Based on Old World Christmas markets in Europe with their little Christmas lighted tents that are charming by day and magic by night, Neighbors In Seville produces this event because it melds well with Pensacola's primary historic district. In the heart of the Seville Square Historic District is Seville Square. And like the original festival in the square, An Evening In Old Seville Square, the Christmas Market is an old fashion hometown event promoting our significant historic area.

This year, 60 vendors, local and regional, are selling creative handmade, homemade and artist made items for gift giving and for collections.

As a festival of the Celebrate Pensacola, 450th anniversary birthday, there will be a Salute to Spain, Pensacola's founding country and the founder of our primary historic neighborhood which became Pensacola. So, sprinkled through the 2 day event are glimpses of Spain. Along with a food vendor selling cotton candy and hot dogs for the kids, and mochas and lattes for the adults, will be a seafood and sausage vendor selling Spain's national dish, Paella. Also, Julie De Marko, known as an authority on Spanish cooking, will make little Spanish sandwiches to go with wine. Enjoy Spanish wine and Mexican beer. (DeLuna and his contingent came up from Mexico when they attempted to settle the first colony in the new world at Pensacola in 1559.) Children can also play a pinata game.

In addition to Art Carnick as "Arthuro"playing Spanish guitar, there will be an array of music, song, dance and entertainment by local children and adults filling the gazebo and on the grounds. Jazz groups from Escambia and Tate High, the Escambia Chamber Strings, St. Mary's Joyful Noise, the B.E.T.A. children

on Broadway, Art Carnick playing jazz guitar with Dr. Norm Vickers on coloratura h a rmonica , the Santa Rosa and Escambia Florida Twirlers, the North End Stompers. And there will be a horse and buggy for you to take scenic rides around the historic neighborhood.

This is a hometown event. It is a nostalgic celebration of the holiday season. Come relax, shop and enjoy a time less complicated. Come day, come night, come before or after the parades. Make it a holiday weekend.

PENSACOLA CHRISTMAS MARKET

Seville Square
Saturday, Dec. 13 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 10 a.m.-4 p.m.