PENSACOLA (AP) - Supporters of President Donald Trump lined the block outside before filling an arena in Pensacola, Friday evening.
The crowd was unbowed by an unseasonably cold mist and a few solitary protesters at the rally.
Many in line kept warm with Trump-Pence caps while others stuck with the signature red "Make America Great Again" hats.
The stage inside the arena was adorned with red poinsettias, along with red and green signs printed with the words "Merry Christmas" and images of trees.
A year ago, then President-elect Trump held a post-election rally in Mobile, Alabama, in front of a giant tree cut down by the mayor's office and brought to the football stadium as a backdrop. The chief of staff to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson ended up losing his job.
Alabama may once again be Trump's audience for his speech, just days ahead of the state's special election for a United States Senate seat.
The president has offered his support for Republican nominee Roy Moore in that race and is expected to reiterate the message in Pensacola.
Moore has been accused of inappropriate sexual contact with multiple women, including one who was 14 at the time of an alleged assault by Moore.