Things to do in Pensacola in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Pensacola. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 52—65°F (11—18°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Pensacola during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights, explore the Pensacola Winter Market, visit the Winterfest Polar Express Experience, and more!

Pensacola has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Pensacola. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Pensacola in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Pensacola in December

Top experiences in December
Attend the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights
During the month of December, Pensacola hosts the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights, where visitors can hop on a festively decorated trolley and take a guided tour of the city's most beautifully decorated homes and businesses. The tour is accompanied by holiday music and storytelling, making it a magical experience for the whole family.
Explore the Pensacola Winter Market
Pensacola's Winter Market is a unique experience in December, offering a festive atmosphere with local vendors selling holiday gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and even meet Santa Claus. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses.
Visit the Winterfest Polar Express Experience
Inspired by the classic children's book and movie, the Winterfest Polar Express Experience in Pensacola offers a magical train ride complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus. The experience is perfect for families looking to create lasting holiday memories.
Take a holiday lights tour of Pensacola
Pensacola comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations in December, making it the perfect time to take a holiday lights tour of the city. Visitors can drive or walk through neighborhoods and parks to admire the dazzling displays, creating a magical experience for all.
Visit the Pensacola Winter Wonderland
Pensacola's Winter Wonderland is a charming holiday village that pops up in December, offering ice skating, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa Claus. The village is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for all who visit.
Attend the Pensacola Nutcracker Ballet
For a dose of holiday culture, the Pensacola Nutcracker Ballet is a must-see event in December. The timeless tale comes to life on stage with beautiful costumes, enchanting music, and talented dancers, making it a magical experience for the whole family.
Attend the Pensacola Snowball Derby
For racing enthusiasts, the Pensacola Snowball Derby is a must-see event in December. This prestigious race brings together some of the best drivers in the country to compete in a thrilling weekend of high-speed action at the Five Flags Speedway.
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Holidays in Pensacola in December
December

There are no holidays in Pensacola in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Pensacola in December

Temperatures on an average day in Pensacola in December

The average temperature in Pensacola in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 65°F (18°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Pensacola, August, has days with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 78°F (26°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 61°F (16°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Pensacola in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
65°F
highs
52°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
28%
Chance of rain
0.132 in
Amount
13.6 mph
Wind speed
83%
Humidity
10.2 hrs
Daylight length
6:36 AM
Sunrise
4:50 PM
Sunset
53%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 65°F (18°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Pensacola in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Pensacola has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Pensacola that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Pensacola for December.
National Naval Aviation Museum
1. National Naval Aviation Museum
4.8
(8547)
Museum
National museum
Attractions include 150+ restored military aircraft, a flight simulator & a giant-screen theater.
Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
2. Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
4.7
(2576)
Museum
History museum
Circa-1859 lighthouse offers tours & views from the top, plus a museum showcasing local history.
Naval Air Station Pensacola
3. Naval Air Station Pensacola
4.5
(160)
Naval base
Sights & Landmarks
Blue Wahoos Stadium featuring Admiral Fetterman Field - Home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos
4. Blue Wahoos Stadium featuring Admiral Fetterman Field - Home of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos
4.8
(2897)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Open-air 5,000-seat stadium features minor league baseball games, concerts & events amid bay views.
Historic Fort Barrancas
5. Historic Fort Barrancas
4.6
(375)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic hilltop fort once occupied by a variety of countries, now home to a museum with tours.
Johnson Beach Rd
6. Johnson Beach Rd
5.0
(11)
Notable street
Outdoor Activities
This narrow, 2-way thoroughfare runs the length of the Johnson Beach National Seashore.
Santa Rosa Island
7. Santa Rosa Island
4.9
(169)
Island
Nature & Parks
Long, thin barrier island, home to Pensacola Beach, nature reserves & relaxed sandy shores.
Splash City Adventures
8. Splash City Adventures
3.6
(1621)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Amusements including go-karts, arcade games & laser tag fill this attraction next to a water park.
Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park
9. Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park
4.8
(669)
Bird watching area
Nature & Parks
Perdido Key State Park
10. Perdido Key State Park
4.8
(1197)
State park
Nature & Parks
Barrier island with white-sand beaches & dunes offering picnic facilities plus swimming & fishing.
Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore
11. Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore
4.8
(418)
Campground
Nature & Parks
Historic landmark built to defend Pensacola Bay, plus discovery center, nearby beach & fishing pier.
Downtown
12. Downtown
Neighborhoods
The waterfront Downtown area centers on Palafox Place, where gift shops and gastropubs fill quaint, 19th-century buildings and the 1920s Saenger Theatre stages Broadway musicals. Costumed interpreters staff restored homes in Historic Pensacola Village, and the T. T. Wentworth Jr. Museum explores Florida history in a grand rococo building. Sailboats, seafood spots, and a Spanish conquistador statue overlook the bay.
Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola
13. Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola
4.8
(1176)
Memorial park
Nature & Parks
Tranquil park featuring many war & military monuments around a pond with ducks & turtles.
Visit Pensacola
14. Visit Pensacola
4.5
(370)
Tourist information center
Visitor Centers
Pensacola Bay City Ferry
15. Pensacola Bay City Ferry
4.7
(328)
Transportation
Ferries
The Graffiti Bridge
16. The Graffiti Bridge
4.5
(1376)
Outdoor Activities
Historical landmark

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Pensacola?

Get inspired for your trip to Pensacola with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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