Here comes Santa Claus, right down Palafox Street! Just like the iconic Christmas song, all will be merry and bright beginning Nov. 5 as Downtown Pensacola lights up with the launch of a seven-week celebration of holiday magic. With dazzling lights, festive shopping, family fun, and a jolly lineup of events, it’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays in the heart of the city.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

The fun starts at 3 p.m. on Nov. 5, when Santa arrives downtown in front of the grand Christmas tree at the Pensacola Museum of History (weather permitting). Families can snap selfies and share wish lists until 4:45 p.m., when Santa helps to flip the switch that lights up downtown for the season and then makes his way along Palafox to pop into local shops.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING CEREMONY

At 5 p.m., the Downtown Improvement Board, with support from ParkPensacola and the Saenger Theatre, will illuminate more than a half-million holiday lights along Palafox Street and beyond. You can catch the magic with Santa and the Peanuts Gang from Winterfest right in front of the Museum of History or from viewing spots all along the Palafox corridor. Be on the lookout for Winterfest’s charming mini-train, circling Plaza Ferdinand from 5–8 p.m. Then, stay downtown to shop, stroll, and soak up the festive glow.

PALAFOX MARKET HOLIDAY EDITION

The evening also marks the debut of the Palafox Market Holiday Edition, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Plaza Ferdinand for its first and only night there. Beginning the following week, the Holiday Market will take place every Wednesday evening through Dec. 17 in MLK Jr. Plaza, under thousands of twinkling lights. *The regular Saturday Palafox Market (9 a.m.–2 p.m.) will continue at both MLK Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand.

9TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HAUL

The most magical shopping night of the year returns Dec. 5 with the 9th Annual Holiday Haul on Palafox! It’s a street-wide holiday open house that invites visitors to explore downtown’s boutiques and shops and enjoy live music, pop-ups, giveaways and holiday treats—and maybe even spot Santa spreading cheer (and selfies) along the way.

THE “ALL I WANT” HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

The ever-popular “All I Want” Holiday Giveaway launches Nov. 5 and runs through Dec. 17, presented by the Downtown Improvement Board and local merchants. Shoppers can earn entries for every $10 spent at participating downtown businesses, with daily prizes, weekly $100 gift cards, and a $1,000 grand prize in downtown gift cards.

Spend local and you could win anything from dinners and spa treatments to original art, clothing, and more. On Shop Small Saturday (Nov. 29), shoppers will earn double entries for every $10 spent. For complete rules and details, visit www.downtownpensacola.com/AllIWant.

PARKING AND VISITOR INFO

Free and $1/hour paid parking from the City of Pensacola will be widely available during the Holiday Season. City of Pensacola parking spots are just $1/hour, with free parking at the Commendencia Street Parking Lot and select lots along North Palafox Street. Find a parking map and details at www.parkpensacola.com.

PHOTO BY LAURA BOGAN