The City of Gulf Shores is kicking off its holiday season with a lineup of family-friendly events, from festive concerts to breakfast with Santa.

The celebrations begin Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. with Community Christmas at Sims Park. Families can take photos with Santa, enjoy holiday treats and crafts, and watch the 10th Annual Snowball Drop, a man-made blizzard of 8,000 ping pong balls, some of which hold winning numbers for prizes provided by local sponsors. Businesses or individuals interested in partnering as vendors, sponsors or donors can find more information on the city's website.

On Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., the Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert takes place at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. The Baldwin Pops, a volunteer organization dedicated to providing free concert band performances, will entertain audiences with Christmas classics. Admission is free, seats are first come, first serve, and attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program.

Families can continue the festivities with Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. at the Civic Center. Children will enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, while attendees of all ages can enjoy a breakfast featuring sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes. Admission is $8, and children 3 and under are free, per the release.

In addition to these major events, the Gulf Shores Public Library and Recreation Department are hosting a variety of holiday activities. At the library, children can participate in Ornament Making with Mrs. Claus Storytime on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m., a Visit from Santa Storytime on Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m., a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest on Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Cookie Decorating with the Elves on Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

The Recreation Department will offer Jammies & Gingerbread on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., the Deck the House Lights Contest with submissions due by Dec. 14 and winners announced Dec. 19, and the Ramble On Deck the House Tour on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. Other activities include Christmas Craft - Wild Grapevine Wreaths on Dec. 16 and 18 at 5:30 p.m. and a Deck the House Scavenger Hunt on Dec. 19. Pre-registration is required for select events.

For a full schedule and additional information, residents can visit www.gulfshoresAL.gov/Christmas.