“Bring the whole family out to Pensacola Beach to experience our Holiday Island Spirit,” said Meg Peltier, president and CEO of the Beach Chamber. “You’ll have two opportunities to see Santa! After all, this is Santa’s Island! Ho! Ho! Ho!”

The Chamber’s 2023 “Season Your Holidays” festivities kick off with the Lighted Boat Parade.

• Lighted Boat Parade – Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m.

The 2023 Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade will set sail at 6:30 p.m. from Sabine Marina and make its way around the Santa Rosa Sound to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk where it will dock.

Leading up to the boat launch, a kids’ pre-parade party with Santa will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach.

Directly following the boat parade, Santa will make his way to the Quietwater Shell on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk to greet children, followed by a brief firework display over the Santa Rosa Sound.

Spectators can watch the parade and firework display from Little Sabine or the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and any of the businesses along the route.

• Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade – Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.

Thousands of children, parents and other spectators make their way to Pensacola Beach on Sunday to see Santa Claus close out the annual Surfin’ Santa Beach Parade.

Starting at 2 p.m. from Avenida 10, the parade will make its way down Via De Luna toward Casino Beach and end at the Gulfside Pavilion.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Sunday, Dec. 31 at Midnight

Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free firework display along the Santa Rosa Sound.

At Midnight, a dazzling light display, sponsored by Escambia County, will take place from the Santa Rosa Sound and along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.

• Polar Bear Plunge – Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, Noon – 3 p.m.

Need an exhilarating rush to help kick off your new year? Head to Pensacola Beach and plunge headfirst into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Hosted by Paradise Inn/Bar & Grill, hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume – flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition.

Registration begins at noon and the fee is $15 cash per person and participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt or a $10 registration donation to participate without the t-shirt and $5 Cub Club for ages fifth grade and under. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce.

“Season Your Holidays with Island Spirit” is one of several festivals and events presented by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, Inc. The Chamber is a not-for-profit corporation committed to promoting, advancing and stimulating civic, business, commercial interests and the general welfare on Pensacola Beach.