Pensacola

The best way for families to spend Christmas in Florida's Panhandle is to go to Pensacola Winterfest. The region, which is surrounded by sandy beaches, is decorated with holiday lights. This entertaining event offers hot chocolate, holiday shows, and the opportunity to get "snowed" upon.

Book a seat on the Polar Express, a 20-minute train trip that includes hot cocoa, holiday entertainment, and a requisite Santa visit. This is one occasion where you don't need to dress up because prizes are given to the person who appears the coziest. Another enjoyable journey brings small visitors (the seats are child-sized) past all the dazzling streets to downtown on the Winterfest Express Electric Train. At the Cajun Christmas Experience, which includes a trolley ride, a show, and dancing, Papa Noel (also known as the Cajun Santa) is waiting for visitors. Santa Drop and the Surfing Santa Beach Parade are not to be missed at this authentically Florida holiday event. In the first, you can watch Santa jump out of a plane, while in the second, you can see festively costume-clad surfers hanging 10 in the latter. Avoid missing the glittering Pensacola Lighted Boat Parade, which is best viewed from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.