola's average temperature is in the upper 60's, while lows are in the 50's overnight. Also, in December, the Sea temperature of the Gulf of Mexico can range from 61 degrees to 77 degrees making the water feel calm or pleasant for swimming.
While locals may not find this weather special, those coming from a winter wasteland will find this incredibly relaxing. Even without swimming, fall and winter days in Pensacola are the best days to be outside, soaking up the sun and getting the much-needed vitamin D. The chance of rain significantly drops in November and December, so this is a perfect time of the year to enjoy the the great outdoors. Walking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other recreational activities feel more than pleasant in Pensacola's beautiful fall and winter weather.
Fewer Crowds
Since Northwest Florida does experience the seasons and tends to cool off a bit in the fall and winter, it isn't usually top of mind for holiday vacation destinations. Many people will head further south, but Pensacola Beach boasts its most comfortable weather during this time of year. The smaller, quiet Pensacola Beach community is another reason it is still a low-key vacation destination.
You won't find the typical spring-break type of visitors during the holidays on Pensacola Beach, which is why it is often referred to as "One of Florida's Best Kept Secrets". Locals enjoy this time of year as the beaches become more secluded, traffic wanes, and restaurants have significantly shorter wait times.
Less traffic makes getting out to shops and restaurants much easier during the holiday season. The open space on the beaches makes it ideal for long walks, bike rides, or just relaxing in the warm sunshine. Hanging out on the on the shore without the busy summer crowds while celebrating holidays will let you feel like a local on the beach.
Events
These beach towns do not fall asleep in the winter, but they pull out all the stops for the holiday season. During the holidays, some famous events in Pensacola are Winter Fest, the First City Lights Festival, and the Pensacola Beach Firework Display. Aside from these greater events, many local businesses or groups will put on festivities like ugly sweater parties, Christmas celebrations, holiday movie nights, and New Year's gatherings.
Kicking off each year on Black Friday and ending with the Elf parade on Christmas Eve, Winter Fest is an iconic holiday festivity in downtown Pensacola. Santa and several Christmas cast members are present, bringing the holiday spirit to Florida. Downtown Pensacola will feel like a winter wonderland between live performances, Christmas trolley rides, and "snow".
Photos from Downtown Pensacola & WinterFest on Facebook
Following the day after Thanksgiving at 5 pm, Pensacola's downtown streets from Garden Street on Palafox down to Plaza De Luna will becomes illuminated by over half a million lights. Along with the Winter Fest trolley tours, you may catch live performances, Christmas caroling, and other festivities throughout the evening.
You can't celebrate New Year's Eve without fireworks! Just before midnight, the dazzling display will kick off at Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for a free firework show! Ringing in the New Year while watching fireworks on the beach is the best way to close out the year and move forward into the next one. If you're interested in some of our beach or sound-front properties to watch the fireworks from a balcony, check them out here.
You shouldn't need much more convincing to visit Pensacola Beach this holiday season. Imagine family photos on the white sand on the beach, indulging in a seafood holiday feast, and watching New Year's Eve fireworks on the beach. Make beautiful memories on the Gulf Coast during the most wonderful time of the year. Explore our available rentals for the holiday season and plan your much-needed relaxation time.
Cover photo from Sandcastle Rockstars.
