Greater Pensacola Parents Holiday Happenings Edition (November 2026)

1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Gobble Up Goodness, Not Germs! A Parent's Guide to November Food Safety This November, make sure your family's holiday meals are memorable for all the right reasons! Food safety is easier than you think and important for happy, healthy celebrations.

Separate for Safety:

Keep raw and cooked foods apart.

Cook to Perfection:

No guessing games! Use a thermometer.

Chill Fast, Stay Fresh: Put leftovers in the fridge quickly.

Clean Hands, Happy Meals:

Educate and Empower:

Wash your hands before handling food!

Involve your kids in learning safe habits!

Learn more at Escambia.FloridaHealth.gov 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

November2026

Volume 11 Number 9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COLUMNS

18

22

A Parent’s “Dream” Gratitude List

The Holiday Tug-of-War

Why we can even be grateful for the chaos of parenting.

2

Publisher’s Note

4

Meeting Kids Where They Are

Lynn Knighton

Works of Wonder Therapy

Find out how modern families can plan and prepare to actually enjoy the season.

Teens 16 Tweens, and Screens Kristi Bush

36 Mom 2 Mom Gabriele Jones

24

30

Holiday Happenings!

Is Sports Specialization a Good Idea?

Your guide to all the local and regional festivities for the fall and holiday seasons!

DEPARTMENTS

The pros and cons and when it makes sense.

6

Bits and Pieces

10 School Zone 32 Family Calendar

On The Cover Harper (5), daughter of Megan and Justin Freeman and little sister to three older brothers: Hayden (19), Walker (16), and Tatum (12). Grandparents are Ken and Michelle Fleming, Donnie Freeman, and Lisia Lee. Harper enjoys gymnastics, swimming, and jumping on the trampoline. She really loves playing with all her friends and her “baseball boys” at her brothers’ practices and games. Harper is a true farm girl at heart and loves animals of all kinds, especially her 3 rescue dogs, rescue cat, and 4 chickens. Harper loves God and enjoys singing worship songs. She looks forward to her Sunday and Wednesday time at church. 1

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

From the Publisher I am sure it was the annual turkey handprints in preschool that started it all, but for some reason, fall always brings out the creative side in me. While most people are running to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte, I am heading to Hobby Lobby and planning a fall “crafternoon.” Now, if you have an image of beautiful handpainted pumpkins or stunning homemade wreaths, you would be wrong. Usually, it is something as simple as putting together mulling spices or sticking succulents in a pumpkin. Regardless of the difficulty, or the questionable final result, I find that creating something puts me in the mood for the fall holidays and, maybe more importantly, helps me relax a little. As the holidays approach, so does the holiday stress. There is so much to do on top of all the regular parenting to-dos, and somehow we are supposed to feel “thankful” through all of it. Don’t get me wrong. There has never been a moment when I have not been incredibly grateful for the blessing of being a parent. But there are certainly moments when we parents wish we had a few extra hands—or a few additional hours in the day! Rebecca Hastings shares some of those all-too-familiar “ugh” moments in her feature, A Parent’s (Dream) Gratitude List. They are moments we can all relate to, along with some sweet reminders of how we might look at those frustrations a little differently. As if the holiday to-do list isn’t enough to push our limits, some families also face the tricky question of who will spend which holiday with whom. Trying to divide time between grandparents, in-laws, extended family, and traditions can sometimes lead to hurt feelings and added stress. If that sounds familiar, be sure to read The Holiday Tug-of-War by Shannon Dean. She shares some practical ideas that may help make holiday scheduling a little smoother and leave more time for actually enjoying the people we are trying so hard to make time for. And speaking of enjoying the holiday season, have we got a list of local holiday events for you! Each year, we publish our annual Holiday Happenings Guide, filled with tree lightings, Santa sightings, parades, performances and so much more. You are sure to find plenty of activities to help your family kick off the holiday season, start a new tradition, and make some wonderful memories together. But before we start pulling out our calendars and making yet another to-do list, I want to take a moment to say a truly heartfelt thank you to all of you. Every day I sit down to work, I have the incredible privilege of celebrating this amazing community. We get to celebrate our local schools and the wonderful work they do. We get to showcase the huge variety of resources available to area families. We get to spotlight local businesses that are such an important part of our economy and share the fun events happening right here at home. And most importantly, we get to walk alongside one another on this beautiful, sometimes exhausting, often messy, and incredibly rewarding journey of parenthood. You encourage and motivate our team, and you make what we do a pleasure. For that, and for so much more, THANK YOU! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with a little less stress, a lot of wonderful memories...and maybe even a fall crafternoon or two.

Lynn

Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Kristi Bush, LSW Shannon Dean Rebecca Hastings Christa Melnyk Hines Gabriele Jones Dave Ramsey Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC Cover Photography Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Greater Pensacola

2

Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2026 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

e

PROGRAMS OFFERED: FLAG FOOTBALL, SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, BASEBALL/TBALL, MULTI-SPORT DISCOVERY, HOMESCHOOL PE

Winter League Programs Start Registration: 01/16/2027 Deadline 12/11/26 CONTACT US: justin.ward@i9sports.com www.i9sports.com 3

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

you felt embarrassed when your teacher corrected you in front of everyone. Is that right?” This gives your child an opportunity to correct misunderstandings, organize their thoughts, and practice communicating clearly.

Listening to Understand, Not to Respond

by Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

The Quiet Power of Listening When parenting feels overwhelming and you don’t know what to say or do next, remember this: Sometimes the most powerful response isn’t advice, correction, or a solution. It’s simply being willing to stop and listen. I recently lost my grandmother, one of the greatest listeners I have ever known. She had a remarkable ability to make me feel heard, understood, and important. She didn’t always have advice, and she certainly didn’t agree with everything I said. She simply listened more than she lectured. Looking back, I realize how much she taught me without saying a word. After 25 years of working with children and families, I believe one of the most powerful parenting skills is also one of the most overlooked: listening. We spend so much time teaching, correcting, advising, and directing our children that we sometimes forget to hear them. Yet, if we want our children to listen to us, we must first demonstrate what listening looks like. Here are several ways we can intentionally listen to strengthen our relationships and influence.

Active Listening: Give Your Undivided Attention

Put down your phone, make eye contact when appropriate, and resist interrupting. When your child says, “My teacher hates me!” instead of immediately responding, “I’m sure that’s not true,” try, Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Perhaps the hardest skill is resisting the urge to immediately fix, lecture, or defend. Instead of explaining why the teacher was right, ask, “What do you think happened?” or “What could you do differently next time?” Our children need guidance, but we cannot effectively teach skills until we understand what’s actually happening.

Listening Changes as Children Grow

With infants and toddlers, listening means noticing cries, gestures, expressions, and emerging words while providing considerable guidance. As children mature, our conversations should gradually shift from directing toward listening, questioning, and collaborative problem-solving. Even our adult children need parents who listen without immediately offering unsolicited advice. “Tell me what happened.” Your attention communicates something powerful: What you have to say matters to me.

Empathetic Listening: Hear the Feelings Behind the Words

Children need to know we can handle their emotions without becoming overwhelmed ourselves. When your child says, “My teacher hates me!” respond with, “It sounds like you felt really hurt by something that happened today.” Remember, validating feelings does not mean agreeing with their interpretation or excusing inappropriate behavior. It simply means acknowledging their emotional experience. Children who feel understood are often more willing to share the rest of the story and listen to feedback.

Reflective Listening: Make Sure You Understand

Reflective listening involves repeating or summarizing what you’ve heard to clarify understanding. For example, “So, 4

The Relationship Comes Before the Lesson

My grandmother gave me something I will carry forever: the experience of being truly heard. I hope to give that same gift to others. Listening doesn’t eliminate correction or boundaries. It creates the trust that makes our guidance easier to receive. If you want your children to talk to you, listen more. If you want them to trust you, listen more. And if you want them to value your wisdom, make sure they know you value their voice.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

5

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

Pins for a Purpose 2026

Join Junior League of Pensacola by making a difference in the community on Saturday, November 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Cordova Lanes. Pins for a Purpose is a fun-filled evening of bowling, fellowship, and community impact, all while helping raise funds to support the Junior League of Pensacola and programs such as our Diaper Bank, Healthy Halloween, and other community initiatives. As we celebrate 70 years of service and impact in the community, we’re excited to continue that legacy through events like Pins for a Purpose. Enjoy exclusive access to Cordova Lanes, including the bowling lanes, karaoke, and bar areas. Participate as a team, register as an individual bowler, become a sponsor, or simply support the cause. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Pensacola and its work throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Please visit www.eventbrite.com.

The Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, on November 6-7, 2026, at Sherman Field on NAS Pensacola, is a must-see event, free and open to the public, with gates opening at 8 a.m. both days. The NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show is one of Pensacola’s largest events. There is an incredible lineup of aerobatic performers and our very own U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels. The Blue Angels will fly on Friday and Saturday around 2:00 p.m. www.naspensacolaairshow.org

The 42nd Annual Semper Fi 5K Charity Run will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Join us for this annual community race in downtown Pensacola, Florida, that starts and finishes at the historic Seville Quarter. Organized by the Marine Corps League of Pensacola and partner TEL Staffing & HR, the event directs 100% of its race proceeds to support regional outreach programs and non-profit children’s organizations. Please visit semperfi5k.org for more information.

Northwest Florida Heart Walk

The 2026 Northwest Florida Heart Walk returns to Seville Square on Saturday, November 14, bringing the community together to celebrate heart health, honor survivors, and remember loved ones impacted by heart disease and stroke. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. at Seville Square in Pensacola. To register, support the mission, or learn more, visit NWFLheartwalk.org.

Ballet Pensacola Presents The Nutcracker

Ballet Pensacola’s annual production of The Nutcracker will take the stage from December 18–20, 2026, at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre. The holiday favorite features the company’s full troupe of professional dancers performing alongside over 100 students from the Ballet Pensacola Academy. Set to Peter Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the production showcases classic choreography, lavish costumes, and magical set designs. Please visit www.ballet pensacola.org/performances for more information. Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Semper Fi 5K Charity Run for Children

6

Pensacola EggFest

Join us on November 15th for Pensacola EggFest. This event is a 100% volunteerled charity BBQ cook-off held every November in Pensacola, FL. Cook teams from across the country compete on Big Green Eggs while attendees sample their food, all in support of local charities. Since it began in 2013, Pensacola EggFest has raised over $1,000,000 for causes serving families right here in our community. The weekend kicks off with a VIP Dinner on Friday evening, November 13, followed by the main event on Sunday. Cook teams, from serious competition pitmasters to enthusiastic backyard cooks, set up on-site and prepare everything from briskets and smoked oysters to paella and dessert, all cooked on the Big Green Egg. Attendees sample the food, a panel of celebrity and local judges hands out awards, and the People’s Choice vote lets the crowd weigh in too. It’s a competition, but the spirit of the event is closer to a community cookout than a formal contest. Teams cook side by side, share tips, and compete for a good time as much as for the trophy. Please visit https://pensacolaeggfest.com. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

The Arc Gateway’s 2026 Wreaths of Joy

Join us for The Arc Gateway’s 2026 Wreaths of Joy, Presented by Florida Power and Light, Arc Gateway’s premier annual fundraising gala and one of the most anticipated celebrations of the holiday season. Join us on Friday, December 4, 2026, at the Brownsville Community Center for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, delicious food, an open bar, exciting auction opportunities, and plenty more reasons to celebrate. More than just a wonderful night out, Wreaths of Joy is a celebration with a purpose. Proceeds from the event directly support The Arc Gateway and the life-changing programs and services we provide to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visit wreathsofjoy.org to see how you or your organization can support The Arc Gateway through this event.

2026 VetCV Foundation Fundraiser Dinner

Get ready for another unforgettable evening at the stunning Pensacola Yacht Club as we kick off the 2026 VetCV Foundation Fundraising Dinner on November 20th, themed “Mission Forward: Honoring The Past, Building the Future.” This is more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to empowering veterans and their families as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives. Your presence and support can help us make a profound difference and keep our mission thriving. This dinner will benefit various Foundation initiatives such as the VetCV Foundation Mission Next Center located at Pensacola State College Milton Campus, our Grant Program, and our special Charity Patriot Partners. We are honored to support our critical community Patriot Partners as they work to improve the lives of Veterans and their families. Their unwavering dedication inspires us, and we are proud to support their compassionate and impactful mission. Please visit https://www.vetcvfoundation.org/2026-foundation-fundraiser-dinner for more information.

FREE Admission Hot Chocolate Annual Family Tradition Over 350,000 Lights

Drive-Thru

on the campus of PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE® 250 Brent Ln, Pensacola, FL

SCAN ME

December 19 & 20 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Help meet a need by bringing nonperishable food for a local charity.

CampusChurch.com/Christmas-Lights

7

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Pensacola Opera Announces 44th Season of Shows

Pensacola Opera has announced its 44th Season for 2026–27, a dynamic lineup that opens in November with the chamber opera The Falling and the Rising by composer Zach Redler. Mainstage productions follow in January and March with Puccini’s Tosca and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, both at the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre. Opening the season is The Falling and the Rising, an operatic story of service and sacrifice, tracing the inner journey of a soldier who enters a coma after she suffers from a roadside attack. This special production will feature a local voluntary veterans chorus that spans decades of service to our beloved country. This chamber opera will take place at the University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, November 20 + 21, 2026. More information on January and March shows can be found online at pensacolaopera.com.

Pensacola Greek Festival

Winterfest Elf Parade

The Pensacola Greek Festival takes place from November 6–8, 2026, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 1720 West Garden Street in Pensacola, Florida. The festival features traditional Greek cuisine, lively music, and dancing, celebrating Greek heritage and culture in the community. Please visit https:// pensacolagreekfestival.com/ for more information.

The Pensacola Winterfest Elf Parade is a free, kid- and pet-friendly walking parade that officially kicks off the holiday season in downtown Pensacola on Friday, November 27. Come in costumes and decorated strollers and wagons to join our contests. Please visit pensacolawinterfest.org for information.

8

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Child meal sites across the Gulf Coast are offering healthy, FREE meals for children, ages 18 and younger.

9

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Northview FFA Students Take Top Three in Speech Contest

Escambia Students Plant Seeds for Thanksgiving Meals

Tate Veterinary Students Visit School Board

Bailey Middle Teacher Wins Giveaway from Treat a Teacher

Students are helping plant and grow food that will eventually become part of Thanksgiving meals for 1,000 families in need across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. This week, the UF/ IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) and the Florida Department of Corrections spent the morning planting 2,500 collard transplants. The locally grown collards will be part of traditional holiday meal boxes provided to more than 1,000 families across Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. In partnership with Feeding the Gulf Coast, families will receive boxes filled with turkey, sides, breads and pastries, along with locally grown collards, cabbage, turnips and sweet potatoes.

Northview High School FFA took the top spots at the recent Escambia County Farm Bureau Speech Contest. Grace Oliver earned first place honors, followed by Nathan Gilmore in second place and Payton Coon in third place, all representing the Northview FFA chapter. Participants delivered a five-minute speech before a panel of agricultural community judges on the topic: “What are some of the proactive, collaborative steps that farmers, ranchers, local communities, and organizations like Farm Bureau can take to help guard against invasive species threatening Florida agriculture?” As the first-place winner, Oliver will advance to represent Escambia County at the district-level contest on September 18.

Students and mascot Sadie from the Tate High School Veterinary Science Academy visited an Escambia County School Board workshop this week. Teacher Rachel Veninga and four students highlighted the academy’s programs and accomplishments. The Tate High School Veterinary Science Academy is a four-year career academy that gives students opportunities to explore veterinary and animal science careers while gaining hands-on experience each year as they build upon the skills learned previously. Several former students are now veterinarians and veterinary assistants, or are working in animal science careers.

Congratulations to Ms. Heather Vandervort of Bailey Middle School, our Escambia County Treat A Teacher winner. Ms. Vandervort received $1,000 for her classroom through our Treat A Teacher giveaway, helping provide resources and opportunities that make a difference for her students every day. Teachers go above and beyond to inspire, encourage, and educate the next generation, and we’re honored to celebrate educators like Ms. Vandervort who make a lasting impact in our community.

ECPS Podcast Voted Best of the Coast by InWeekly

ECPS’s Voices United in Education was named Best Podcast in InWeekly’s 2026 Best of the Coast. With more than 109,700 downloads and 211 episodes, the podcast continues its mission of uniting the community for every student to succeed. Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

10

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Another Championship for Tate High FFA

The Tate High School FFA Chapter has added another state championship to its tradition of excellence, earning first place in the Florida Turfgrass Science Invitational Student Competition held at Candler Hills Golf Course at On Top of the World in Ocala. Representing Tate High School were Baylor Touchstone, Addyson Smallwood, Allison Wynne, and Cade McNair, under the leadership of FFA A dvisor and team coach Ms. Melissa Gibbs. The competition challenged students to demonstrate both technical knowledge and hands-on skills used throughout the turfgrass and green industries. Students were evaluated through individual knowledge exams, case studies, turfgrass identification, integrated pest management (IPM), playing-surface setup, and equipment operation. By earning the top finish in Florida, the Tate FFA team will now advance to the National Turfgrass Science Invitational, where they will compete against teams from across the United States. Turfgrass science is part of Florida’s expansive green industry, which includes environmental horticulture, nurseries, landscaping, and turfgrass management. The industry contributes nearly $42 billion in economic impact statewide and supports more than 279,000 jobs, demonstrating the significant career opportunities available to students pursuing agricultural education and related fields.

11

Tate and Milton Marching Bands Tate and Milton marching bands brought music and school spirit to halftime during their Week 2 football matchup.

Redeemer Lutheran Plays Chess

Chess Class is off to a great start at Redeemer. Students in 3rd–8th grade are learning strategy, building friendships, and enjoying the challenge of chess. We love seeing our students learn from one another.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

UWF Welcomes Two National Merit Finalists

The University of West Florida welcomed two National Merit Finalists this fall semester, including a Tate High School graduate, bringing the recipients of this scholarship to 20 students since 2017. Tate graduate James Donald “Jack” Treick and Micaiah Henry are among the approximately 16,000 students across the country who met the requirements for finalist standing out of an estimated 1.3 million participating high school students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition. The National Merit Finalists earn UWF’s top scholarship with a total value of more than $50,000, including full tuition, room and board; an $800-per-semester book stipend and a research or study abroad experience. “We are proud to welcome this year’s top scholars to the University of West Florida,” said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. “These students have already demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, and we are committed to providing the opportunities and support to help them continue to excel and make a meaningful impact in their future professions.” James Donald “Jack” Treick, a mechanical engineering major from Cantonment, was drawn to UWF for the ability to bring his engineering creations to life while pursuing high impact internship and research opportunities. “UWF’s opportunities for research, internships and in-depth personal project support leave me excited to design and execute new ideas,” Treick said. “Exploring the labs and learning about the relationships that the University has with local companies such as the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition and American Magic showed me that there are a lot of opportunities for formative internships. I look forward to growing as both a problem solver and person while attending UWF.” Micaiah Henry, an exercise science major from Kenai, Alaska, is grateful to be able to pursue a career interest in prosthetics and orthotics thanks to the financial opportunities and support offered by UWF. “Before receiving the National Merit Scholarship, college was nowhere in my plans for the future because it was too expensive,” Henry said. “UWF’s generous scholarship program has opened up the door to an enormous opportunity and an adventure that was entirely unexpected. I am thrilled to be joining UWF this fall to explore a different part of our beautiful country, make new friends and challenge myself in my classes.”

Please send school news and photos by the 15th to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

PSC Charter Academy Student Reflects on an Unforgettable Week at Florida Boys State Jules Welch is one of three students from the Pensacola State College Charter Academy who recently attended the prestigious Florida Boys State program. According to the Florida American Legion, Florida Boys State is a selective, one-week summer leadership program hosted in Tallahassee where rising high school seniors learn about government by running simulated local, county, and state offices. Below, Jules shares his perspective on the challenges, opportunities, and lasting impact of his Boys State experience: My week-long experience at Florida Boys State was intense and eye-opening, even though the first 24 hours made me regret going. Running on barely two to three hours of sleep and then being thrown straight into a brutal 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM schedule, I was completely exhausted. We were rarely ever in our dorms except for sleep--something we didn’t get much of , constantly on the move from one session to the next. The real turning point for me came when I started connecting with the other delegates. Realizing that everyone else was pushing through the same exhaustion made it easy to break the ice. The social and networking aspect ended up being amazing--I made friends with people from completely different backgrounds from all over Florida, which completely shifted my mindset about being there. Serving as an elected Representative in the Florida Boys State House of Representatives was a major lesson in real-world politics. The one of the hard parts for me was just trying to get my bill onto the House floor, simply because delegates had submitted over 500 different bills. I had to learn on the fly how to advocate for my policy, build support, and stand out in a crowd of ambitious leaders. Beyond the House floor, we spent hours absorbing wisdom from experienced figures in state government. Hearing directly from leaders like the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party (who also served as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture), and active State Legislators gave me a firsthand look at how public policy actually functions. Pushing through that initial wall of sleep deprivation during the week to advocate for my bills and build a statewide network made this one of the best experiences I have ever had. I walked away with confidence under pressure, a deeper understanding of government, and friendships across Florida. Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

12

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Beyond the Classroom: Creative Learning Academy’s Middle School Retreat For Creative Learning Academy students, some of the most memorable lessons happen beyond the classroom. This year’s annual Middle School Retreat brought students in grades 5–8 to the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama, for two days of outdoor adventure, hands-on discovery, and opportunities to grow together. Throughout the two-day, one-night retreat, students explored, collaborated, and challenged themselves in new ways. During Herpetology Exploration, they got an up-close look at reptiles and amphibians native to Alabama while learning about the animals’ habitats and behaviors. The Amazing Race Challenge put teamwork and critical thinking into action as students worked together to solve problems and tackle a friendly competition. Canoeing, hiking, and survival-themed challenges rounded out the experience that connected learning with the outdoors. As the day’s adventures gave way to evenings around the campfire, students enjoyed s’mores, laughter, and time with classmates and 4-H counselors. “Skits and bits” offered an opportunity to share their creativity and cheer one another on. These shared moments helped deepen friendships and build a sense of community across grade levels. CLA’s annual Middle School Retreat reflects the school’s commitment to experiential learning: giving students opportunities to discover through doing. Whether navigating a canoe, working through a team challenge, or sharing a laugh around the campfire, students practiced communication, strengthened relationships, and explored what it means to lead and collaborate. It was an adventure built with a larger purpose: helping students become curious learners, thoughtful teammates, and creative problem-solvers. 13

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Tate Cheerleaders Celebrate Young Cancer Survivor

Five-year-old Kinslee Gibson was living her best life on Friday night, cheering with the Tate High School Aggie cheerleaders. Kinslee is a four-year cancer survivor who was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor, a rare type of kidney cancer that affects mostly young children. After bravely facing chemotherapy, she’s now living life to the fullest as a sweet, strong, and courageous little girl. “She reminds us all that there is so much strength in the smallest of warriors,” the announcement in Pete Gindl Stadium said. All of the cheerleaders, including Kinslee, wore yellow ribbons to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

Patriot Day Service at Redeemer Lutheran

Redeemer Lutheran School’s Kindergarten–5th grade students proudly honored our military members and first responders during a special Patriot Day Service. Students sang patriotic songs for their parents and special Patriot guests as a heartfelt thank-you for their service and sacrifice. After the service, our Patriots enjoyed a special reception with the students who invited them. It was a meaningful morning of gratitude, connection, and celebrating those who serve our country and community.

Lipscomb Celebrates Special Area Champions

Lipscomb Elementary School recently recognized its August Special Area Champions. The champions were honored in areas that included art, music, P.E., and reading for their outstanding efforts.

George Stone Students Build Artificial Reefs George Stone welding students are transforming discarded metal signposts into structures that will create new habitats for marine life. They often repair items like tables, benches and bike racks for the Escambia County school district, but about two weeks ago, Starr and the other student welders started putting their skills to use creating something useful that will foster marine life for years to come: artificial reefs. Please email news schoolnews@ greaterpensacolaparents.com!

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Tate High School Student Named National Merit Commended Scholar

Tate High School student Abigail Lynch has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. The designation places Lynch among the highest-scoring students in the nation based on performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which she took during her junior year. More than 1.2 million high school students across the country enter the program annually. Commended status is reserved exclusively for high performers who finish in roughly the top three to four percent of all test-takers nationwide. Commended Students receive formal Letters of Commendation presented by their schools in honor of their exceptional academic promise. The national honor serves as a key distinction on college applications and can open the door to specialized corporate and institutional scholarships. 14

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

PSC Charter Student Reflects on Young Scholars Program at FSU

This summer, Luke Sandell, student at PSC Charter School, was honored to be selected to attend the Young Scholars Program at Florida State University. He shares his experience with us - This was an unforgettable experience for me. The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential science and mathematics summer program for 40 Florida high school students with significant potential for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. During this Program I made great connections with 39 peers, from throughout Florida,while simultaneously doing research and basic courses such as an Introductory Quantum Computing course where I learned about topics such as quantum entanglement and had the opportunity to teleport a qubit. Additionally, I took a Modern Physics course where we did experiments that measured gamma rays, and discussed dark matter, particle physics, and various other fascinating topics. We also had the opportunity to take a Linear Algebra course along with a Discrete Math course. At the end of the program, we presented our research at a symposium. My research focused around using LiDAR data and a logistic regression algorithm to predict mold growth. While I entered this program with the flawed notion that I was only going to be focused on research and learning, I walked away with great memories, experience, and some of my closest friends and connections. If you are interested in a career in STEM, I strongly recommend you apply to the program. https://ysp.osta.fsu.edu/ 15

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

When the Unthinkable Is Streamed Live The Defense Department has said it plans to livestream a military execution in early December. Whatever your views on that decision- and this isn’t the place for them- parents face a separate and practical question: what happens when footage like this is online and our kids can reach it? The livestream is only the beginning. Clips get cut and reposted. Reaction videos follow. Group chats pass it around, sometimes with a dare attached. Some kids will go looking out of curiosity. Many more will stumble across it in an autoplay, a feed, or a friend’s phone.

and judge risk, and they have less life experience to place what they see. It is reasonable to assume they are at least as vulnerable. The risk is that you can’t unsee it. Some kids will have intrusive images, nightmares, or trouble sleeping. Others will become preoccupied or quietly more anxious about the world. Repeated viewing can make danger feel closer than it is. Kids who already struggle with anxiety deserve extra care. And some will go the other way and become numb, which is its own concern.

Why graphic footage is different

What parents can do

Hearing about something hard is not the same as watching it. A 2024 study in PNAS by Alison Holman, Roxane Cohen Silver, and colleagues found that exposure to graphic images of war and terror was linked to more distress than the sheer amount of news people consumed. What a person sees matters, not just how long they watch. Earlier research on the Boston Marathon bombings found that people who took in six or more hours of daily coverage reported more acute stress than some who were actually there. Those studies focused largely on adults. Children and teens are still building the brain systems that regulate fear Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Use the time you have. We rarely get advance notice of hard news. Talk now, before it’s trending. Start by asking, not telling. “What have you heard about this?” Kids usually hear things first from friends or online. Listen before you correct. Match the conversation to the age. Little ones need reassurance and a newsfree environment, including alerts on your own phone. Tweens and teens can handle facts, along with an honest explanation of why some people share this kind of 16

content and why curiosity is normal. Most kids do not need the details. Give them an exit plan. Say it plainly: “If something like this shows up, you don’t have to watch. Close it, come tell me, and you won’t be in trouble.” Kids who fear punishment hide what they’ve seen. Tighten the settings. Turn off autoplay, enable restricted or sensitive-content filters, check what’s being shared in group chats, and keep phones out of bedrooms overnight, when anxious thoughts hit hardest. Know the signs. Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or school; clinginess; withdrawal; or repeated questions about what they saw. If these last more than a couple of weeks, call your pediatrician or a school counselor. Watch your own reaction. Kids copy how we handle the news. If you’re calm, they’re more likely to be. If you’re shaken, say so honestly and show them what coping looks like. We cannot scrub the internet clean. But we can be the first voice our kids hear, and the calmest one. That is more protective than any filter.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

K E E P F LO R I DA BEACHES AND PARKS

TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/Get-Involved 17

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

18

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Thanksgiving always reminds me to reflect on what I’m grateful for. Health, family, a warm home—yes, all those things. But as a parent, my mind often wanders to a slightly different kind of gratitude list. You know—the dream kind, where reality takes a backseat to what I secretly wish for.

GRATITUDE: We’re healthy, heading out the door together, and alive in the chaos. Those frantic, messy mornings are proof that life is busy, loud, and full.

Laundry That Folds Itself The Dishwasher of My Dreams

DREAM: A closet of perfectly folded clothes, all matched and organized.

DREAM: An appliance that washes, dries, and magically puts away every dish.

REALITY: Grass-stained socks, mismatched shirts, and a crumpled dress under the couch.

REALITY: I still have to scrape spaghetti off plates.

GRATITUDE: My kids have clothes to wear, warmth over their shoulders, and memories etched into every t-shirt. The mess? A badge of adventurous, active childhood.

GRATITUDE: I have a dishwasher, and my kids are learning responsibility—even if it comes with a little missed pasta. Every plate I pull from that machine reminds me that small miracles exist, even in the kitchen.

Sibling Rivalry: A Lesson in Disguise Mornings, Miraculous & Messy

DREAM: Angelic children sharing toys without complaints.

DREAM:No missing shoes. No spilled cereal. Everyone out the door on time.

REALITY: A chorus of bickering and tattling.

REALITY: Socks on the stairs. Half-zipped lunchboxes. Tears

GRATITUDE: They’re learning communication, negotiation, and empathy. Those arguments, while infuriating, are shaping hu

over math homework.

PENSACOLAOPERA.COM | 850.433.6737 19

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

GRATITUDE: The table is full of people, laughter, and warmth. The chaos is the soundtrack of family memories being made— imperfectly perfect.

mans who (hopefully) survive adulthood without mediation every five minutes.

Bedtime: The Never-Ending Story The Elusive Silence

DREAM: Ten minutes flat and lights out.

DREAM: Five uninterrupted minutes for coffee at a normal temperature, reading the news, maybe even a shower alone.

REALITY: Kids want stories, snuggles, and “just one more” hug.

REALITY: Footsteps, questions, “Mom!” “Dad!” repeated every few seconds.

GRATITUDE: Each prolonged bedtime hug is a reminder they crave closeness, comfort, and attention—a gift worth savoring.

GRATITUDE: The noise is life. Our home is alive. Memories are made in the mess, not the quiet.

This Thanksgiving, I’ll still laugh at my whimsical dream list—but I’ll hold even tighter to the real: spilled milk, lost socks, bedtime negotiations, and the beautiful chaos that makes our family uniquely ours. Because when it comes down to it, that’s what parenting—and life—is all about. GPP

Holiday Table Perfection DREAM: Pinterest-worthy setup, every napkin folded, every plate aligned. REALITY: Someone’s shirt gets gravy, the dog eyes the turkey, and one pie didn’t rise.

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Rebecca Hastings is a freelance writer and frequent contributor.

20

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

21

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

22

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

The holidays are supposed to be magical. But for families navigating the complex terrain of stepfamilies, bonus parents, multiple grandparents, and shared custody, it can feel less like a Hallmark movie and more like a logistical nightmare. Consider the math: 4 parents, 16 grandparents, 10 Christmas celebrations, and one exhausted child shuttled between them all. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With planning, clear communication, and a willingness to let go of “perfect,” families can create holidays that still feel meaningful. Here are some suggestions:

Start Planning Early:

7 Scripts for the Holiday Conversations You’re Dreading 1. To your ex, as early as possible: “I know we both want the kids to enjoy the day. Can we lock in the schedule so they stop asking?” 2. To your ex, when they propose something unrealistic: “That won’t work for us, but here’s what will. Can you live with it, or should we trade years instead?” 3. To your mother-in-law: “We’re doing Christmas at our house this year. Would you like to come to us, or should we plan a visit the following weekend?” 4. To your own mother, who expects you every year: “I want to see you. I can’t do the 25th this year. What does the week after look like for you?” 5. To a grandparent who’s competing with the other side: “Here are the dates we have available. Tell me which one you’d like.”

The anxiety often starts months before the actual holiday. Who gets Christmas Day? Who gets the grandchildren? Why does the other grandmother always seem to win? For parents caught in the middle, there are various strategies: Rotate. Alternate. And stagger celebrations so that children aren’t expected to be “on” for five different gatherings in 48 hours. And if a grandparent threatens to take a holiday trip because they didn’t get the day they wanted? Let them. Your job isn’t to manage the emotions of grown adults. It’s to create a holiday experience your children can actually enjoy.

The single most important thing When The Kids Are blended and extended families can Away: For parents whose do is plan extremely early. 6. To your child, before the schedule changes: “Here’s children spend the holiday with their The National Stepfamily Rethe plan. You’ll be at Dad’s Christmas Eve, here Christother parent, the silence can be source Center recommends parents mas morning, and Grandma’s on the 27th. Nothing is a deafening. With the kids celebratplan ahead, communicate with forsurprise.” ing at the other house, the couch mer spouses and relatives, and put at noon on Christmas Day can feel 7. To yourself, when someone is disappointed: “I am not travel plans and itineraries in writing like a gut punch. responsible for managing the feelings of grown adults.” so everyone knows what to expect. But this time can also be This isn’t just about logistics. When an opportunity. Encourage your children don’t know where they’ll be children to have fun before they They’ll just remember that you did and you or what’s happening next, anxiety leave. Give them explicit permission to enjoy had fun. Grandma’s Christmas is usually rises. A written schedule gives kids somethemselves without guilt. Kids of sepafine on any day as long as she lets them eat thing concrete to hold onto. rated parents often feel torn about enjoying Christmas cookies for breakfast. Attorney Lisa Zeiderman puts it simply: themselves because they instinctively feel “Holiday schedules can be complex, so planthey’re betraying the other parent. Easing Old Traditions, New Twists: ning well in advance can help reduce lastthat anxiety is one of the greatest gifts you When families blend, traditions collide. One minute stress and conflict. Start discussing can give them. parent’s beloved Christmas Eve fondue ritual holiday arrangements as early as possible.” And for you? Sleep in. Take a bath. might clash with another’s stockings-savedThis means having early conversations Host a dinner party with friends. The holiday for-last routine. Someone’s grandmother that you’d sometimes rather avoid. It means will come around again next year. Your might have made a specific pie that must coordinating with your ex about gift-giving children will remember that you let them go appear on the table, or the holiday is ruined. so a child doesn’t unwrap one gift at Mom’s without making them feel guilty. The advice from family therapists is house only to find a duplicate at Dad’s. It “At the heart of it, the goal is to celebrate consistent: keep what matters, let go of what means asking your new partner’s parents and enjoy being with loved ones,” says doesn’t, and create something new together. how they envision the day before they’ve Nadine J. Kaslow, a professor of psychiatry Talk about what traditions are important already set the table. at Emory University. “Staying flexible and to each individual, and be particularly sensiletting go of minor conflicts can make a world tive to anyone experiencing the holiday with The Day Doesn’t Have to Be of difference.” So plan early. Communicate often. THE Day: One of the most freeing real- the family for the first time. Don’t assume a stepparent wants to simply adopt “the way Keep some traditions and build new ones. izations for modern families is this: Christmas we’ve always done it” without input. Don’t And remember that your children are watchcan happen on December 28th. Or January assume your children want to abandon ing how you handle the chaos. 3rd. Or any other day that works. the rituals they shared with your ex, either. They’ll learn that family is complicated, Many families alternate years for the Those traditions may still bring comfort, even that love doesn’t fit neatly into a calendar, “actual” holiday and celebrate on alternate if the family configuration has changed. and that sometimes the best celebrations dates when it’s not their turn. Others split The goal isn’t to replicate the past. It’s to happen on a random Wednesday in late the day itself: morning with one parent and build something that belongs to everyone. December, with cookies for breakfast and no evening with the other. Both approaches one in a hurry to be anywhere else. GPP work, as long as everyone knows the plan in The Multiple Grandparent advance and nobody treats the “off” day like Issue: In families with multiple sets of a consolation prize. grandparents, the competition for holiday Kids are often more flexible than we Shannon Dean is a freelance writer and the mother give them credit for. They often won’t remem- time can be fierce. Family therapists have of two sons. She specializes in writing about famieven coined a term for it: “granimosity.” ber which day of the week you celebrated. lies and women’s health. 23

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

All Season Holiday Ice Skating

@ Pensacola Bay Center 201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Bay Center hosts public ice skating sessions from October through April. pensacolabaycenter.com/events/detail/public-skate-1

November 4, 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting

@ Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 The fun begins at 3:30PM with Santa pictures followed by the beloved Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5PM — marking the official start to the holiday season. Enjoy 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. www.visitpensacola.com

November 4, 16, 16-21, 2026 Holiday Crafts-Pensacola Library

@ Pensacola Library 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL 32502 Come by the library to make crafts. Nov. 4-3:30pm, Stacked Pumpkins Painting, Step-bystep instructions provided. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Nov. 16-21, All Day, Help save the turkeys from Thanksgiving! Use the materials at our craft station to create the perfect disguise, Goofy Nov. 21-Gourds Painting, 11:00am-1:00pm, Some funky fall gourds! Step-by-step instructions provided. Recommended for ages 10 and up. www.mywfpl.com

November 4, 19, 2026 Holiday Crafts-Westside Library

@ Westside Library 1301 W. Gregory St. Pensacola, Fl 32502 Come by the library to make crafts. Nov. 4-Fall Garland, 5pm, Nov. 19-Pardon That Turkey, Come one, come all to the great Westside turkey pardoning and save a tiny turkey from becoming someone’s Thanksgiving dinner. www.mywfpl.com

November 6-8, 2026 Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

@ Seville Square 311 East Government St Pensacola, FL 32502 Arts, crafts, music & food. Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 9am - 4pm. Free admission. Children’s Festival: Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4pm. www.ggaf.org

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

November 7 Beulah Craft and Sausage Festival

@ First Baptist Church of Beulah 5805 Beulah Church Road Pensacola, FL 32526 Join Us for the Beulah Craft & Sausage Festival. Come start your Christmas shopping right and help support missions by eating delicious sausage. 9am-3pm beulahmom3@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Navarre Market

@ Navarre Park 8513 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 Navarre Fall Market-November 7th, 10-5 PM at Navarre Park. Food Trucks, Vendors, Bounce House, Inflatable Games, Live Entertainment. https://apexshowsandevents.com/

November 7-8, 2026 Nativity Council of Catholic Women Holiday Bazaar

@ Nativity of Our Lord Parish Hall 9945 Hillview Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 Join us for our Holiday Craft Bazaar, featuring handmade art and crafts, a bake sale, silent auction, wine pull, quilt raffle and Saturday lunch. Hours: November 7-9:00am-5:30pm., November 8-9:00am-1:00pm.

November 9, 14, 28, 2026 Holiday Crafts-Southwest Library

@ Southwest Library 12248 Gulf Beach Hwy Pensacola, FL 32507 Come by the library to make crafts. Nov. 9-LightUp Circuit Turkeys, 4:30pm, Join us for an exciting STEAM workshop where you will create your very own electrified turkey, Nov. 14, 28-Creation Stations: Fall Yarn Leaf Magnets, All Day www.mywfpl.com

November 12-14, 2026 Perdido Key Christmas Market

November 13-December 24 Photos with Santa at the Wharf

@ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to Santa or write one in his village. Dates/Times vary. 251-224-1000 www.alwharf.com

November 13, 2026-January 18, 2027 Ice Skating Rink presented by Pepsi @ The Wharf 23101 Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561 Let us bring winter to you! Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season on real ice. Dates/Times vary and special hours apply for holidays and school breaks. (251) 224-1000 www.alwharf.com

November 14, 2026 Christmas Creations Holiday Market

@ First United Methodist Church 6 E Wright St Pensacola, FL 32501 Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list at the Christmas Creations Holiday Market, featuring unique and handcrafted items that will make the season shine. 9am-2pm. www.fumcpensacolauwfaith.com/christmas-creations

Fall Food Truck Fest

@ Community Maritime Park 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL 32501 Fall Food Truck Fest-Food Trucks, Live Entertainment, Bounce House and more. 11am-7pm www.apexshowsandevents.com

Mistletoe Market

@ St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 6451 Park Avenue Northwest Milton, FL 32570 A fun family day of shopping, great food, Santa, games, movie and more! Starts with a fun 2 mile run/walk! 9am-run, 9:30am-market opens, 10-fun, music, shopping games, 2pm, 5pm-Santa meet and greet, 6pm-movie night under the stars

@ Warrior Beer Company 10605 Sorrento Road Pensacola, FL 32507 Step into Santa’s Workshop and explore beautifully decorated booths filled with local makers and handcrafted holiday treasures. Enjoy seasonal, limited-edition brews from Warrior Beer Company, delicious treats, and live performances that fill the air with holiday cheer. November 12, 13-4-8 PM, November 14th-9-1PM.

srolparish.org

business.visitperdido.com

/whereissanta.com

24

November 14 - December 24, 2026 Santa Photos at Cordova Mall

@ Cordova Mall 5100 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 We’re making a list and checking it twice – reserve your Santa photo today. Visit https://cordovamallsantaphotos.splashthat.com/ to book your photos.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

November 14, 28 December 5, 12, 19, 21-24, 2026 Holiday Market-Alyssa’s

@ Alyssa’s 4586 Chumuckla Highway Pace, FL 32571 Our Holiday Markets are your one-stop shop for festive finds, handmade gifts, cheerful décor, and delicious seasonal goodies. www.shopalyssas.com

November 20, 2026 Derek Hough: Dance For The Holidays @ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Derek Hough Dance for the Holidays is a joyous celebration of the most festive time of the year! With jingle bells and sleigh bells, holiday carols and cheer, Hough’s latest dance spectacular is a show stopping event for the whole family. 8pm www.pensacolasaenger.com

November 20-22, 2026 NWF Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

@ Mattie Kelly Arts Center 100 College Boulevard East Niceville, FL 32578 Northwest Florida Ballet returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for its 47th annual production of The Nutcracker on Friday and Saturday, November 20 and 21, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, November 22, at 2:30pm. www.nfballet.org

November 20, 22, 27, 28 December 4, 5, 11, 18-24, 2026 Winterfest Activities

@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 See live street performances, concerts and more! Get photos with the Grinch or Santa. Take a ride on the Polar Express or celebrate with the Whos on the Grinch’s Merry Match. Cheer up with the Peanuts Gang or cozy up with someone special for Mistletoe Magic. Scrooge returns on Christmas week for a thrilling reminder from the spirits of the season. www.pensacolawinterfest.org

November 20-December 25, 2026 Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display

7650 Sowell Road Milton, FL 32570 Come enjoy a Christmas light show, train rides, photos with Santa, camel rides and more! Our elves are hard at work in the elf shack to provide Hot Cocoa, Pop Corn, and other holiday snacks. Open nightly (unless it rains, if raining check our Facebook for closure notices) 5pm - 9pm. www.sowellfarms.com/northpole

November 20, 2026 - January 9, 2027 (Closed November 25–26, December 25, and January 1) Magic Christmas in Lights

@ Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Explore the enchanting Annual Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home—a festive paradise on the Gulf Coast. Wander through a dazzling 65-acre Garden estate adorned with thousands of lights. The Bellingrath Home adds to the ambiance with holiday finery and poinsettias. www.bellingrath.org

November 21, 2026 Cirque Dreams Holidaze

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. 7pm www.pensacolasaenger.com

Tree Lighting - OWA

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Join us for the Christmas Season kick off with OWA Parks and Resort’s annual Tree lighting. Santa is set to light the tree for a dazzling display of lights. The night will include Live music, Train Rides, Toys for Tots Toy drive and more. Come join all the Family fun. 2pm-8pm 251-923-2111 https://visitowa.com/christmas-at-owa/

November 21-22, 2026 Creek Fest

@ Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribal Grounds 4750 Willard Norris Road Pensacola, FL 32570 Enjoy live Native flute music, Dance, food, living Creek Village, guided Tours by traditionally clothed as in the early 1800’s, re-enactment of the Battle of Chumuckla, arts and craft vendors, various games and activities for children and more. 9am-6pm santarosacreekband.org

November 21-22, 2026 St. Paul Catholic Church Christmas Market

@ St Paul Catholic Church 3131 Hyde Park Road Pensacola, FL 32503 St Paul CHristmas Market! Start your Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping with us! Over 35 local vendors, Christmas gift baskets, a bake sale and hotdogs and hamburgers for sale! Nov 21 and 22. 9am-4pm 850-380-1160 judygalbavy@gmail.com www. stpaulcatholic.net

November 23 - November 25, 2026 Play Pensacola Fall Break Camp

@ E.S. Cobb Resource Center 601 East Mallory Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs from 8am-6pm for children ages 5-12 years. www.playpensacola.com

Play Pensacola Fall Break Camp

@ Gull Point Resource Center 7000 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504 Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs from 8am-6pm for children ages 5-12 years. www.playpensacola.com

Play Pensacola Fall Break Camp

@ Woodland Heights Resource Center 111 Berkley Drive Pensacola, FL 32503 Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs from 8am-6pm for children ages 5-12 years. www.playpensacola.com

November 26, 2026 Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot for Thought

@ Casino Beach 20 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach An annual 5k event held on Thanksgiving Day.

25

Proceeds from this run benefit brain cancer research and children in crisis. This race is a fun, competitive, family-friendly event that offers a variety of activities for all ages. Kid’s Turkey Dash8am, 5k Turkey Trot-8:30am www.pensacolabeachturkeytrot.com

Turkey Trot

@ Seville Square 399 S Alcaniz St Pensacola, Fl 32502 5K Race-Walk through downtown Pensacola. Post Race Party, awards, food and drinks. 8am info@runpensacola.com https://runsignup.com

November 27, 2026 Holiday Elf Parade

@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Come celebrate with us at the Elf Parade with a costume contest at 1:25 and the parade at 2pm. www.elfparade.com

November 28, 2026

Jingle on the Way Holiday Market ad on Inside Back Cover

@ Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center 913 S I St Pensacola, FL 32502 Jingle on the Way Holiday Market-10am-3pm. Featuring small local businesses, baked goods, candles, pottery, art, food trucks and more.

November 29, 2026 Historic North Hill Tour of Homes 2026

Pensacola’s North Hill Historic District will open six of its most iconic homes for a holiday tour. Docents share the stories of each home, a complimentary trolley carries guests between stops, and a Christmas Market fills Alabama Square with local artisans, food, and music. Adults 18 and older. 12pm-5pm. historicnorthhill.com/tour-of-homes/

November 30, 2026 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 The true spirit of Christmas lives in this heartwarming production of Charles Dickens holiday classic. Audiences, young and old, will leave the theater enchanted by this timeless tale of the miraculous redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge. 7:30pm 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

December 1, 2026 Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Right Angle Entertainment and Paul T. Couch are proud to present the national tour of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, a heartwarming musical featuring music and lyrics by eleven-time GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell, adapted by Bell, Couch and Curt Wollan. 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

East Hill Makers Market Holiday Edition @ Cordova Square 1101 N. 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us for an afternoon outdoor market and enjoy shopping with local artisans, food trucks, music, and more. 3pm-6pm. www.myeasthill.org

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 2026 Santa at the Library-West Public Libraries

@ Various locations Stop by your local library for Santa pictures and fun activities this holiday season. Dec. 1-10:30amSouthwest Library, 4:30pm-Century Library, Dec. 2-10:30am-Pensacola Library, 4:30pm-Molino Library, Dec. 3-10:30am-Tryon Library, Dec. 8-10:30am-Bellview Library, Dec. 9-10:30 am Molino Library, 4:30pm-Bellview Library, Dec. 12-10:30am-Brownsville Library, Dec. 15-3:00pmTryon Library, Dec. 16-4:30pm-Southwest Library, Dec. 17-4:30pm-Westside Library, Dec. 19-10:30am-Pensacola Library www.mywfpl.com

December 4, 2026 Christmas with Chris Tomlin: Good News of Great Joy Tour

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 An intimate evening of Christmas worship centered around celebrating the Savior and experiencing the sights and sounds of the season together with friends and family. 7pm 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

Holiday Haul on Palafox

@ Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 It’s a street-wide holiday open house that invites visitors to explore downtown’s shops and enjoy live music, pop-ups, giveaways and holiday treats—and maybe even spot Santa spreading cheer (and selfies) along the way. www.visitpensacola.com

Light Up Milton

@ Jernigan’s Landing 5158 Willing St Milton, FL 32570 Light Up Milton is the first time each year that the City’s Christmas lights are turned on. The event features Santa Claus at the South Riverwalk Pavilion, a tree-lighting ceremony near the Imogene Theater, a lighted boat parade hosted by the Blackwater Pyrates, a winter market, fireworks, food trucks, and more. 5pm-9pm www.miltonfl.org

Lighted Boat Parade

@ Sabine Marina to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 The Lighted Boat Parade sets 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 by 7:30 pm. Directly following the boat parade, Santa will make his way to the Quietwater Shell to greet the children. www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra “A Candlelight Christmas”

@ Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWF State College 100 College Boulevard East Niceville, FL 32578 Experience one of the Emerald Coast’s most cherished holiday traditions with festive favorites, sacred classics and joyful seasonal music by candlelight. 7pm mattiekellyartscenter.org/

Wreaths of Joy

@ Brownsville Community Center 3200 W. DeSoto Street Pensacola, FL 32505 Guests will come together for a festive evening Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

filled with holiday cheer, delicious food, an open bar, exciting auction opportunities, and plenty more reasons to celebrate. Wreaths of Joy is a celebration with a purpose. Proceeds from the event directly support The Arc Gateway and the life-changing programs and services we provide to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

December 5, 2026 Gulf Breeze Jolly Holiday Market

850-434-2638 www.wreathsofjoy.org

www.gulfbreezeparksandrecreation.com

December 4-5, 2026 Choral Society of Pensacola’s Presents El Mesias

@ Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1212 E. Moreno St. Pensacola, FL 32503 Choral Society of Pensacola’s El Mesias, Friday, December 4– 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 5 – noon www.choralsocietyofpensacola.org/

Christmas Caravan Arts & Crafts Show @ St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 3200 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Gifts, arts/crafts, food and more! Free admission. Entertainment, kids activities and puppy dogs for adoption! Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm. 850-433-0074 www.scpen.org

Christmas On The Farm

@ AWA Farms 8781 Highway 89 Allentown, FL 32570 December 4 and 5 from 5-10pm. https://awafarms.com/

Rally Gulf Coast Two Day Holiday Shopping Soiree

220 W Garden St Pensacola, FL 32502 Celebrate the season in style while supporting children in our community who are bravely battling cancer. December 4-10a.m.–3p.m., Pop-Up Holiday Shopping Soirée, Studer Community Institute Atrium. December 5-All-Day Holiday Shopping Soirée Across Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and surrounding areas, participating stores and restaurants will donate a portion of sales www.facebook.com/events/1519314422992066

St. Mary’s Winterfest Arts & Crafts Fair @ St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - Parish Hall 6850 Oak Street Milton, FL 32570 Just in time for Christmas, enjoy browsing one-ofa-kind custom jewelry, art, woodcrafts, candles, baked goods and other creative handiwork. Retail sales vendors also will showcase their great products as well. Hours-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 9am-2pm www.stmarysmilton.org

December 4-5, 8, 2026 Shining Light Players Present A Christmas Carol

@ Taylor Chapel 115 Saint John Street Pensacola, FL 32503 www.shininglightplayers.com/current_season

@ Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Community Center 800 Shoreline Dr Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Our annual Jolly Holiday Market takes place inside the Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Community Center from 9am – 2pm with over 100 vendors.

Gulf Breeze Parade

Starts at Gulf Breeze High School Gulf Breeze 2026 City of Gulf Breeze Christmas Parade-10am

Holiday Market

@ Community Maritime Park 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL 32501 Come get your Holiday shopping done early at the Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park. Vendors, Food Trucks, Bounce House, and Music. Santa will be there. 11am-5pm. www.apexshowsandevents.com

Kenny G – The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Kenny G – The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

Milton Christmas Parade

Highway 87 (Stewart Street) Milton, FL 32570 Bring the Family to see the festive creativity of Parade Participants, listen to Carols, and find the spirit of the Season. 7:00 pm. 850-623-2339 www.miltonfl.org

Navarre Christmas in the Park and Merry Market

@ Navarre Park 8513 Navarre Parkway Navarre, FL 32566 Gifts, vendors, entertainment, concessions, cookies and hot chocolate, games, visits with santa and more. 10am-4pm. 850-939-3267 www.navarrechamber.com

Navarre Community Christmas Parade @ Navarre Library Parade at 1pm at the Navarre Library and end in the back parking lot of Centennial Bank. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch will arrive by fire truck and be available for photos with children in Navarre Park as soon as the parade ends. www.navarrechamber.com

Navarre Jingle Bell Run

@ Holley-Navarre Fire Station 8618 Esplanade Street Navarre, FL 32566 Navarre Chamber Foundation will help you start your holiday season with “Bells on” with this Family Fun Run through the local neighborhood. 8:00am start. Registration available: runsignup. com/Race/FL/Navarre/NavarreJingleBellRun navarrechamberfoundation.org/

December 4-6, 2026 The Road to Bethlehem Woodbine Baptist

NWFL Equine Rescue-Santa to the Rescue Event

https://woodbinebaptist.org/

www.facebook.com/TinyAcresNWFlorida

@ Woodbine Baptist 4912 Woodbine Road Pace, FL 32571 Come and experience the true meaning of Christmas at the Road To Bethlehem. An immersive event that will become a family tradition! This event is FREE. 6:00pm-8:00pm.

26

@ Tiny Acres NWFL, Inc. 5662 Country Squire Dr Milton, FL 32570 Join us for photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, several photo opportunities, raffles, painting with ponies (our new interactive feature), cookie and ornament decorations and our rescue herd. 10am-3pm.

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Pace Christmas Parade

Pensacola Christian College. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and Christmas music as you reflect on the true reason for Christmas—the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, is come! 6pm - 8:30pm.

Pancakes with Santa and Holiday Market

https://campuschurch.com/

On Saturday, December 5th at 10 AM, the Pace Christmas Parade rolls out.

@ Gulf Coast Kid’s House 3401 North 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 Enjoy a pancake breakfast, photos with Santa, holiday market vendors, craft stations, Animal Tales show, Christmas cookie walk, hot chocolate bar, and more. Proceeds benefit Gulf Coast Kid’s House. 8:00am-11:00am. Tickets can be purchased at Gulf Coast Kid’s House or day-of at the event. www.gulfcoastkidshouse.org

Santa at the Library-Santa Rosa Libraries

@ Milton library branch Santa will visit the Milton Library from 10am11:30am. You’ll be treated to a Christmas story and a gift from Santa. Please bring your camera if you would like a picture taken with Santa. All ages are welcome! www.santarosa.fl.gov/975/Library-System

Santa Drop

@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Kick-off the Christmas season watching Santa skydive onto the beach and enjoy activities for kids in the Flora-Bama tent. 11am - 2pm. www.florabama.com/annual-events

December 6, 2026 Caring Santa at Cordova Mall

@ Cordova Mall 5100 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 A time for children with special needs and their families to visit with Santa and have a photo taken. The environment will accommodate the needs of the children. 9:00-10:30AM. Registration required and can be made online. 850-477-7562 https://whereissanta.com

Raad Tidings We Bring - MP Kidz Praize Musical

@ Marcus Pointe Baptist Church | Pensacola campus 6205 N. W St. Pensacola, FL 32505 Ever wondered how the animals might tell the Christmas story? Then this spectacular musical is for you! We know that everything that has breath praises God, and the animals at the manger were no exception. Take a fun-filled journey with these animals as we walk through the story from their perspective. 6pm 850-479-8337 https://pensacolachurch.org/

Surfing Santa Beach Parade

@ Via de Luna to Casino Beach Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 See Santa Claus close out the annual Surfing Santa Beach Parade at 2pm. www.pensacolabeachchamber.com

December 10-19, 2026

Christmas Lights Drive-Thru ad on page 7

@ Campus Church on the campus of Pensacola Christian College 250 Brent Lane Pensacola, FL 32503 Bring your family and friends to see the over 350,000 Christmas lights on the campus of

December 11-20, 2026 Pensacola Little Theatre presents Ebenezer’s Trailer Park Christmas Speck-Tac-Yule-R!

@ Pensacola Little Theatre 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Ebenezer’s Trailer Park Christmas Speck-TacYule-R! is a musical comedy look at Christmas in Fern Forest Trailer Park, Florida, where friends are family, and the trailer park is home. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com

December 11–12, 2026 Elf Academy

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Elf Academy is a festive, interactive holiday experience where kids can join in the fun, complete elf-inspired activities, and train to become honorary elves at OWA! Friday: 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, Saturday: 1:00 PM–7:00 PM 251-923-2111 https://visitowa.com/christmas-at-owa/

December 11–13, 2026 Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast @ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Kick off the most wonderful time of the year with a sensational holiday concert that promises to warm your heart, lift your spirits and take you on a joyous journey like no other. 7:30pm, Friday and 2:30pm, Saturday, Sunday www.pensacolasings.org

December 12, 2026 Beulah Bash

@ Escambia County Equestrian Center 7750 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL Join us for our 6th annual Beulah Bash hosted by Marcus Pointe Baptist Church-Beulah. Bring the family to the Escambia County Equestrian Center from 9am-3pm. We will have craft vendors, food trucks, a judged car show, Pony rides, free kids craft, inflatables, and more. Beulahbash.com

Breakfast with Santa

@ Spirit Stables 9886 Jeno Rd Milton, FL 32570 Have a pancake, egg and sausage breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come enjoy Pony rides, hay rides, face painting, bouncy house and games. We will have a silent auction: Great Christmas gifts available including weekend getaways, home decor and a variety of items you can bid on. Christmas Store: featuring a toy store where parents can purchase toys at greatly reduced prices. 9am-12pm. 850-830-0176 www.spiritstablesflorida.com

Candlelight Night

@ Alyssa’s, The Refinery & Alyssa’s Etc. 4586 Chumuckla Highway Pace, FL 32571 We transform the store into a magical “Christmas Village” by shopping only by Christmas lights, candle lights, and lamps with all the overhead lights turned off. We charge $5 or 10 canned goods. 6pm-8pm www.shopalyssas.com

27

Christmas Parade Dash

309 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 A Holiday tradition for the whole family. Run or walk the one-mile course then stay to enjoy the Pensacola Annual Christmas Parade. Costumes are strongly encouraged. 3:00pm www.pensacolarunners.com

City of Milton Holiday Market

@ Jernigan’s Landing 5158 Willing St Milton, FL 32570 Milton Holiday Market at Jernigan’s Landing10am-5pm. Enjoy vendors, food truck, music, face painting and more. 10am-5pm. apexshowsandevents.com/

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade

@ Downtown Pensacola Enjoy floats and marching bands. Also featuring the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team and a host of organizations from around the region. 5:30pm http://coxpensacolachristmasparade.org/index.html

Curiosity Lab: Merry & Bright

@ Pensacola Mess Hall 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL 32501 A special holiday themed workshop where you get to create your own Merry & Bright holiday card using paper circuits. Workshops are available at 1pm and 2pm. ages 7+ www.pensacolamesshall.org

HoHo Hustle

3012 E Cervantes St Pensacola, FL 32503 This FUN Holiday 5k is for the entire family. Bring the kids and hustle along, drink hot chocolate and experience holiday cheer. Party: A fun Holiday themed party for the whole family to enjoy after the race! Delicious Christmas-y treats & hot chocolate, pictures with Santa. 8:00am runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/HoHoHustle5krun

Studer’s Annual Gingerbread House Competition

@ SCI Building 220 West Garden Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Celebrate the holiday season at the Gingerbread House Competition! Explore incredible Polar Express-themed creations, cheer for your favorites, and enjoy family fun with Santa photos, cookie decorating, holiday bingo, festive treats, and more. Join us at Studer Community Institute for a magical day of holiday cheer. 11am-2pm 850-696-2414 www.studeri.org

December 13, 2026 Annual Spirit of Christmas Service Featuring Astronaut Butch Wilmore

@ Pensacola Campus-10:00am, 6205 North W Street, Pensacola, FL 32505; Beulah Campus10:30am, Beulah Middle School, 6001 West Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32526; North Pace Campus-10:30am, Wallace Lake K-8, 3354 Wallace Lake Road, Pace, FL 32571; Molino Campus-10:30am, Molino Park Elementary, 899 Highway 97, Molino, FL 32577 Join us for our annual Spirit of Christmas service with Astronaut Butch Wilmore. We’ll enjoy an uplifting Christmas celebration full of joy, worship, and a powerful message. Come enjoy free meal for everyone, gifts for the children, Incredible worship, and a powerful Christmas message from Butch Willmore. 850-479-8337 https://pensacolachurch.org/

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

tions and photos with Santa. Cookies and Hot cocoa, a Jolly Trolley and Holiday spirit. Kids can make Stockings, reindeer food, snow globes and more. December 18th festivities start at 4pm, December 19th-23rd Festivities start at 2pm 251-923-2111 visitowa.com/christmas-at-owa/

December 19–23, 2026 Breakfast with Santa

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Enjoy a Delicious breakfast with Santa then stick around for FREE crafts with Santa after. Crafts with Santa start at 2pm. Kids will have a full day of FUN activities. Updates will be listed on the visitowa.com website under Christmas at OWA. Check for added events or to purchase tickets for Breakfast with Santa. 8:30am-11:00am, Ticketed event. Tickets available at: https://visitowa.com/christmas-at-owa/ 251-923-2111 https://visitowa.com/christmasat-owa/

December 18, 2026 Gallery Night - Home for the Holiday’s @ Palafox street between Garden & Main Pensacola, FL 32502 Join us from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, we will feature artists, music, twinkling lights and more! Gallery Night is a free, public event for all ages. www.gallerynightpensacola.org

December 18-20, 2026 Ballet Pensacola Presents: The Nutcracker

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Experience the magic of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker! Tickets available online. 850-432-9546 www.balletpensacola.org

December 18–23, 2026 Crafts with Santa 2026

@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Join us at OWA for a night of Holiday Craft sta-

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

December 19, 2026 Holiday Movie Night

@ Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Your favorite holiday classics meet hockey. Join us at the Hangar on December 19th to get into the Christmas spirit with action packed Ice Flyers hockey! 7:05pm (850) 466-3111 https://iceflyers.com/

Navarre Holiday Market

Navarre Pkwy Navarre, FL 32566 Navarre Christmas Market - 10am-5pm. We will have numerous food trucks, tent/craft vendors, live music and a bounce house for the kids. Santa will be here from 1pm-4pm. https://apexshowsandevents.com/

The West Florida Railroad Museum “Santa Express”

5003 Henry St Milton, FL 32570 Come see Santa here at the West Florida Railroad Museum! Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies, a craft station, model train displays, and kids’ train

28

rides! Admission is free! 10am-3pm, Santa will be at the depot between 11:00am-2:00pm 850-501-6249 conductor@wfrm.org www.wfrm.org

December 21-23, 28-30, 2026

First City Art Winter Break Camps ad on page 20

@ First City Art 1060 N Guillemard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Each camp will include fun hands-on art activities. Participants will have the opportunity to explore different materials and learn new techniques. Full Days are open to ages 6-12 and run 9am - 4pm. Half Days are open to ages 5-12 and run 9am 12pm or 1pm - 4pm. 850-429-1222 Create@firstcityart.org www.firstcityart.org

December 23, 2026 Home for the Holidays

@ Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Spend the holiday season with the Ice Flyers! Join us at the Hangar on December 23rd for a festive night of hockey for the whole family. 7:05pm (850) 466-3111 https://iceflyers.com/

Jim Brickman’s A Christmas Celebration

@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 A holiday concert event filled with music, laughter and beautiful moments that last a lifetime. Be a part of the magic and join audiences, of all ages, who call it their favorite Yuletide tradition. 850-595-3880 www.pensacolasaenger.com

December 24, 2026 Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve Celebration

@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 McIlwain Presbyterian Church invites you to Lessons & Carols, a Christmas Eve Celebration, in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. www.mcilwain.org GPP

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

29

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

30

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

While sports can provide a multitude of emotional and physical benefits for kids, specializing in a single sport at too early an age can pose risks. How do you know when—or if— your child should specialize in a sport they love? What is sports specialization?

Brian Harvey, O.D., a pediatric sports medicine physician, says that sports specialization is defined as playing and competing in one single sport exclusively for more than eight months out of the year.

Advantages of multi-sport athletes. Some parents worry that their

children won’t have a competitive advantage later on if they don’t specialize early. Karen Hughey, co-founder and CEO of Team Cura, works with scholarshipseeking athletes and their parents. As a former sports parent, Hughey says both her children played a variety of sports. She and her husband left it up to their children to decide which ones they wanted to pursue as they got older. Although he was a talented golfer, her son Rob, co-founder of Team Cura, opted to quit golf early in his high school career to participate in other activities. But by his junior year, he decided that he wanted to return to golf and play at the college level. “He had to work harder to reach out to college coaches at that point, but he still was fine,” Hughey says. “He found a great school and a great fit for himself. So, leave it up to your kids. They’ll find their way and figure it out.” From discussions with many high school and college coaches, Hughey has found that they tend to prefer recruiting multi-sport athletes. “I think football is probably the best example of not specializing,” Harvey says. “Ninety percent of the first-round draft picks are multi-sport athletes. They’re running track, playing basketball, wrestling. It certainly doesn’t hinder their ability to play professionally or get those college scholarships.”

Prevent injury. “We see that kids who

have had experiences playing a multitude of sports have fewer difficulties learning new skills and, generally, don’t suffer from the overuse injuries and burnout that are common with youth athletes specializing in one sport,” says physical therapist Tim Cummings, PT, DPT. An overuse injury occurs as a result of repetitive motion and impact on one area of the body.

“Overuse injuries are those injuries that cause an athlete to lose more than a month of their sport,” Harvey says. “Those are the biggest ones that we see in the developing athletes who do sports specialization.” Cummings says the most common overuse injuries he sees in younger patients include ankle sprains, knee pain, Little Leaguer’s Elbow, ACL tears, and Osgood-Schlatter. “Osgood-Schlatter is a traction injury on a special type of growth plate called an apophysis, which is at the top of the shin bone,” Cummings explains. “The traction comes from strong and relatively tight muscles that develop during puberty and high activity levels. Pain and sometimes swelling can be felt directly over a bump at the bottom of the knee.”

Avoid burnout. Participating

in different sports throughout the year is easier on developing bodies, and kids are less likely to get bored or even anxious or depressed. “Athletes wanting to perform at their best, but not being able to, whether it’s due to injury or their fear of disappointing a coach or a parent or even themselves, plus that chronic daily physical demand, can lead to higher rates of burnout and quitting their sport,” Harvey says. To allow the body time to rest and recover, kids shouldn’t train for more than eight months out of the year. “And really try not to practice, train, or compete more than their age in years per week,” Harvey says. (For example, no more than 12 hours per week for a 12-year-old.) Striking a healthy balance between sports and other interests is also beneficial. “Some of the high school athletes we work with have stressed the importance of needing downtime and being able to spend time with friends,” Hughey says.

Encourage free play. Whether they toss a football around with friends, shoot hoops in the driveway, play tag, or make up competitive games, kids develop motor 31

skills, creativity, and social/emotional skills through unstructured play. “When we start to look at young athletes, the body really needs time to develop, to learn how to run, learn how to jump—really learn how to use their bodies and play,” Harvey says. “Instead of focusing on one exact sport, try a little bit of different types of sports. Learn how to be athletic first and foremost, and then really have fun with those sports.”

When to specialize. “This isn’t a blackand-white, good-or-bad issue. Sports like figure skating, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and diving require early specialization due to the high demand to acquire specific sports skills early on,” Cummings says. “Peak performance in these sports most often happens before reaching full physical maturity.” But he emphasizes that early specialization combined with decreased recovery time does put an athlete at increased risk for overuse injuries no matter the sport chosen. Harvey recommends parents gauge specialization readiness according to a child’s physical and mental maturity. Although he’d prefer kids waited until they were at least 12 (ideally 14 or 15), “there’s probably not a specific age that I would say is perfect,” he says. He says a child who is physically and mentally ready to specialize: • Is goal-oriented • Understands that the sport should be fun • Comprehends complex rules of the game • Recognizes the demand that a sport can put on the mind and the body • Can cope with those demands in a healthy way. Above all, “you’ve got to listen to your children,” Hughey says. “Countless coaches have told us that you will know when the time is right. If you’re pushing it, it’s not the right time.” GPP Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She and her husband are the parents of two active sons.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Family Calendar Jazz for Justice 1:00 PM Museum Plaza, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Watch downtown Pensacola come alive as Jazz for Justice returns for another unforgettable day of music. This event is FREE and includes family friendly activities, access to local food vendors, and local artists and shopping. https://jazz.lsnf.org/ Sound Booth 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Pensacola MESS Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Drop in for a hands-on exploration of sound with the Pensacola MESS Hall! Experiment with tuning forks, make music from rocks, watch sound create beautiful patterns, build simple speakers, and discover the science behind everyday sounds through fun, interactive activities for all ages. (877) 937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ Carnival of the Animals presented by Ballet Pensacola The Clark Family Cultural Center, 400 S Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 This November, Ballet Pensacola invites Foo Foo Festival audiences into Carnival of the Animals, an entirely original, family-spun ballet built around Camille Saint-Saëns’ timeless score, where 20 to 25 young dancers transform into a menagerie of wonder. Towering giraffes, lumbering elephants, and a whale that seems to swim right through the room come to life as large-scale puppets, guided by dancers moving in extraordinary unison, while shimmering projections turn the Clark Family Cultural Center’s intimate Courtroom into a jungle, a sky, and an ocean floor, sometimes all within the same scene. 11am, 2:00pm foofoofest.com

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Full Details and Clickable Links

www.GreaterPensacolaParents.com!

Monday November 2

Carnival of the Animals presented by Ballet Pensacola 1pm, 5:30pm Details on November 1. https://foofoofest.com

Tuesday November 3

Penarts Presents Sideshow 7:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com Carnival of the Animals presented by Ballet Pensacola Details on November 1. 5:30pm https://foofoofest.com East Hill Makers Market Fall Series Cordova Square, 1101 N. 12th Avenue Pensacola, FL, 32503 Join us for an afternoon of shopping, food trucks, kids activities, and more! The market features local artisans and food vendors. Nov 3-Harvest & Manna Food Pantry Drive https://myeasthill.org/events

Penarts Presents Sideshow 2:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 foofoofest.com PSC’s Performing Arts Dept Presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 2:30 PM PSC’s Ashmore Auditorium, 1000 College Boulevard – Building 8 Pensacola, FL, 32504 PSC’s Performing Arts Department is proud to present an indisputable masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim, one of America’s greatest Broadway composers and lyricists. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a heart-pounding thriller that also delights and amazes. Performances take place in PSC’s Ashmore Auditorium October 23-25 and October 30 - November 1. Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. performingarts.pensacolastate.edu/events

happening near you!

online at

NOVEMBER 2026 Sunday November 1

Find more family fun

Wednesday November 4

Rock the Runway: Living Art 7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Step inside the story as the Saenger Theatre transforms into a stunning spectacle where breathtaking larger-than-life projections, soaring opera voices, electrifying beats, ballet dancers, and runway models bring iconic operatic scenes to life through a vivid collision of music, movement, fashion, and bold artistic immersion. https://foofoofest.com/2026-event/rock-the-runway/

Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Details on November 1.

Friday November 6

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Seville Square, 311 East Government Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Arts, crafts, music & food. Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 9am - 4pm. Free admission. Children’s Festival-Children’s Arts Festival with numerous hands-on art activities, Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4pm. www.ggaf.org NAS Pensacola U.S. Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show 9:30 AM Pensacola, FL Join us for the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show on November 6-7! This spectacular event features top aerobatic performers and our renowned Blue Angels. Admission is FREE, gates open at 8:00 AM, and the show starts at 9:30 AM. www.naspensacolaairshow.org/ Pensacola Greek Festival 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1720 W Garden Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Pensacola Greek Festival is a celebration of our Greek Heritage focusing on food, music, dancing, and family friendly fun. Friday, Saturday 11am-9:00pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. https://pensacolagreekfestival.com/ Penarts Presents Sideshow 7:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Details on November 1.

Saturday November 7

OWA Presents Jesse Roper 7:30 PM OWA theater, 205 N Owa Blvd Foley, AL Get ready for an electrifying night of blues-rock energy as Jesse Roper takes the stage at OWA Theater on November 5th! https://visitowa.com/entertainment/owa-theater/

Semper Fi 5K Charity Run for Children 8:00 AM Seville Square, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for this annual community race in downtown Pensacola, Florida, that starts and finishes at the historic Seville Quarter. Organized by the Marine Corps League of Pensacola and partner TEL Staffing & HR, the event directs 100% of its race proceeds to support regional outreach programs and non-profit children’s organizations. semperfi5k.org

Penarts Presents Sideshow 7:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com

Beulah Craft and Sausage Festival 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, First Baptist Church of Beulah, 5805 Beulah Church Road Pensacola, FL, 32526 Family friendly and fun time. Live music, arts and

Penarts Presents Sideshow 7:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Details on November 1.

Thursday November 5

32

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

crafts, and of course the famous Beulah sausage dogs.9:00am - 3:00pm. www.firstbaptistofbeulah.org

train displays, a scavenger hunt, kids’ train rides, and food trucks. Admission is free. 10am-3pm. www.wfrm.org/

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Details on November 6. www.ggaf.org

Kids & K9s 10:00 AM Foley Community Library, 230 E Orange Ave Foley, AL, 36535 Meet some special four-legged friends at the Foley Community Library! Kids can enjoy an engaging, interactive experience with friendly therapy dogs while learning about kindness, reading, and the joy animals bring. www.foleylibrary.org

Sweet Season Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sweet Seasons Farms, 2260 Horn Road Milton, FL, 32570 Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow trains, country carousel, games and much more. Saturday-9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday11:00am-5:00pm. www.sweetseasonfarms.com NAS Pensacola U.S. Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show 9:30 AM Details on November 6. Military Family Appreciation Day 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5003 Henry St Milton, FL, 32570 Military Family Appreciation Day on November 7th from 10 AM – 3 PM. This event will have a kids’ craft station, model train displays, a scavenger hunt, kids’ train rides, and food trucks. Admission is free! https://wfrm.org/ STEAM Day at the PMA

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 FREE admission to the Pensacola Museum of Art from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Ticketed WorkshopsTwo hands-on workshops will be offered for adults & teens. Limited number of tickets; pre-registration and payment required for both workshops. Tickets-https:// pensacolamuseum.org/whats-on/ https://pensacolamuseum.org

The West Florida Railroad Museum Military Family Appreciation Day 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, The West Florida Railroad Museum, 5003 Henry St Milton, FL, 32570 Military Family Appreciation Day-come enjoy kids’ craft station, model

Coastline Calvary Chapel - Fall Fest 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shoreline Park, 800 Shoreline Drive Gulf Breeze, FL, 32561 All are welcome to come out and enjoy: inflatables, children’s games, raffles, free candy, performances, cornhole contest, and basketball contest. Food and drink are also available for purchase. www.coastlinegulfbreeze.com Pensacola Greek Festival 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Details on November 6. Mozart & Bizet Dress Rehearsal ($10) 1:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a working dress rehearsal of the Mozart & Bizet program. The orchestra will work to polish each piece, with adjustments to nuance, balance, and blend. Many pieces will be played in their entirety, and certain sections will be retouched with starts and stops. pensacolasymphony.com Love and Lights 5:30 PM 6738 Dixon St Milton, FL, 32570 It’s almost that time again! That time when Elmira Street is transformed into a fine dining venue. If you’ve joined us in years past, you know we’ve raised the bar on alfresco dining under the stars, and this year is no different. In 2026, we pay homage to the beautiful Blackwater River and Forest, and celebrate this place with a multi-course menu drawn from the best of traditional Southern cuisine. www.fpcmilton.org/loveandlights26 Mozart & Bizet 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for the sparking charm and rhythmic vitality of Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, the drama of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24, and the youthful exuberance and radiant melodies of Symphony in C

33

by Georges Bizet. pensacolasymphony.com Penarts Presents Sideshow 7:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Details on November 1. Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Improvable Cause 10:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Improvable Cause is Pensacola’s best professional improv comedy troupe! Performing the first Saturday of every month at the Pensacola Little Theatre, IC’s unscripted shows are sure to bust you at the seams with over-the-top, anything-goes hilarity! www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events Sound Booth Pensacola MESS Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Drop in for a hands-on exploration of sound with the Pensacola MESS Hall! Experiment with tuning forks, make music from rocks, watch sound create beautiful patterns, build simple speakers, and discover the science behind everyday sounds through fun, interactive activities for all ages. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm (877) 937-6377 www.pensacolamesshall.org

Sunday November 8

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Details on November 6. Pensacola Greek Festival 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Details on November 6. Sweet Season Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Details on November 7.

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Family Calendar Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show 7:30 PM Details on November 1.

Wednesday November 11

Archery/Fishing Day Camps and Outdoor Adventure Day Camps ($50 City Resident | $60 Non-City Resident) 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Community Maritime Park, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Participants spend the day outside fishing, learning about ethical angling, and practicing archery. These camps feature an educational component with a strong focus on safety while instilling a sense of stewardship for our natural resources. ww.cityofpensacola.com Veterans Day Celebration 11:00 AM Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola, Pensacola, FL Join us for our annual Veterans Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park!

Saturday November 14

Cast for a Cause: The Derrick Stone Memorial Fishing Tournament 6:30 AM Navarre Beach - Blue Heron Pavilion , Navarre, FL, 32566 Cast for a Cause: The Derrick Stone Memorial Fishing Tournament is a family-friendly surf fishing event bringing Northwest Florida families and anglers together for a morning of fishing, prizes, and community fun. Hosted by Together We Thrive, Inc., the event honors Derrick Stone’s legacy while raising awareness and support for child safety, safe sleep, injury prevention, and caregiver education. https://givebutter.com/cast-for-a-cause-derrick-stonememorial-surf-fishing-tournament-avqnw3 5K Justice Jog / 1-Mile (ish) Fun Run & Street Party 8:00 AM 17 East Main Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Downtown Pensacola 5K Justice Jog / 1-Mile (ish) Fun Run & Street Party is one of our favorite community events of the year, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the AWKO Justice Foundation Scholarship Fund, providing scholarships to local high school seniors. www.visitpensacola.com Northwest Florida Heart Walk 8:00 AM Seville Square, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Bringing the community together to celebrate heart health, honor survivors and remember loved ones impacted by heart disease and stroke. NWFLheartwalk.org

Sunset Soiree 2026 6:00 PM 3551 Shoemaker Lane Fort Myers, FL, 33916 An Evening to Benefit Valerie’s House and Our Community’s Grieving Children. valerieshouse.org/

Friday November 13 Grandma Jenkins Storytyme

Full Throttle for Vets: 6th Annual Show & Shine 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 7451 Pine Forest Rd Pensacola, FL, 32526 Join us for the Full Throttle for Vets: 6th Annual Show & Shine. All proceeds from this event will benefit Healing Paws for Warriors, an organization dedicated to saving lives at both ends of the leash by pairing veterans with trained rescue dogs to become their service dog. https://www.fullthrottleforvets.org/

Pensacola Maker Faire 10:00 AM Museum Plaza, 201 Zaragoza St Pensacola, FL, 32502 The Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth- a VIP Dinner-Pensacola Eggfest family friendly festival of invention where creators, in5:30 PM - 3:00 PM, Hadji Shrine, 800 W Nine Mile ventors, tinkerers, artists, engineers, and enthusiasts Rd Pensacola, FL, 32514 This year’s VIP Party is a wly opened Pensacola Children’s Museum make learning come fun! together to showcase their projects to share, Tailgate Party! We’re calling it a where tailgate we because learn, and connect. 10am hours and site information bybiggest visiting HistoricPensacola.org. “pre-party for the barbecue competition in www.pensacola.makerfaire.com Pensacola” felt a little long. https://pensacolaeggfest.com/ 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM, 5158 Willing St Milton, FL We White Tie Rock Ensemble-Hits and Home Runs will have live music by Buzzcutt . Vendors and food – A Night of Classic Rock trucks, This is a family-friendly event. 7:00 PM Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. www.zeffy.com Pensacola, FL, 32502 White Tie Rock Ensemble, a Pensacola-based music group, will host “Hits and ScripTeasers Home Runs – A Night of Classic Rock” at Blue Wahoos 12:00 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S Jefferson Stadium on Friday, November 13. St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Studio 400’s and Pensacola www.visitpensacola.com Little Theatre’s Script Reading Club is a blast! Join us

Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

Full Details and Clickable Links

www.GreaterPensacolaParents.com!

Thursday November 12

11:00 AM Pensacola Children’s Museum, 330 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Grandma Jenkins is ready to share her favorite stories once again! StoryTyme is at 11:00 a.m. on select Fridays. November 13: A Turkey for Thanksgiving https://historicpensacola.org/

happening near you!

online at

NOVEMBER 2026 Penarts Presents Sideshow 2:30 PM The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N DeVilliers St Pensacola, FL, 32501 https://foofoofest.com

Find more family fun

34

every second Saturday of the month for a live table reading. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ Curiosity Lab: Moon Day 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Pensacola MESS Hall, 418 E Wright St Pensacola, FL, 32502 November’s theme is the Moon! pensacolamesshall.org/curiosityday-november2026/ Music for Families ($10) 3:00 PM First Baptist Church, Pensacola, 500 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL This one-hour concert for all ages features composer James Stephenson’s Once Upon a Symphony, telling the story of “Sally” and her adventurous trip with her grandfather. The pair encounter delightful visual and sonic delights surrounding them at every turn, and Sally composes a piece of music. After the concert, we invite attendees to join us for activities, including our “instrument petting zoo.” pensacolasymphony.com SAIL Awards Gala 5:00 PM 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL, 32566 Join us for the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year and enjoy a culinary dinner tour of the Navarre area, entertainment, an auction, networking with community leaders, and more. https://business.navarrechamber.com/ Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Improvable Cause 10:30 PM Details on November 7. Pins for a Purpose Cordova Lanes, 2111 Airport Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32504 The Junior League of Pensacola is excited to host the 2nd annual Pins for a Purpose, our fun-filled fundraising bowling event. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, at Cordova Lanes, bringing together the community to support the League’s mission of promoting women’s and children’s Health and Wellness along with providing valuable leadership training to the woman of our League in the Pensacola Bay Area. https://pensacola.jl.org/pins-for-a-purpose/

Sunday November 15

Pensacola Eggfest 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Hadji Shrine, 800 W Nine Mile Rd Pensacola, FL, 32514 Join us on November 15th for Pensacola EggFest. This event is a 100% volunteer-led charity BBQ cook-off held every November in Pensacola, FL. Cook teams from across the country compete on Big Green Eggs while attendees sample their food, all in support of local charities. https://pensacolaeggfest.com/ SEC Soccer Tournament Fan Fest 11:30 AM Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Dr Pensacola , FL, 32534 Join in

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

the fun on Championship game day, November 15, at 11:30 am for the free FAN FEST! There will be music, food trucks and interactive activities for all ages. www.pensacolasports.org/sec-soccer-tournament Pensacola Symphony Youth Orchestra: Radiant Spirit 3:00 PM First Baptist Church of Pensacola, 500 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32501 A regal procession sets the stage for a concert of symphonic variety, discovery, and unforgettable musical storytelling. Radiant Spirit invites audiences on a journey through bold heroism, shimmering orchestral color, heartfelt reflection, vibrant folk traditions, and exhilarating celebration. pensacolasymphony.com/product/radiant-spirit/

Tuesday November 17

Brown Bag Opera 12:00 PM Pensacola Opera Center, 75 S. Tarragona St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Free, lunchtime recital series. Pack your brown bag and join us for a concert of musical theatre tunes performed by Jan Miller Studio Artists. pensacolaopera.com Auditions for The Outsiders Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 S Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 No experience is required. www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions

Saturday November 20

2026 VetCV Foundation Fundraising Dinner 5:30 PM Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Get ready for another unforget-

table evening at the stunning Pensacola Yacht Club as we kick off the 2026 VetCV Foundation Fundraising Dinner on November 20th, themed “Mission Forward: Honoring The Past, Building the Future.” This is more than just a dinner—it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to empowering veterans and their families as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives. Your presence and support can help us make a profound difference and keep our mission thriving. www.vetcvfoundation.org

Panzik Acres LLC Fall Market on the Farm 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5675 Hwy 95A N Molino, FL, 32577 Petting farm, games, bounce house, vendors, pony rides, face painting, food trucks. 11am-4pm.

Pensacola Opera Presents The Falling and the Rising 7:30 PM UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL, 32514 https://pensacolaopera.com

Jubilee Renaissance Faire Details on November 21.

Fill the Mayflower Dillard’s Parking Lot, 5100 N. Ninth Avenue Pensacola, FL You can fight hunger by bringing healthy, nonperishable food donations and monetary gifts (cash, credit/debit cards, and checks accepted) to the Dillard’s parking lot at Cordova Mall (5100 N. Ninth Avenue, Pensacola), south of BJ’s Restaurant, to benefit local children, families, senior citizens, veterans, and individuals in need throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. www.mannahelps.org/events/fill-the-mayflower/

Saturday November 21

Jubilee Renaissance Faire 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds 6655 West Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32526 2 days of adventure and excitement for people of all ages. Enjoy activities and performances fit for royalty, including solid lance extreme jousting, as can only be presented by the Knights of Valour. November 21-22, 10:00am-6:00pm www.jubileerenaissancefaire.com

Pensacola Opera Presents The Falling and the Rising 7:30 PM Details on November 20.

Sunday November 22 The Last Mile Sunset 5k Run/Walk 4:30 PM Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL Save lives through safer streets and youth programs. www.thelastmile5k.com

Friday November 27

Toys for Tots 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Gulf Breeze Zoo, 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway Gulf Breeze, FL Bring a qualifying toy to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and enjoy 50% off admission to the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Spend a memorable day among more than 1,000 animals, ride the train and make a direct impact on children in our community. https://gbzoo.com/events/toys-for-tots/

Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Wonder

welcomes everyone. Proudly Sensory Inclusive™ The Pensacola Children’s Museum is certified by KultureCity®, that help every family enjoy their visit with confidence.

Noise-Reducing Headphones

Fidget Tools

Trained

Sensory Bags Available

Quiet Spaces

Find our updated hours and site information by visiting HistoricPensacola.org 35

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

KG: I was born and raised in Pensacola and am blessed to have many extended family members in town. Plus, our church and my daughters’ school community, combined with the work families my husband and I are fortunate to be part of – we have an amazing network of people who make Pensacola feel like home. I work for LifeView Group, which is a nonprofit family of companies, so in my daily life, I have the privilege of witnessing inspiring people impacting lives across our community through mental health care and support for people with disabilities. We live in an incredibly compassionate and welcoming community.

Kelsi Gulig

GPP: What has motherhood taught you about yourself? KG: How to give up control! By nature, I’m someone who prefers having a plan and knowing what’s coming, but that’s simply not the reality with motherhood. While I still like being prepared, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and ask for help from the village around me so that when the unexpected arises, I can “PIVOT!”

GPP: What do you love about raising three girls?

GPP: What inspired you to start writing fiction at such a young age?

KG: I love having daughters for the obvious reasons like getting to relive my childhood through toys, Barbies, dressup and princess movies. But best of all is watching the three of them play and interact together. They have squabbles, like any siblings do, but most of the time, they are each other’s best friends.

KG: When I was 7-years-old, I started writing short stories about my dolls in a Lisa Frank notebook, using a sparkly pink gel pen. As I grew up, I eventually progressed to novels. In college, I started as a journalism major. Since then, I’ve worked in healthcare and nonprofit marketing, which is incredibly rewarding because it combines my love for research and wordsmithing with being part of a mission-minded team. GPP: What brought you back to writing this year? KG: After my middle daughter was born, I took a break from writing fiction. Being in the trenches with small kids, I wasn’t mentally in the space to be creative. But when I was praying about my 2026 New Year’s resolutions, I felt a strong calling to pick up one of my books I’d finished ten years ago. I figured I’d dabble a bit, maybe review a chapter each month. I ended up re-writing the entire novel by October 2026. What I’m most proud of is not that I finished, but that I listened to God and started down this road at all. At first, I really questioned myself. This is going to take ages, and I already don’t have enough hours in the day. But for something I really love doing, I’ve somehow found the time – even if it’s 10 o’clock at night.

GPP: How do you make time for each of your girls individually? KG: My husband and I take the kids on one-on-one “MommyDaughter/Daddy-Daughter dates” about once a quarter – girls choose where we go and what we do! On a daily basis, we read books individually with each girl before bedtime. Those nighttime snuggles or drives in the car en route to extracurriculars are usually when the best conversations and questions come up. GPP: What does having family nearby mean to your family?

Rapid Fire:

1. Beach or pool? Pool! 2. Morning or night? Night 3. Super power you wish you possessed? As someone who’s typically rushed and running late, I’d like to instantly appear in places I need to be! 4. Favorite family tradition? We host a Christmas Eve party for our extended family and any friends in town for the holidays. 5. One word to describe motherhood? Blessing

KG: One of the best decisions my husband and I made was to move back to Pensacola when we were ready to start having kids. Whether it’s babysitting, childcare when someone is sick, help with house projects or having loved ones to share holidays and make memories with – there’s a reason for the expression “it takes a village.” We are very blessed to have an amazing village helping us raise our girls. GPP: What are your favorite things to do together on weekends? KG: We get together with my parents, brother, sister-in-law and nephews every weekend! In summer, we have pool time. As a former theater kid, I now take my girls to shows at Pensacola Little Theatre, Ballet Pensacola or Pensacola State College.

Kelsi Gulig and her husband, Chris, met at the University of Florida and have been married for 15 years. Together, they are raising three daughters — Emma (10), Claire (7), and Ginny (3). The Gulig family stays busy with cheer and theatre activities for their two older daughters, making family life full of fun and plenty of activity. When Kelsi finds a little quiet time, often after the girls are tucked into bed, she enjoys escaping into the world of fiction through reading and writing her own stories.

GPP: What makes the Pensacola area feel like home to you? Greater Pensacola Parents I November 2026

36

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Expert guidance. Expert solutions.

My IEP Advocate

Your guide to special education success! Don’t go it alone!

My IEP Advocate has 24 years of experience advocating for the educational needs of students with disabilities.

Get expert guidance at every step.

My IEP Advocate can guide you through the complex special education process, attend meetings with you, and more!

Get informed, get organized, get empowered with My IEP Advocate.

Amy Scott Lorton Special Education Consultant & Advocate

Helping families navigate the special education process since 2002

Confused? Frustrated? Have questions? Request a consultation at: myiepadvocate.com | 850-684-IDEA (4332) | amy@myiepadvocate.com 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents