Did you know that the Basilica of St. Michael has been in Pensacola since 1781 and that its origins can be traced back to Spanish General Bernardo de Galvez? More than 230 years ago, Galvez led his Spanish troops in a 61-day siege to recapture Pensacola from the British. Also among his ranks was a Capuchin missionary and chaplain to the troops named Father Cyril de Barcelona. On May 8, when the Spanish declared victory over the British in the Battle of Pensacola, Father Cyril blessed an old, two-story warehouse on the waterfront for a church, permanently establishing the parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Downtown Pensacola. 

A small park at the intersection of Palafox and LaRua Streets in downtown Pensacola is the site of an often overlooked, but historically significant landmark. Fort George was built atop Gage Hill by the British when they occupied Pensacola between 1763-81. The site can easily be seen today by looking up Palafox Street from downtown. Fort George was the largest of a trio of fortifications on the hill, along with the Queen's Redoubt and the Prince of Wales Redoubt. 

For sixty enchanting nights beginning on Black Friday, visitors to downtown Pensacola can experience music, shopping, food, art and nightlife under a canopy of four hundred thousand white lights illuminating historic buildings, parks, shops, galleries and outdoor spaces. Visitors can navigate the eclectic district that’s anchored by Palafox Street—named one of America’s “Ten Great Streets”—on foot or by Segway®, horse and carriage, pedi-cab or a Winterfest trolley. 

The holidays are a busy time of year, and fighting for parking spots at big box retailers or paying to park should be the least of your worries. So from Dec. 17-25, 2017, all street and surface lot parking in downtown Pensacola will be free.

Santa Claus officially arrives in Downtown Pensacola each Black Friday and once again he’s inviting everyone to join him and ring in the holiday season. Children will be able to climb aboard his sleigh to talk (negotiate? explain things?) directly to the jolly man in red and pose for photos in a magical holiday setting just outside the Old County Courthouse on historic Palafox and Government streets, and he'll be there each weekend until Christmas Eve. Santa will be joined by some of his favorite costumed Christmas characters and a mind-boggling list of activities for all ages, from music to live theatrical performances to train rides, children’s games, food, hot chocolate and more.