What's Happening
Events Calendar
11/27/2009
Season Lights Up
Island-wide - 6 p.m. Santa Rosa Island twinkles with holiday lights. Businesses and residents will add a dash of Island Spirit with festive decorations. Free. Tree lighting and caroling at the Boardwalk around the massive live tree.
11/27/2009 - 1/1/2010
Season Your Holiday with Island Spirit
This month-long festival of family-friendly holiday events kicks off with a live tree lighting ceremony and ends with the fireworks on New Year's Eve and a frosty Polar Bear Plunge on January 1. Events include everything from a Kowabunga Breakfast with Surfing Santa and a lighted boat parade to island caroling on a double-decker bus, a gingerbread house make- and-take event, and a whimsical holiday street parade with plentiful treats.
12/1/2009
Children's Coloring Contest Kick-off
Limitless imaginations guide small hands in creating Island holiday works of art. Coloring sheets are available at the Visitor’s Information Center, Island Style and Beach hotels. All art will be displayed in Island Style's Tropical Christmas Room. Free.
12/5/2009
Kowabunga Breakfast with Surfing Santa
Surf Burger - 8 to 10:30 a.m.
This Santa has a surfboard sled pulled by magical dolphins. Kids should have their wish list ready. Free mimosas for parents.
12/6/2009
Christmas Festival of Arts, Crafts, Food & Fun
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Mission, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
12/6/2009
Gingerbread House Make and Take
Make your own Gingerbread House! Noon to 2 p.m. at Tiki Island Golf and Games. Bring a bag of hard candies to decorate your Beach version of the traditional sweet house. Free.
12/6/2009
Santa and His Paparazzi Photo Session
Boardwalk - 2 to 4 p.m.
Island memories are forever when you have your photo taken with Santa in front of palm trees decorated by Beach elves. Nominal charge for photo.
12/6/2009
Tis The Season Open House
Lee Tracy - Boardwalk - 2 to 4 p.m.
Experience Lee Tracy's Southern charm. Hospitality is the norm and shopping is hassle free. Goodies for kids of all ages. Santa will be in the Amphitheatre for photos. Hope you have been nice.
12/7/2009
Joy For The Beach
Presented by the Pensacola Beach Optimists at Our Lady Catholic Church - 6:30 p.m.
This event dishes up abundant Island spirit. Served by high energy singers and performers costumed for the holidays. Free.
12/11/2009
Lighted Boat Parade
Pensacola Beach Marina to Boardwalk - 7 p.m.
The sparkling spectacle of decorated vessels parading against a dark December sky delights those watching from the shore or a waterfront Beach business. Children are given light sticks to illuminate the Flounder's landing site. Dozens of captains compete for prizes as the nautical parade delivers Santa Claus officially to the Island. Santa's Workshop will host children of all ages to whisper into Santa's ear. Free.
12/12/2009
Island Style Tropical Holiday Open House
4 to 6 p.m. The home of the Christmas Room on the Island. Owners Mario and Jeff invite visitors to get caught up in the spirit. Chat, munch cookies, sip cider and enjoy the original art by coloring contestants. Not an easy task, but the judges will award first, second and third places in two age categories for the Coloring Contest. Free.
12/12/2009
Ornament Making
Days Inn Pensacola Beach - 1 to 4 p.m.
The Gulf of Mexico offers her treasured sand dollars and starfish that evolve into fabulous and festive decorations for the tree. Free.
12/12/2009
Coloring Contest Winners Announced
Island Style - 6 p.m.
Not an easy task, but the judges will award first, second and third places in two age categories. Free.
12/13/2009
Gingerbread House Make and Take
Make your own Gingerbread House! Noon to 2 p.m. at Tiki Island Golf and Games. Bring a bag of hard candies to decorate your Beach version of the traditional sweet house. Free.
12/13/2009
Surfing Santa Beach Parade
Via de Luna at 2 p.m. Delightfully decorated whimsical floats wend their way down the Island’s main street sharing holiday joy, candy and trinkets with all who care to catch the spirit. Santa oversees the parade from high atop his bright red fire engine which delivers him to the Gulfside Pavilion where children of all ages can speak to him personally. Free.
12/13/2009
Christmas Cantata
Beach Church - 10 a.m.
Traditional seasonal music to delight all who care to listen. Free.
12/18/2009
Sip and Sing Caroling Tour
Sandshaker - 5:30 p.m.
Come early to get your boarding pass for the open air bus which will amble to each island pub, make a quick stop for carolers to entertain patrons and on to the next stop. Must be 21 to ride.
12/19/2009
Adult Coloring Contest
Sandshaker - 6 p.m. Let Island spirit bring out your inner artist. We supply the crayons. You supply the imagination. Free. Prizes.
12/20/2009
Rudolph’s Red Nose Ramble
Starts at the Sandshaker. 2 p.m.
Ramble, walk or amble to Sabine Sandbar for Island Eggnog, Hooters and then to Bamboo Willie’s for the Santa Look Alike and Sexy Elf contests. Follow the Red Nose. Ramble back to the Shaker for the Wrap Up Party at 4:30 p.m.
12/20/2009
Santa Claus Look Alike Contest and Sexy Elf Contest
Bamboo Willie's - 3:30 p.m. Looking for a St. Nick knock-off. Beard, boots and good laugh required. Mrs. Claus or even an elf or two can compete. Be naughty or nice. No charge to enter. Great prizes.
12/20/2009
Santa and His Paparazzi Photo Session
Island Style from 2 to 4 p.m. Island Santa awaits your arrival in the Christmas room. The sweet smell of peppermint candy canes will lead you right to him. Have your photo taken for a nominal charge.
12/24/2009
Candlelight and Carols
Beach Church - 6 p.m. The choir of the Pensacola Beach Community Church invites visitors to join in their Island Christmas Eve tradition of caroling by candlelight. Free.
12/31/2009
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Ring in the new year with island-wide celebrations. A dazzling fireworks display at midnight from the end of the Gulf Pier.
1/1/2010
Polar Bear Plunge
Paradise Bar and Grill at 2 p.m. The emerald waters of Santa Rosa Sound are filled with those hardy souls who wade, swim and scurry to the finish line. Heaping bowls of black-eyed peas wait to warm them. Entry fee benefits the Chamber. No charge to cheer.