Pensacola, FL December 2025

CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON IN PENSACOLA THE HOLIDAY ISSUE DECEMBER

Moving Business Forward.

A Season to Remember, Happy Holidays, from Our Family To Yours

When we talk about the holidays in Pensacola, we’re really talking about something deeper than tradition. We’re talking about resilience, the kind that softens you without breaking you, the kind that lets grace win when chaos tries to take center stage.

It’s in the way this city glows, porches strung with white lights, storefronts wrapped in ribbons, the scent of the Gulf mixing with something warm and sweet from the kitchen. It’s the way Pensacola holds one another up after storms, how we choose kindness even when it isn’t easy, how we keep believing that goodness still exists, not somewhere out there, but right here, within us.

This year, I’ve seen both the best and the most challenging aspects of community. And what I’ve learned is that light always finds its way back, even when people try to dim it. Pensacola has a way of reminding you that goodness doesn’t disappear; it simply regroups, gathers strength, and comes back brighter.

As Publisher of Pensacola City Lifestyle, I see it every day, the quiet heroes, the creative dreamers, the steady givers who lead with heart, not ego, the ones who remind me that our city’s soul shines brightest when it gives without expecting applause.

So this holiday season, I’m slowing down. I’m noticing the small things that make life feel full: the laughter of friends, the glow of candles in windows, the peace that comes from knowing I stood tall when it mattered. Because the holidays don’t ask for perfection, they ask for presence. For honesty. For courage.

And maybe that’s the truest kind of magic: learning that love, integrity, and faith in yourself are the greatest gifts of all.

As we close this year, I hope you find your own kind of stillness the kind that reminds you that even after the hardest seasons, beauty still blooms.

From my family  and from all of us at Pensacola City Lifestyle,

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may your new year be filled with strength, light, and peace.

With gratitude,

SUZANNE POPE, PUBLISHER @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Will Estell | Will.Estell@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Sydney Steffen | Sydney.Steffen@CityLifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Katie Harris | Katie.Harris@CityLifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Wall, Alex Boykin, Blake Estell, Channing Estell, Myra J. Van Hoose, Stephania Streit, Suzanne Pope

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alex Boykin, Blake Jones, Steven Gray

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

A Quiet Kind of Magic

HOW PENSACOLA FINDS GRACE, GRATITUDE, AND CONNECTION IN THE STILLNESS OF THE SEASON

ARTICLE BY SUZANNE POPE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

There’s something about a Gulf Coast winter that slows the world to a heartbeat you can actually hear. The bay softens into glass. The air, still warm enough for short sleeves, carries a hint of salt and something sweet, maybe cinnamon from a nearby café, or the aroma of something baking in a neighbor’s kitchen. In this light, everything feels deliberate: the sound of church bells drifting down Palafox, the slow sway of Spanish moss, the hush of a city quietly preparing for Christmas.

Pensacola’s winters aren’t about snow or sparkle; they’re about stillness. The kind of stillness that makes you notice what endures the people, the rituals, the grace that doesn’t need applause. This season, I’ve come to think of that feeling as a quiet kind of magic. Not the loud, glittering kind that fades when the lights go out, but something softer and stronger, the peace that comes when we keep showing up for one another.

Every December, the city transforms. Downtown glows with twinkling lights that hover above brick streets like stars come to visit. Storefronts dress themselves in garland, and the rhythm of life slows just enough to feel the moment. Families linger longer at cafés and coffee houses, and the air carries the fragrance of cinnamon and pine from wreaths hung on shop doors. It’s the sensory heartbeat of Pensacola in winter: warm, familiar, and gently alive.

This past year, through the pages of  Pensacola City Lifestyle, I’ve rediscovered that kind of stillness—the kind that doesn’t shout for attention but leaves an impression that lingers long after the last page is turned. Every feature, every photograph, every conversation reminded me that this city’s strength comes from its people, the ones who build, who dream, who love this place enough to make it shine.

Our story began, fittingly, with celebration. Pensacola welcomed the year in Mardi Gras style, parades rolling down Palafox in a swirl of color and

laughter. And just as the last beads were swept from the street, spring arrived, bringing one of our most memorable evenings, the MarineMax Spring Bash in April. The bay shimmered gold at sunset, luxury yachts lined the docks, and the landscape itself became part of the celebration. Flowers cascaded across long white-linen tables in waves of blue and white hydrangeas, while ten international chefs lined the decks, creating dishes that made guests pause mid-conversation just to savor the next bite. Wines curated by our own wine writer, Alex Boykin, flowed like conversation, graceful, intentional, and full of discovery. It was more than an event; it was a promise that Pensacola knows how to celebrate beauty and connection in equal measure.

In May, we turned our lens toward the women who make this city move. Our Women’s Issue became a celebration of visionaries—those who design, build, and dream beauty into being. That issue felt deeply personal, an ode to the women who shape Pensacola’s heart with elegance and determination. It reminded me that creativity is an act of courage and that when women lead, entire communities are elevated.

In June, we explored purpose and faith through Aaron Watson, a preacher’s son turned attorney, advocate, and founder of Juneteenth Pensacola. His story carried conviction and grace—a reminder that passion and principle can coexist beautifully when led by heart.

By August, we were ready to transform vision into experience with the grand opening of Engel & Völkers, a night that felt like art came to life. With city permits in hand, we closed a stretch of South Jefferson Street and reimagined it as a dreamscape of light and luxury.

A grand round bar anchored the scene, surrounded by red-and-white draped canopies, candlelit tent bars, and chandeliers that glowed like jewelry against the night sky. Plush couches invited conversation, and the whole evening unfolded with the glamour of Monte Carlo or

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“Pensacola’s magic isn’t found in the glitter or noise,  it’s in the kindness that shows up quietly, the love that lingers, and the way this city takes care of its own.”

“We don’t need snow to feel the season’s wonder, just a generous heart, a grateful spirit, and the warmth of a community that still believes in showing up for one another.”

Paris filtered through the warmth of Pensacola’s spirit. It wasn’t just an opening; it was an atmosphere. A love letter to design, to hospitality, and to the belief that elegance has the power to transform.

Summer also brought our Jane Merrill cover, featuring Jane and her grandson “Junior,” an homage to legacy and love across generations. The cover, cinematic in its stillness, reminded us that family stories don’t fade; they evolve. The Merrills, a close-knit family of brothers, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, remind us that perfection isn’t the point; love is. Family, with all its imperfections, like all our families, is what makes the holidays shine brightest. They know how to celebrate Christmas the way it’s meant to be celebrated: together, with warmth, humor, and heart.

Between interviews, late-night writing, and edits, I’m writing this at 2 a.m., fueled by coffee and conviction—I began to notice a thread running through all these stories: courage, generosity, and faith. Whether in a boardroom or a ballet studio, a kitchen or a sailboat, the people of Pensacola share one rare gift: they live with gratitude and generosity. And that gratitude, I’ve learned, is what keeps the pulse of this city steady and bright.

When we introduced Chef Laura Bernardi Piovesana, the Italian-born culinary artist whose table became a gathering place for authenticity and joy, it felt like sharing a recipe for life itself—equal parts passion, patience, and purpose. Her story was a reminder that it’s never too late to start again, to trust your gifts, and to find connection in the simple act of feeding others.

The same quiet generosity runs through Christi Costello, owner of Costello’s Butcher Shop and founder of the Kimberly Taur Foundation, which feeds hundreds of families on Pensacola’s west side every week. Her work reminds me that kindness is a verb; it moves, it feeds, it shows up. We also celebrated Impact 100, a community of women who have reshaped Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties through

$17.5 million in grants over twenty years. Their power lies in unity in choosing collaboration over competition. And through the Satori Foundation, based at the Pensacola Yacht Club, we saw how compassion can take to the water offering sailing, marine science, and STEM experiences to underserved youth and veterans. What they’re doing is more than teaching people to sail; they’re showing what confidence, teamwork, and curiosity can create when given a fair wind. That’s the kind of hope that carries forward quietly, steadily, and unstoppable.

This year reminded me that every person carries a story you can’t see from a distance. You never truly know someone until you take the time to ask and listen. Be curious. Ask the question. Don’t be judgmental. It’s in that space where we choose understanding over assumption that compassion takes root. And that grace, both given and received, is its own kind of magic.

At home, life hums with ordinary miracles: the smell of dinner, music in the background, laughter from the next room, candles lit simply because they make the night softer. These are the small moments that anchor me, the ones that remind me who I am when everything else fades to quiet.

As this year closes, I’m thankful not only for what we’ve accomplished but for how, with grace, collaboration, and a belief that media can be both beautiful and kind.  Pensacola City Lifestyle has never been just a magazine; it’s a mirror held up to a community that continues to inspire me because I lead with curiosity, ask questions, and listen without judgment.

If this story touched your heart, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com and share what it meant to you, and you’ll be entered to win complimentary seats to a special curated dinner and wine experience this February, a 150-guest ticketed event celebrating connection, conversation, and community, the kind of night where the quiet kind of magic continues long after the holidays.

A CITY THAT GIVES BACK: Pensacola’s heart beats for others from the Kimberly Taur Foundation feeding hundreds weekly to the Watson Family Foundation giving 1,000 turkeys each Thanksgiving. Here, compassion isn’t seasonal; it’s our way of life.

GOOD TIDINGS TO COME

Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th

Tuesday, December 2nd and Wednesday, December 3rd

A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL

Broadway in Pensacola Saenger Theatre

Nominated for three Tony Awards including Best Musical, this comedic performance brings the classic 1983 movie to life on stage. Set in the 1940s, a young Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, and a triple-dogdare are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.

MESSIAH SING!

The Choral Society of Pensacola Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

This sing-along version of a celebrated holiday favorite lets the audience join in on some of the solos and choruses, including the thrilling Hallelujah chorus. Of course, you’re welcome to come along and just listen as well!

Friday, December 12th to Sunday, December 21st

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

Pensacola Little Theatre

The Clark Family Cultural Center

Watch as a small ensemble of actors brings the beloved story of George Bailey to life—with live sound effects, vintage flair, and all the magic of a bygone era. A timeless tale of hope, love, and the impact one life can have, this charming production is a festive treat for the whole family.

Monday, December 15th

JINGLE JAZZ

Jazz Pensacola

Phineas Phogg’s in Seville Quarter

Jazz Pensacola’s annual holiday celebration brings together local musicians to play holiday favorites and ring in good cheer. Nestled in Phineas Phogg’s in Seville Quarter, it’s the perfect occasion to take in the lights of Downtown Pensacola during the holiday season.

This December, expect treasured traditions and festive new ways to ring in the holiday season.

Friday, December 19th-Sunday, December 21st

THE NUTCRACKER

Ballet Pensacola

Saenger Theatre

Ballet Pensacola invites you to partake in this cherished holiday tradition. Set against Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, a cadre of local talent and a company of international professional dancers bring the classic story of The Nutcracker to life with gorgeous costumes, breathtaking choreography, and delectable flights of fantasy.

ARTICLE BY ANNA WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CANDLELIGHT:

CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS

Palafox String Quartet

First United Methodist Church Saturday, December 20th

Usher in the holiday season surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles and the lush sounds of the Palafox String Quartet. This one-of-a-kind concert presents favorite carols played on sweeping strings in the historic sanctuary of Pensacola’s First United Methodist Church.

Wednesday, December 31st @ 7:00 pm

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

Saenger Theatre

Ring in 2026 with this Pops! Performance showcasing vocalist, Michael Andrew. This energetic tribute to the Rat Pack will feature favorites such as Come Fly with Me, Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, and more.

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Rethinking the Ritual of Resolutions

REIMAGINE RESOLUTIONS AS HABITS OF BALANCE AND JOY.

ARTICLE BY ANNA WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

As the glittering promise of the New Year approaches, millions pause to reflect and set intentions for the year ahead. Though it can feel like you can’t sip a holiday cocktail or sample an hors d'oeuvre without someone asking about your resolution, few Americans take the practice seriously. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that only a third of Americans made at least one resolution. Among them, health topped the list, followed by finances, personal relationships, and work.

The most interesting revelation? Resolutions are largely a young person’s game. Nearly half of adults aged 18 to 29 said they made at least one resolution in 2024, but this number drops sharply with age. About a third of those aged 30 to 49 reported making one, and only 21% of adults 50 and older made a promise for the new year.

Do twenty-somethings have a monopoly on hope?

Perhaps seasoned adults have felt the sting of unmet resolutions and now avoid failure by not setting them at all. Researchers estimate that only about 25% of resolution-makers are still committed by the end of January. While this may free up treadmills at the gym come February, it’s a sobering success rate. As we mature, we realize transformation doesn’t come with the turn of a calendar page. Real change is built by slowly establishing habits and achieving small, incremental successes that reaffirm our goals.

Despite the data—and our own skepticism—the New Year remains a time for reflection and renewal. My discomfort with resolutions often clashes with the hope I feel every January. A perpetual Pollyanna, I cherish looking back on the previous year’s accomplishments and dreaming about what’s to come, yet I bristle at the idea of rigid resolutions. With life’s responsibilities and stresses, resolutions can feel like just one more burden to bear. It’s time to reframe resolutions. Your resolutions shouldn’t tell you what you can’t do—they should remind you of what you can. Instead of making promises rooted in restriction—spending less, eating less, doing less—set intentions that promote growth and joy.

Here are three ways to shift your perspective: THEME YOUR YEAR

Build your year around a guiding theme that shapes your choices. You might seek a Balanced 2026, cultivating equilibrium between work, relationships, and rest. Or center your year around Service, using your time and talents to make a positive difference.

ANNUAL BUCKET LIST

Swap a to-do list for a “to-experience” list. As you reflect on 2025, jot down the people, places, and things you’d like to explore. Learn a skill, take a class, or plan that long-awaited trip. Create a roadmap for 2026 that feels expansive and joyful.

TWELVE NEW THINGS

Commit to trying one new thing each month. Enter the year with a “yes” mindset and step out of your comfort zone. Try a new restaurant, explore a hobby, or make a new friend. Keep a list and celebrate your progress at year’s end.

As the year turns, skip the restrictions and focus on curiosity, growth, and joy. Meaningful change isn’t about doing more or being better— it’s about living with intention.

Here’s to a 2026 filled with progress, perspective, and possibility.

“Your resolutions shouldn’t tell you what you can’t do, they should remind you of what you can. Instead of making promises rooted in restriction—spending less, eating less, doing less—set intentions that promote growth and joy.”

Beauty and Bubbles BASH

Join us Thursday, December 5th from 4-7PM for a festive evening of holiday glam and cheer!

Enjoy exclusive discounts on all services purchased that day.

Shop the Kendra Scott pop-up bar and browse designer purses.

Sip, snack, and sparkle with food, prizes, and giveaways all night long!

SAVOR the SEASON

ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN & STEPHANIA STREIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN GRAY

As the holidays descend upon us, it’s a great time to serve up a fabulously paired menu for your spectacular event. There’s enough stress in the season so don’t let deciding on the best food and wine choices be part of it. Here we have provided some simple tips, and gadgets, that will help you to get the most out of your next food and wine experience, during the holiday season and all year long.

So, how do we know what wines to drink with and without food? For most, food wines enhance the flavor of what we eat, but the same wines also tend to be rather harsh on their own. When enjoyed with food, these wines elevate our sensory experience by blooming on our tongues, bringing out a flavor profile that can only exist in combination with a few tasty morsels that prepare your palate.

For starters, you may be asking, what is a food wine? To best explain this, let’s use Chianti as our red example and then Sauvignon Blanc as our white example. Chianti contains a fair amount of tannin. Tannins give structure to a red wine but can give you that dry/cotton mouth feel when not integrated properly into the wine. And for the record, tannins do not give you a headache the next day. Tannins do, on a molecular level, bind to proteins, softening many of the harsh overtones. Therefore after a few bites of your holiday roast that slightly dry Chianti now becomes softer and smoother, allowing more of its flavors to come through.

Where tannins tend to drive the show on the red side, instead acid is the main driver on the white side. An overly acidic Sauvignon Blanc can be tart, with a little bite, overpowering your saliva ducts, leaving your palate feeling almost wet. Much like taking a sip of grapefruit juice. This experience is reversed by having a few bites of your oven roasted turkey, followed by a sip of Sauvignon Blanc. Now the acid is balanced by the richness of meat, readying your palate for the next bite. Test it yourself, whether you have hors d’oeuvres or a full meal, make sure you have savored a few morsels of food before your first sip of wine. This will balance, blend and enhance the flavors.

“SO, WHETHER YOU HAVE HORS D’OEUVRES OR A FULL MEAL, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SAVORED A FEW MORSELS OF FOOD before YOUR FIRST SIP OF WINE TO BALANCE, BLEND, and enhance ITS FLAVORS.”

Knowing how tannic or acidic a certain wine is can help one to choose the types of food to prepare or consume for a truly complementary foodie experience, no matter the occasion. Even with that knowledge it can still be stressful choosing the right wine. If the thought of selecting the ideal wine to pair with your hors d’oeuvres puts you in a pickle, then go to someone who can help. Pensacola has many wonderful wine shops that will offer you pairing recommendations.

As for choosing the best wine to take along to a party, most cocktail parties are quite sparing with their hors d’oeuvres spread, so the focus is less on the few available treats requiring more attention on the ideal drink. For this occasion you

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will need a wine that is ready for instant gratification. Look for a wine that is balanced, smooth and soft, not too heavy on the alcohol. Especially if dinner is soon afterwards. Perhaps an apéritif is in order? Regardless, your wine should be able to hold its own for a glass or two while one is engrossed in an engaging conversation.

Now that you have selected your wine, how will you serve it? More important than decanters and glassware is temperature. Do not serve warm wine. Period. White wines need to be 46-54 degrees F and reds 60-68F. This standard also applies while you drink your wine. A few degrees too warm and your enjoyable wine quickly turns into something rough, tart, and astringent. If you or your host do not own a wine cooler, you can achieve a similar result by practicing this simple tip: Cool room-temperature reds in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to achieve the correct temperature. Pro tip: Open your reds prior to placing them in the refrigerator. Your whites should go in a few hours prior, and then be pulled out about 20 minutes before serving, to bring out their complexity and flavor profile. And remember, hold your glass by the stem, not the cup. Always!

Before we can serve anything, however, we have to be able to open the bottle! A screw top should be no problem for most of us, however, composite or natural cork may be challenging. There are several varieties of wine openers available but there are two that will do everything you need, with some practice. The first type is the standard wine key, also known as a waiter’s corkscrew. Sorry, but size matters here! It must be no less than 2.5 inches to have enough turns to capture all of the cork. The second, especially if you are dealing with older wines, is called an “Ah So.” They are relatively easy to use and can be invaluable in removing old or broken corks. Whether you choose one of these or even an electric wine opener, it is strongly recommended to avoid the winged corkscrew, as these are notorious for breaking corks.

With all this talk of wine, let’s not forget about the food. Whether a cozy meal with family, or a party for many, holiday recipes tend to be the star of the show. Foods like fruit cake, gingerbread and macaroons enchant us with their wafting smells and delightful tastes by casting a magical spell and transporting us into a special place we visit only once a year. Great food can elevate the mood, coaxing family and guests to stay than anticipated.

“FOOD IS A LOVE LANGUAGE TO BE shared WITH passion and enthusiasm, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.”

Most people tend to gravitate to what they like or are familiar with. So think about foods and recipes that have sentimental value, combined with the addition of something new. If you haven’t done so already, record the recipes to preserve for them for the next generation, while giving each family member their space to write their changes in, so as to truly create a legacy language of food that’s special to your family.  Each year, try a new recipe to add to the culture of food in your home, creating special memories that will bring loved ones together, past and present, to remember and honor those not able to be with you. Always remember, food is a love language

to be shared with passion and enthusiasm, especially during the holidays.

As we traverse our way through this holiday season, now in full swing, remember to take a moment, close your eyes, and breathe. Embrace the warmth and happiness of the season, well above the stress and anxiety. Celebrate the hustle and bustle in a way that elevates you, focusing on the things that bring you true happiness. Slow down and cherish the moments filled with laughter, good food, great friends and family, good wine, and engaging conversation. After all, this is what memories are made from.

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Christmas Dinner Simplified

WHEN THE LIGHTS GLOW AND LAUGHTER LINGERS, YOU’RE HOME HERE

For those who prefer fine dining over dishwashing, several of Pensacola’s most celebrated restaurants are opening their doors this holiday season, offering full menus, festive cheer, and warm hospitality.

At Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano, the glow of downtown meets Italian indulgence. From 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests can enjoy handmade pasta, wood-fired specialties, and an exceptional wine list fit for any holiday toast.

Just steps away, The Fish House serves coastal sophistication with a view, featuring fresh Gulf seafood and a frontrow seat to the twinkling harbor lights. Open Christmas Eve 2:00–10:00 p.m. and Christmas Day 5:00–10:00 p.m.

Jackson’s Steakhouse, a longtime favorite for special occasions, welcomes diners 5:00–10:00 p.m. both evenings with prime cuts, refined cocktails, and timeless Southern hospitality.

For a soulful spin on the season, Five Sisters Blues Café opens 4:00–9:00 p.m. both nights, offering signature comfort fare and warm, bluesy charm that makes the holidays feel like home.

Next door, Atlas Oyster House invites guests to enjoy waterfront dining and coastal favorites Christmas Eve 5:00–10:00 p.m.

From Italian romance to Gulf Coast flavor, Pensacola’s dining scene ensures a holiday evening that’s both effortless and unforgettable.

Celebrate Christmas without the cleanup. These five Pensacola favorites are serving their full menus, inviting guests to trade kitchen chaos for candlelight and conversation. Whether you crave seafood, steak, or coastal comfort each promises a taste of holiday indulgence. Book early and let some of Pensacola’s top chefs do the work while you savor the moment.

ARTICLE BY BLAKE ESTELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE JONES

Magical Moments in Europe’s Christmas Market

Discover timeless traditions and twinkling treasures across Europe’s festive wonderlands.

Picture a town square featured in your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s a winter evening, glowing in the warmth of twinkling lights, with a sprinkling of unique snowflakes and classic yuletide décor. Now, expand that vision exponentially, because when traveling to Europe and strolling holiday markets you’ll find yourself wandering through picture-perfect postcard like settings all around.

According to National Geographic, the earliest recorded Christmas market is the Dresden Striezelmarkt, originally opened in 1434. Such markets were small gatherings of vendors set to stock food and supplies before the long winter months, however they evolved over time. Stalls for the poor were pushed to the fringes of town, at a time when propaganda soapboxes took hold in war times.

Nowadays, in our modern time, these holiday markets have made a resurgence as festive gatherings centered around winter holidays; visited by millions of locals and tourists from around the globe.

While Germany may still boast the oldest and largest number of markets -as many as 3,000, Christmas markets have spread throughout Europe with each country adding their own cultural heritage to the original fare. Regardless of the location, each market consistently features vendors selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal delicacies, and decorations.

ARTICLE BY MYRA J. VAN HOOSE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Typical treasures often include knitted goods, toys, soaps, oils and salves, wooden carvings, homemade jewelry, and specialty food and drinks. If finding unique gifts isn’t thrill enough, the dazzling lights, the scent of mulled wine and hot chocolate, and the joyful hum of carolers create an atmosphere that even the most reluctant shoppers can cherish.

Practically every town in Germany offers a holiday market, with the most notable being in Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, and Goslar. Nuremberg markets are decorated with red and white stripes, and the gingerbread and bratwurst are world-famous. Dresden -besides being the oldest- has the largest scale of decorations, including a pyramid and a candle arch. The most noteworthy food item in the many markets across Dresden is, of course, Stollen, or what we call fruitcake. Finally, Cologne offers separate themed markets including gnomes, angels, and even a nautical motif.

Dresden, Germany

Goslar’s Christmas Forest includes fir trees adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, making for a truly enchanting atmosphere. Many cities offer multiple sites, such as Munich with a market in their airport, thus making a stroll through even more convenient for us travelers. Bavaria leads the charge with over 400 markets, whereas Berlin boasts around 80. Outside Germany, one of the most well-known markets is in Vienna, Austria. It’s surrounded by grand architecture with a fairytale setting that’s hard to surpass anywhere.

Traveling over to Colmar, France you’ll find many markets close by, including Strasbourg, where often, the entire town decorates to become a vision likened to a scene from “Beauty and the Beast,” while French and Alsatian treats highlight your experience. Farther away, Edinburgh, Scotland has a relatively newer market -only dating back to 1999. It features a huge Ferris wheel in addition to traditional market favorites and stays open until the famous Hogmanay (New Year) celebration. Tallin, Estonia is an incredibly picturesque medieval town dating back 700-plus years. Its market boasts the first public Christmas tree in Europe -originally exhibited in 1441.

Wherever you choose to take your European Christmas market journey, all of these cities, as well as Prague, Budapest, Brussels, Salzburg, and Copenhagen, are sure to add richness to your holiday season. Wherever, you choose, you’ll make magical memories while finding the ideal gift for that special someone.

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Infrared sauna, which offers deep relaxation and detoxification

Cold plunge therapy, perfect for boosting circulation and energy levels

Flowpresso Therapy, a gentle way to enhance lymphatic flow and overall health

Body contouring A-Sculpt treatments

Innovative 24-Unit Light System to regenerate and energize Contact

FOUR UNIQUE HOLIDAY COCKTAILS TO PUT YOU IN THE SPIRIT

Cheers to You! FESTIVE

Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet night by the tree, these holiday cocktails deliver pure seasonal joy.

PENSACOLA SNOWFALL

Ingredients:

• 2 oz coconut rum

• 1 oz cream of coconut

• ½ oz white chocolate liqueur

• 1 oz pineapple juice

Instructions:

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with grated nutmeg and a light dusting of coconut flakes for that snowy vibe.

SPICED APPLE BOURBON FIZZ

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1½ oz spiced apple cider

• ½ oz lemon juice

• Ginger beer to top

Instructions:

Combine bourbon, cider, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice, top with your favorite ginger beer, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

ARTICLE BY CHANNING ESTELL

NORTH POLE

ESPRESSO MARTINI

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur

• 1 oz fresh espresso

• ½ oz peppermint schnapps

Instructions:

Shake ingredients with ice until frothy. Strain into a martini glass, top with crushed peppermint and cocoa powder for that wintry finish.

CRANBERRY AND ROSEMARY SPARKLER

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 1 oz cranberry juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Splash of club soda or prosecco

• Fresh rosemary sprig and sugared cranberries

Instructions:

Shake vodka, cranberry juice, and syrup over ice. Strain into chilled glass, top with club soda or prosecco and garnish with rosemary and cranberries.

FESTIVE

At Gulf Islands Medical Imaging, we understand the importance of cherishing what truly matters. Through clarity, compassion, and advanced technology, we help you honor your health -- the greatest gift of all. This season, give yourself the gift of peace of mind. Schedule your ABUS screening today.

CRAFTING CHEER:

DIY WINTER CRAFTS

ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ORNAMENT CLUSTERS

SUPPLIES

• 22 gauge wire

• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes

• Wire snips

STEP 1

Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”

STEP 2

Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 3

Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.

STEP 4

Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 5

Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!

Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!

A Fresh Start Should Look This Beautiful

There ’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

From the shimmer of Gulf Coast lights to the craftsmanship within every remarkable home, we’re reminded that true luxury and the magic of the season live in the details that inspire us.

At Engel & Völkers Pensacola , every client experience is bespoke — guided by precision, purpose, and passion, and shaped by a global legacy of excellence.

This season, we celebrate the beauty of home, the art of connection, and the details that make every story uniquely yours.

Engel & Völkers Pensacola , a bespoke experience since 1977. Where every detail tells your story.

L