From dazzling tree lightings to twinkling parades, Baldwin County is gearing up for a season full of holiday cheer.
Communities across the area are hosting a variety of family-friendly events to …
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From dazzling tree lightings to twinkling parades, Baldwin County is gearing up for a season full of holiday cheer.
Communities across the area are hosting a variety of family-friendly events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and Gulf Coast Media has your guide right to as much of it as we could find. If you are in the festive spirit and trying to hit as many events as you can, start with Fairhope's Annual Lighting of the Trees this Thursday followed by OWA's Tree Lighting on Saturday. New this year is Magnolia Springs' Christmas in the Park. How many events will you make it to?
We've separated the events by region and then ordered those events by date.
What: Ring in the holiday season at Orange Beach's annual Christmas Tree Lighting at The Wharf. This festive evening includes musical performances, hot chocolate, an appearance by Santa and a dazzling holiday SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. Admission and parking are free.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, 4830 Main St., Orange Beach
What: Kick off the holiday season with a celebration at Sims Park, featuring pictures with Santa, holiday treats, crafts, and the ninth-annual Snowball Drop. featuring 8,000 ping pong balls dropped from above, with winning snowballs earning prizes from generous sponsors.
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Johnnie Sims Park, Gulf Shores
What: Join the festivities at LuLu's for a magical night featuring the Lighted Boat Parade. Enjoy a parade of brightly decorated boats along the Waterway Village, visible from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Arrive early for a table and enjoy the waterfront views.
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. (at dusk)
Where: LuLu's, 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores
What: Celebrate the holidays at OWA's eighth-annual Tree Lighting hosted by Taylor Hicks. Enjoy live entertainment, performances by local artists, a synchronized tree light show, fireworks and a special tree lighting countdown. Activities begin at 2 p.m. with photos with Santa and a mini train ride. The grand lighting and fireworks show starts at 7 p.m.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown OWA
What: Join the City of Foley for the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Heritage Park. The evening will feature Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and refreshments, including hot cocoa and snacks. Awards for the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will also be presented.
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, Downtown Foley
What: The 2024 Christmas in the Park celebration begins with a Preview Party on Dec. 6. The community tree lighting and visits with Santa will be on Dec. 7. Enjoy games and activities starting at 3 p.m., with Santa arriving by helicopter at 4 p.m. The "Launching of the Lights" will take place at 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks.
When: Friday, Dec. 6, (Preview Party) and Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Lillian Recreational Park, 33914 Widell Ave., Lillian
What: The Kiwanis Club of Foley presents its annual Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition since 1963. Families line the streets to enjoy festive floats, marching bands and the excitement of Santa Claus's arrival. This vibrant celebration embodies the holiday spirit and unites the community.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.
Where: Parade route beginning at 235 E. Lawson Ave., Foley
What: Continue the festivities in Heritage Park immediately after the Foley Christmas Parade. Enjoy live entertainment, kids' activities, a Christmas marketplace and a visit from Santa. This lively event is perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 125 E. Laurel Ave., Foley
What: The parade will roll down Illinois Street, with throws starting at the EHS parking lot. Afterward, stay for the tree lighting, cookies, hot chocolate and a Christmas movie marathon
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, 4:30-10 p.m.
Where: Elberta (Parade route along Illinois Street)
What: Celebrate the holiday season at Magnolia Springs' first Christmas in the Park. The evening begins with the lighting of the town Christmas tree at 5 p.m., followed by caroling. Enjoy hot chocolate and coffee served by Snobile Sweets and Treats while soaking in the festive community atmosphere.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 5-7 p.m.
Where: 14809 Gates Ave., Magnolia Springs
What: Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the City of Fairhope at the beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests will enjoy live music from the Fairhope High School Band, Choral Ensemble and Fairhope Middle School Band, along with appearances by Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. The event ends with the lighting of the trees at 6 p.m., spreading holiday cheer throughout downtown.
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. (Tree lighting at 6 p.m.)
Where: Downtown Fairhope, 384 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
What: Celebrate the season at Daphne's Annual Tree Lighting at City Hall, featuring musical guests Roman Street. The event includes train rides, caroling, children's activities, food trucks and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m.
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m.
Where: 1705 Main St., Daphne
What: Celebrate the holiday season with Fairhope's beloved Christmas parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands playing holiday classics and Santa Claus arriving on a red fire truck. This family-friendly event brings joy and excitement to downtown Fairhope, making it a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fairhope
What: Join the holiday fun at the Daphne Christmas Parade as it makes its way through Olde Towne Daphne along the Main Street Parade Route. This annual favorite is filled with festive floats and holiday cheer.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.
Where: Main Street Parade Route, starting at 1705 Main St., Daphne
What: Bring in the Christmas spirit during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Light refreshments will be served, and live music will lead the community in Christmas carols as the City tree is lit up with Christmas lights.
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Spanish Fort Community Center, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort
What: The City of Spanish Fort hosts its annual Spirit of Christmas Parade, spreading Christmas cheer throughout the community.
When: Saturday, Dec.14, 6 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 State Highway 181, Spanish Fort
What: Experience the charm of Silverhill's Smalltown Christmas celebration. The evening includes a festive parade at 6:30 p.m., food trucks, a photobooth and visits with Santa. This event brings the community together for an unforgettable holiday evening.
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: 15965 Silverhill Ave., Silverhill
What: Join the 42nd-annual Christmas Fest, a fun-filled weekend with vendors, food trucks and kids activities. On Dec. 6, the festival opens at 11 a.m. with the tree lighting and opening ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Ping Pong drop. On Dec. 7, enjoy a Twilight Christmas Parade at 4 p.m. The festival wraps up at 7 p.m.
When: Dec. 6-7
Where: Downtown Bay Minette
What: Join the Robertsdale Rotary Club for an enchanting evening featuring the annual Christmas parade and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade begins at Robertsdale High School and ends at Honeybee Park, where festivities continue with awards for parade floats and Santa photo opportunities. Bring your own camera to capture the holiday memories.
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Parade route from Robertsdale High School to Honeybee Park, 22780 Milwaukee St., Robertsdale
What: Kick off the holiday season in Loxley with a festive parade followed by Christmas in the Park. The parade begins at the Loxley Church, travels down Highway 59, and ends at the Civic Center. Afterward, enjoy the Lighting of the Tree ceremony, live music, food trucks, face painting and even snow. Bring a chair to enjoy the entertainment and a camera for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
When: Friday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. (Parade), followed immediately by Christmas in the Park
Where: Municipal Park, 1089 S. Hickory St., Loxley
What: Join the festivities with live holiday music, food vendors and inflatables. The parade begins at 4 p.m., followed by Santa, snow and music by The Band B and W.
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Park, Summerdale
