If you’re flipping through this week’s Happening pages and thinking something feels a little lighter, you’re not wrong. There’s no Kiddie Compass this week because the …
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If you’re looking through this week’s event pages and thinking something feels a little lighter, you’re not wrong.
There’s no Kiddie Compass this week because the calendar has finally taken a breather and honestly, so should you.
The holidays have arrived, the pace has slowed and the to-do list is supposed to shrink, not grow.
Which begs the question: why are you reading event listings right now? You could be enjoying time with family, catching up with friends, spoiling your pets or simply leaning into the rare luxury of a day off with nowhere to be and nothing on the schedule. That, too, is a perfectly acceptable plan.
Still, if cabin fever is setting in or you’re itching for a reason to leave the house, we do have a handful of events worth your time. From festive lights and seasonal shows to live entertainment and holiday-themed fun, there are a few ways to get out and about without overcommitting. Consider this your gentle nudge, not a full shove, back into the world.
Happy holidays, Baldwin County.
What: Skate the Shore offers ice skating, hot cocoa, holiday treats, live music, festive lights and beachside cheer at Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort. The event is designed for families, couples and groups of friends. Tickets are available for purchase on site.
When: Daily, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., now through Jan. 15
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Gulf Shores Beach Resort, 112 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores
Price: Contact for details
What: Guests can ride the Arctic Express aboard “Dame Ann,” an authentic steam locomotive, through festive lights, decorations, Christmas music and snow on a journey to the North Pole. Each child receives a toy and a holiday family photo with Santa. Tickets include refreshments, mini train rides, a hay-less hayride, playgrounds, mini golf and a bounce house. A potato cannon is available for a small fee, and food is available for purchase at the café and concessions stand. The gift shop features items for train enthusiasts. For more information, call (251) 232-2322 or visit https://waleswest.com.
When: Nightly through Dec. 24, 4-9 p.m.
Where: Wales West RV Resort & Light Railway, 13670 Smiley Street, Silverhill
Price: $25 per person; children 2 and under free. Tickets available at Wales West or online at https://waleswest.com
What: The Groovy Goat hosts a free indoor holiday light show featuring classic seasonal music paired with synchronized lights dancing throughout the room. Shows are held daily and are designed to be enjoyed while dining.
When: Daily through Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6 and 8 p.m.
Where: Groovy Goat, 106 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
Price: Free admission
What: Bay Cities Improv and Perdido Queen Cruises present an interactive murder mystery dinner cruise set in a glamorous 1947 radio broadcast. Guests step aboard the Perdido Queen for a holiday recreation of “A Candle in the Snow,” complete with live entertainment, period flair and an unfolding mystery filled with rivalries and secrets. The experience includes a three-course dinner, live performances and a full cash bar. The climate-controlled vessel features panoramic windows, open-air balconies and onboard restrooms. Covered parking is available at the Mobile Convention Center Parking Garage with additional open parking nearby. The Perdido Queen can accommodate manual wheelchairs in the main salon. Cruises operate rain or shine. Tickets are available at https://perdidoqueen.com/cruises/murder-mystery-dinner-cruise/.
When: Friday, Dec. 26, 6:30-9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 28, 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: Perdido Queen Cruises, boarding near Cooper Riverside Park, Mobile
Price: Adults, $79.99; children 12 and under, $49.99; infants 1 and under, free. Food is not included with infant tickets
What: The Brandon Styles Comedy Magic Show features a fast-paced mix of large-scale illusions, close-up magic and comedy designed to entertain audiences of all ages. The show includes audience participation, playful props and high-energy performances by a world competition award-winning magician. The indoor theater setting makes it a family-friendly option, and the production is billed as Alabama’s only magic show. Tickets are available at www.brandonstyles.com/.
When: Friday, Dec. 26, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Brandon Styles Live Theater & Magic Shop at OWA, 104 S. OWA Blvd., Foley
Price: Children ages 4-12, $25; adults ages 13 and up, $35; VIP tickets, $49. Children 3 and under are free if seated on a parent’s lap
What: Sparks & Sounds returns to Downtown OWA with a full day of upbeat entertainment, hands-on activities and New Year’s Eve fun for all ages. Guests can enjoy roaming performers, themed crafts and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon as Downtown OWA transforms into a lively celebration. As the evening continues, entertainment moves to the OWA Island Stage with back-to-back live music. The night concludes with a fireworks show lighting up the sky. Visit https://visitowa.com/sparks-sounds/ for full details.
When: Saturday, Dec. 27, 3-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown OWA, 101 N. South OWA Blvd., Foley
Price: Free admission
