Local,  Travel

2023 Holiday Fun Guide- Baldwin County Family Christmas Events

.

If you are looking to add a little Christmas magic to your holiday season, this guide is for you! From Breakfast with Santa to holiday festivals, you can now find all of the best Christmas events happening in Baldwin County in one place! We hope to see you out making memories with your family and enjoying all that the Gulf Coast has to offer this season.


Ongoing events

Immerse yourself in the joy of creativity as you and your friends craft your very own Christmas masterpieces. Leave with more than just full stomachs—take home memories of laughter, warmth, and the enchantment of Christmas. Mark your calendars and secure your spot for this magical experience. Book online for $25.99++ and get ready to savor the spirit of Christmas in every bite and crafty creation.

Experience the magic of The North Pole Experience on select dates in December—a festive celebration that brings the magic of Christmas to life! Here’s a glimpse of the enchanting details awaiting you: Photos with Santa, Santa Paws, Elf’s workshop and refreshments.

All aboard the 2023 Arctic Express at Wales West Light Railway! Guests will ride “Dame Ann”, an authentic steam locomotive, through amazing lights, decorations, Christmas music, and SNOW on the way to the North Pole. You take home your own holiday family picture with Santa and each child gets a special TOY. Refreshments, mini train rides, hay-less hayride, playgrounds, and bounce house included in your ticket. Enjoy the snowball cannon for a slight fee. Food will be available for purchase at our Café (traditional fare) and Concessions stand (Kettle Corn and other treats). We also have a Gift Shop, perfect for the train enthusiast!

Friday, December 1, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Join us for “Santa Saturdays” at the Fairhope Museum of History on December 2nd and 9th from 10:30 AM to 12 PM to experience the joy of the holiday season! Bring your camera to snap a few photos with the man in red himself. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer!

Enjoy breakfast with Santa or lunch with Reindeer on Saturday, December 2nd! Santa will join us for breakfast and photos from 8-11. Breakfast – Kids – $6, Adults – $12. His Reindeer will be here giving free rides with your lunch from 11-4. It’s a tacky good time for the whole family!

Come have Breakfast with Santa. 3 Pancakes bacon and juice 12.99 Take your Pictures with Santa . Free pictures just bring your Camera. We will be watching Polar Express and having a surprise visit from the Grinch !! Come have the beat morning with Santa and the Grinch 

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

The Grinch is coming to Page & Palette! On Saturday, December 2nd at 10AM, join us for fun-filled photo-op and special storytime of Dr. Seuss’s HOW THE GRINCH LOST CHRISTMAS! This is a ticketed event – one book purchase per family is required for admittance. To purchase your ticket, please call 251-928-5295 or stop by P&P!

SANTA’s COMING!! Stop in Saturday December 2nd, 12-2pm, take a picture with Santa and pick up some Christmas treats!

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Oh, what fun! Join us for some holiday merriment and breakfast with Santa Sunday, 12/3 & Saturday, 12/16 from 8:00-9:30am. Photos with Santa, letters to the North Pole, cookie decorating, and a hot chocolate bar alongside breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and more for $15 per person. Jingle all the way to reservations: https://bit.ly/breakfastwithsanta23 

Drive Thru Live Nativity at the Fairhope Pier- Come join us this Christmas season as multiple churches join together to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

The Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade is an event that brings the community together in celebration of the holiday season. The parade is set to take place on Thursday, December 7th, starting at the intersection of Morphy and Section Street, and ending at Oak Street. The parade is expected to showcase over 60 units, each one more creative than the last. Families and friends can expect to be dazzled by the colorful lights and holiday-themed floats. The highlight of the night will be the arrival of Santa Claus, which marks the beginning of the holiday season in Fairhope. This event is perfect for those who are looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. So come out and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones!

Friday, December 8, 2023

Join us for our 3rd annual Christmas in the Park event. Immediately following the parade we will begin with the Lighting of the Tree ceremony. New this year will be our Festival of Trees lighting celebration! There will also be food trucks, live music, face painting and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus! Please bring a camera or cell phone to take pictures with Santa in his sleigh and a chair to enjoy the entertainment.

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Join us for our 3rd Annual December Movie on The Bluff, and the 20th anniversary of Elf! We’ll have free photos with Santa from 3:30-5pm, popcorn, cookies, and hot cocoa. Donations not required but appreciated. Any amounts received will go to benefit Fairhope Schools. Bring a chair and your friends!

On December 8th and 9th, a Christmas Extravaganza will be held inside the park. This is a walk-thru event only! Parking is available for guests at Live Oak Landing, 8700 Live Oak Landing Road, Stockton, AL 36579 (shuttle available). This event will incorporate Christmas caroling by soloists, and groups, guests will meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and an elf. There will be carnival rides including snow tubing, kid’s activities, face painting, Uncle Joe’s Rolling Petting Zoo, Balloon Art, Train, Hayrides through the park, singing, food trucks, and much more.  The Christmas Festival is also a FREE event (donations are accepted). Guests will need cash to purchase food.

Located in Foley’s Heritage Park beginning at 6 pm. Come out to hear Christmas carols, enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree and visit with Santa. Hot cocoa and snacks will be served! Awards for the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will also be given out.

Join The Town of Elberta for our annual night time parade, Tree Lighting, Pictures with Santa, Cookies and Hot Chocolate, and Movies in the Park. We will line up for the parade at 5:30 and roll at 6:30, this is the short route. Line up on Illinois St South to Hwy 98 East then turn North on Co. Rd. 83 to Oak Street West to Chicago and back towards the school. Then Join us in the Park to light our Town Tree, BRING A FAMILY Ornament to hang (this is a new idea – something you make for the tree, buy, but don’t need back, as we cannot control the elements) Get your family photos with Santa and enjoy some hot chocolate and Christmas Movies for the evening. We are a community family and want everyone to feel like they are home for the holidays!

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Bring your pups to meet the Grinch and have their photo taken! Accepting towels, dog/cat food, toys, blankets and monetary donations for the Baldwin Humane Society. Printed photos with your pet and the Grinch also available for a $20 donation! All photos will be posted to Shattered website after the event! 

Join us for “Santa Saturdays” at the Fairhope Museum of History on December 2nd and 9th from 10:30 AM to 12 PM to experience the joy of the holiday season! Bring your camera to snap a few photos with the man in red himself. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer!

Come join us for fun with the “grinchiest” guy around! Bring your cameras for this free event. If you want to join the Grinch Cookie Decorating class, please text 251-490-0331 with your name and the number of cookies. COOKIE DECORATING IS $10 per child but each extra cookie is $5 each to decorate.

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, so call all your friends and join us this season for the 4th Annual Holly Days on Main Festival. Guests can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, special performances, a lighted boat parade and more. It’s guaranteed to be two days of jam-packed holiday fun thanks to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. See you … here!

Grab your cameras and come see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Selfies with Santa- December 9 & 16, 11 am – 2 pm. Included with regular zoo admission or zoo membership.

OWA Parks & Resort is proud to host a delightful family-friendly evening event in collaboration with the YMCA of South Alabama, where everyone can enjoy a jolly array of activities. From navigating an exhilarating inflatable obstacle course to spirited dance performances, the festivities include a reindeer run, and the infamous Elf ride, where joyous individuals dressed as elves take to the streets on bicycles. Amidst the merry commotion, families can also capture the magic of the season by seizing the opportunity for enchanting photos with Santa himself, creating cherished memories in the heart of Downtown OWA.

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Elf Academy is coming to Downtown OWA! This magical holiday event brings the enchantment of the North Pole to life. Nestled throughout downtown, The Elf Academy offers kids of all ages the chance to learn the whimsical ways of Santa’s little helpers, from cookie making to stocking Santa’s toy bag. As you make your way to each station, you’ll encounter cheerful Christmas carolers spreading festive cheers with their melodic tunes.

We will start at the US 98 Weeks Bay boat launch and end at the 32 Bridge. INCLEMENT WEATHER DATE IS SUNDAY DECEMBER 10TH, SAME TIME.

Summerdale’s Christmas Parade and Event is Saturday, December 9th in Pioneer Park. 1:00 – 4:00 Children’s Activities in the Park, 1:00 – 4:30 Live Music, 4:30 – Christmas Parade. After the parade, you can meet Santa, there will be a movie in the park, Snow, and the live entertainment will continue until 6:30.

To spread Christmas Spirit to the residents of Spanish Fort and surrounding communities, the City of Spanish Fort hosts its annual Spirit of Christmas Parade at the beautiful Eastern Shore Centre located on State Highway 181, Exit 38 off Interstate 10. The Spirit of Christmas Parade is led by the prestigious Daphne-Spanish Fort Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Cadets, followed by the award-winning Spanish Fort High School Marching Band and cheerleaders, Miss Spanish Fort High School, and the Grand Marshal. Adding to the holiday cheer are local civic groups,  dance troupes, floats decorated by church and business organizations, and more! Of course, The Spirit of Christmas Parade would not be complete without a visit from the most famous jolly old elf, Santa Claus, arriving with a little assistance from the Spanish Fort Fire Department!

Join the Grinch for Breakfast at Mt. Crumpet. The Whoville DJ will be there and there will be activities galore. Don’t miss this new event benefiting Friends of Gulf State Park

Come by LuLu’s for a magical night on the Waterway Village with the LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade! Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at dusk. We like to celebrate the Holidays Gulf Coast style with brightly decorated boats to light the night! Arrive early if you would like a table and stick around for the festivities. The boats will leave LuLu’s Gulf Shores and Homeport Marina at dusk and head to The Wharf in Orange Beach, boats will be visible along the canal from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.

Bring your loved ones and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style. Join us at OWA Theater on December 9th at 7 PM for an extraordinary journey into the past, a heartwarming celebration of the present, and a festive start to your holiday festivities. Get ready to be swept away by the timeless charm of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong as they bring Christmas to life through their remarkable voices and musical mastery. Get your tickets today!

On December 8th and 9th, a Christmas Extravaganza will be held inside the park. This is a walk-thru event only! Parking is available for guests at Live Oak Landing, 8700 Live Oak Landing Road, Stockton, AL 36579 (shuttle available). This event will incorporate Christmas caroling by soloists, and groups, guests will meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and an elf. There will be carnival rides including snow tubing, kid’s activities, face painting, Uncle Joe’s Rolling Petting Zoo, Balloon Art, Train, Hayrides through the park, singing, food trucks, and much more.  The Christmas Festival is also a FREE event (donations are accepted). Guests will need cash to purchase food.

Come out to the streets of Downtown Foley and enjoy the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Christmas Parade. Enjoy viewing the participants, catch some candy and see Santa Claus

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Come down and bring the family to have breakfast with Santa and friends! Don’t miss out on the grinch, and Buddy the Elf! Take pictures and sit with Santa! Don’t forget to tell him what you want! They can’t wait to see you there! A delicious breakfast included! Bacon, grits, eggs, and pancakes, too, OH MY! Pastries & coffee bar… $10 a person. Proceeds to benefit Emblem Club 241 Community Service Fund,

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, so call all your friends and join us this season for the 4th Annual Holly Days on Main Festival. Guests can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, special performances, a lighted boat parade and more. It’s guaranteed to be two days of jam-packed holiday fun thanks to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. See you … here!

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Elf Academy is coming to Downtown OWA! This magical holiday event brings the enchantment of the North Pole to life. Nestled throughout downtown, The Elf Academy offers kids of all ages the chance to learn the whimsical ways of Santa’s little helpers, from cookie making to stocking Santa’s toy bag. As you make your way to each station, you’ll encounter cheerful Christmas carolers spreading festive cheers with their melodic tunes.

Come join us for a festive celebration at You, Me and the Boys Farmstead in Daphne. Get ready for a jolly good time with family and friends. We will be doing “12 Days of Christmas” giveaways for the first 12 groups through the door (1 per group, please). Restless Coffee Truck will be joining us! We will have Christmas music playing, as well as our bubble machines going. Johnny & June, our mini cows, will have on Santa hats or something similarly cute, and June will, of course, be rocking a Christmas tutu. Carrots will be available to feed the donkeys. There will be a make-your-own magic reindeer food for the kids to make and take home for Christmas Eve magic, and also a letters to Santa activity station, complete with mailbox to the North Pole. Last, we heard a fuzzy green guy is going to try to steal Christmas, and that there MAY have Tara Miller Photography here to capture that with some cute family or kid photos. We can’t wait to enjoy Christmas with all of you! 1 ticket must be purchased PER PERSON, ages 1-99. Closed-toed shoes required on the farm. Tickets MUST be sold in advance – we will not sell tickets at the door.

Come watch THE Grinch and see the Grinch and take pics. While u are watching a movie don’t forget to grab a Burger at Double Ds and shop with all the local vendors.

Grinches it time to visit Whoville! Sunday December 10 and 17 from 5PM until 8PM. Come get your Who Hair done at the Salon, make a craft, enjoy music and don’t forget to look for that sneaky Grinch!

Friday, December 15, 2023

Join us for our ALL-NEW Christmas event – Ice Skating with Santa on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Daphne Civic Center. Enjoy a visit with Santa AND ice skating indoors. It all starts at 5:00 PM! Please note: an adult must be present with children attending, and a waiver of liability will be required prior to entering skating area.

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Join us for an afternoon of Free Family Fun with Billy Claus & The LuLuBelles! Enjoy a memorable family Holiday experience at LuLu’s Annual Billy Claus and The LuLuBelles followed by a Christmas Movie! Billy Claus is Santa’s warm weather-loving brother who lives in the Caribbean, but comes this way to help Santa during the Holiday season. The LuLuBelles are Billy’s fun version of Santa’s elves. Billy will arrive in style and visit with the children to hear their wish list to pass on to Santa.

The Silverhill Christmas parade is held the first Friday in December. Held in the evening, floats are decorated in sparkling Christmas lights and neighboring high school bands provide the Christmas carols as they march down main street.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Oh, what fun! Join us for some holiday merriment and breakfast with Santa Sunday, 12/3 & Saturday, 12/16 from 8:00-9:30am. Photos with Santa, letters to the North Pole, cookie decorating, and a hot chocolate bar alongside breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and more for $15 per person. Jingle all the way to reservations: https://bit.ly/breakfastwithsanta23 

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

“Elf-Venture: A Race to Save Christmas” is a heartwarming tale that follows four lovable elves, Pixie, Trixie, Dixie, and Fixie, as they embark on a thrilling adventure to rescue Christmas from an unexpected villain. When a mischievous trickster manipulates the elves into believing they must travel to New York City to save the holiday, they set out on a journey filled with humor, excitement, and challenges. Along the way, these endearing characters must work together, using their unique skills and personalities, to thwart the villain’s plans and ensure that Christmas is celebrated with joy and magic. This enchanting story is a delightful blend of holiday spirit and friendship, making it a must-see for the entire family.

Come out and enjoy a few hours with us during this FREE event as you take pictures with Santa, participate in the arts and crafts from some local vendors and drink hot chocolate!

Experience the enchanting Sugarplum Festival set to take place in Downtown OWA on December 16 and 17. This delightful holiday extravaganza is a celebration of all things sweet, showcasing a myriad of arts and crafts vendors and an array of delectable sugary treats. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit while exploring the magical world of Sugarplum delights.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

“Elf-Venture: A Race to Save Christmas” is a heartwarming tale that follows four lovable elves, Pixie, Trixie, Dixie, and Fixie, as they embark on a thrilling adventure to rescue Christmas from an unexpected villain. When a mischievous trickster manipulates the elves into believing they must travel to New York City to save the holiday, they set out on a journey filled with humor, excitement, and challenges. Along the way, these endearing characters must work together, using their unique skills and personalities, to thwart the villain’s plans and ensure that Christmas is celebrated with joy and magic. This enchanting story is a delightful blend of holiday spirit and friendship, making it a must-see for the entire family.

Experience the enchanting Sugarplum Festival set to take place in Downtown OWA on December 16 and 17. This delightful holiday extravaganza is a celebration of all things sweet, showcasing a myriad of arts and crafts vendors and an array of delectable sugary treats. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit while exploring the magical world of Sugarplum delights.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Come listen to a story read by Santa himself! Enjoy cookies, milk, photo opportunity, and playtime! You don’t want to miss this special time with Santa.

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

“Elf-Venture: A Race to Save Christmas” is a heartwarming tale that follows four lovable elves, Pixie, Trixie, Dixie, and Fixie, as they embark on a thrilling adventure to rescue Christmas from an unexpected villain. When a mischievous trickster manipulates the elves into believing they must travel to New York City to save the holiday, they set out on a journey filled with humor, excitement, and challenges. Along the way, these endearing characters must work together, using their unique skills and personalities, to thwart the villain’s plans and ensure that Christmas is celebrated with joy and magic. This enchanting story is a delightful blend of holiday spirit and friendship, making it a must-see for the entire family.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

“Elf-Venture: A Race to Save Christmas” is a heartwarming tale that follows four lovable elves, Pixie, Trixie, Dixie, and Fixie, as they embark on a thrilling adventure to rescue Christmas from an unexpected villain. When a mischievous trickster manipulates the elves into believing they must travel to New York City to save the holiday, they set out on a journey filled with humor, excitement, and challenges. Along the way, these endearing characters must work together, using their unique skills and personalities, to thwart the villain’s plans and ensure that Christmas is celebrated with joy and magic. This enchanting story is a delightful blend of holiday spirit and friendship, making it a must-see for the entire family.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday photo time with Santa at The Wharf on weekends from November 10 – Christmas Eve. HE’S REALLY HERE. The Jolly Claus has checked his list already — twice, actually — so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy photo. Children can also bring their wish list letters to give to him or write one in his village.

https://www.facebook.com/mobmomsblog

The MOB Mom (@themobmom) | Instagram