Bring the whole family out for a stroll through Whoville where you can meet the Grinch, enjoy whovilicious treats, crafts, enchanted trail, light displays, and live entertainment. This event is FREE for everyone Event Address: Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, 20249A State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Tales and Trails in the Gardens Preschool Storytime Returns! This fall, Tales and Trails preschool storytime returns to Mobile Botanical Gardens through the generous support of the Lilian S. Woolford Charitable Trust. Join us on Thursday mornings beginning at 10:30 am in various locations throughout MBG’s 106 acres to enjoy preschool storytime together. MBG Docents will read aloud specially selected stories and lead nature-based activities perfect for preschoolers. Parents and children alike will learn and have fun in our gorgeous garden setting.

Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Storybook Manor in Downtown OWA on December 19th – 23rd! This holiday experience features delicious breakfast, holiday crafts, and magical moments with Santa himself. What better way to cherish the holiday season than with family, food, and of course, Santa! Storybook Manor is conveniently located next to OWA Theater, across from Native Treasures. Tickets here! Check out all Christmas at OWA events here! Tickets $28++ per person General Admission $23++ per person for Tropic Falls Passholder – Be on the lookout for an email for your discount ***Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Each adult and child must have a ticket for entry. Tickets are only available online. Tickets sales close 24 hours before the event date. Buffet Menu Eggs, sausage, biscuits, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, gravy, juice, chocolate and white milk, and French toast sticks. ***Menu subject to change

Join us for a magical evening under the stars at the "Train Tracks and Movie Snacks" event! This cozy drive-in movie night, hosted by Breakthrough Teens, will transport you to the whimsical world of "The Polar Express." As you watch this beloved holiday classic, enjoy complimentary s'mores and popcorn, perfect for adding a sweet touch to your cinematic experience. For those looking to indulge further, a food truck will be on-site offering a variety of tasty treats. Gather your friends and family for a night full of laughter, warmth, and festive cheer! 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, December 21, 2024 11:00 AM at Dauphin’s Restaurant Prior to the Saturday Matinee performance of The Nutcracker   This holiday season, we invite you to elevate your holiday celebration to new heights at Mobile Ballet’s second annual Nutcracker Holiday Brunch! We’re thrilled to have this year’s Brunch at Dauphin’s, Alabama’s Most Beautiful Restaurant, where spectacular views, culinary delights, and Nutcracker magic combine to create a truly unforgettable holiday experience for all ages!   What to Expect Delightful Brunch: Savor a delicious holiday brunch and treats, with stunning views Nutcracker Characters: Meet and take photos with beloved characters from Mobile Ballet’s production Storytime: Hear the magical story of The Nutcracker read aloud Family-Friendly Fun: An event perfect for all ages – children and adults alike! Extras: Festive Mimosas, Poinsettias, Bloody Marys, and other delights available at the cash bar   Convenient Parking, Seamless Experience Park once, enjoy it all! – Free parking at Dauphin’s in the RSA Trustmark Building garage – Easy walk to the 2:00pm Nutcracker matinee performance at the Saenger – No downtown parking hassles   Supporting Local Arts This special event raises funds for Mobile Ballet’s Relevé Project student tuition assistance program. By attending, you’re not just creating magical memories for your family – you’re providing opportunities for children to access dance training and nurturing our community’s vibrant arts culture.   Event Details Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Dauphin’s Restaurant 34th Floor, RSA Trustmark Building 107 St Francis St Suite 3400, Mobile, AL 36602   Ticket Information – Tickets $45 Child, $65 Adult – Limited seating available – Ticket sales end December 11th -To submit specific seating requests, add a note in the Remarks field during checkout, or email development@mobileballet.org   BRUNCH + BALLET: Enjoy a special day for the whole family!  Get your tickets for the Nutcracker Brunch AND The Nutcracker Saturday 2:00pm matinee performance immediately afterwards!  Nutcracker performance tickets must be purchased separately; simply add tickets for both events to your cart before checking out.   Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of The Nutcracker in a whole new way!

Join us for Breakfast with Santa at Surge Entertainment!The word is that the holly jolly man himself will be in the building on Saturday, December 7th, 14th, and 21st.Take free pictures with Santa, while also dining in for some yummy breakfast that is being delivered directly from the North Pole! With every meal purchase, you will also receive a free $5 game card. RSVP today!

Join our naturalist and learn all about some of the animals that call Meaher State Park their home. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of our educational ambassadors. Bring lots of questions and your curiosity to this fun and interactive program. Please use the link below to register. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.https://reserve.alapark.com/register/nature-time--meaher Free for overnight guests, veterans, and children under 12$3 park entry fee for anyone else 12 and up

Join us in Downtown Mobile on January 10, 2025 for the first LODA ArtWalk of 2025 as we celebrate National Puzzle Day!  We're fostering creativity, connection and FUN at January ArtWalk by combining art and puzzles. From 6-9 p.m., explore arts and crafts from local vendors, and visit the non-profit zone at the corner of Dauphin Street and S Claiborne Street.  Plus, there will also be a puzzle contest! Puzzle Contest- Cathedral Square- Registration check-in starts at 5:45 p.m.- Contest starts at 6 p.m.- Contest ends at 8:45 p.m. Challenge yourself and your team in our FREE Puzzle Contest! Teams of 1-8 people will compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Puzzles will be provided, and each team gets to keep their puzzle as a memento. Participants must be 10 years or older to participate in the Puzzle Contest. First, second and third place winners will recieve a plaque.  There only 10 team slots available, so register now: http://s.alchemer.com/s3/ea3d6ede0ba6. The deadline to register is January 2, 2025.  Learn more about this event and others at www.cityofmobile.org/events.

The Children's Mardi Gras Ball is a vibrant, family-friendly event that captures the festive spirit of Mardi Gras while catering to the younger crowd. Held in conjunction with the Miss Mardi Gras Pageant, this event offers a delightful mix of celebration and tradition for families.Upon arrival, attendees are greeted by the colorful, lively atmosphere that defines Mardi Gras. The venue is adorned with festive decorations, including purple, green, and gold—the traditional Mardi Gras colors. There’s usually a grand display of masks, feathers, and streamers, setting the stage for a fun-filled evening.A key highlight of the ball is the king cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat. This sweet, colorful cake is often served in a variety of flavors and is decorated with vibrant icing and sprinkles. Each slice might contain a hidden plastic baby figurine, and finding the baby is said to bring good luck and a special prize, adding an extra layer of excitement for the children. At the children’s ball, the lucky person who finds the baby will win a fun Mardi Gras Gift Basket!Beads are a central feature of the celebration. Much like the parades, beads are thrown from a stage by our newly crowned queens, creating a lively, interactive experience for the kids. Children delight in catching the beads and exchanging them, adding to the carnival atmosphere. A fun Mardi Gras Themed Costume/Dance Contest will be held for the chance to be crowned the King or Queen of the Ball!The dance floor is always a hub of activity, where families can join in the fun. Music ranges from upbeat, family-friendly tunes to classic Mardi Gras songs, encouraging everyone to get up and dance. Whether they’re showing off their best dance moves or simply enjoying the lively music, children and parents alike can immerse themselves in the celebratory vibe.Overall, the Children’s Mardi Gras Ball is a joyous event that combines the tradition of Mardi Gras with activities and experiences tailored for younger attendees. It’s a great way for families to enjoy the festivities together in a fun, inclusive environment. Tickets are $10 per person and can be picked up at our sponsor location:Flip City Academy 9332 Hard Drive, Foley, AL 36535 or through a Flip City Dance Team Member.Attire: is Formal Dress or Mardi Gras Themed Costume or Outfit for Girls, Mardi Gras Themed Attire or Costume for Boys, Mardi Gras colors for parents.For reservations to purchase tickets, please message us! Space is Limited

Bring your family and friends to watch the spectacular Lighting of the Mardi Gras Tree from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 16. Experience the fun, music, and magic that marks the beginning of this festive season! Check out the order of events below:  The Excelsior Band kicks off the event at 6 p.m. Mayor Stimpson will light the tree at 6:30 p.m.The Jukebox Brass Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. The Blow House Brass Band will perform at 7:20 p.m. Plus, there will be food trucks! You won't want to forget this Carnival celebration in Mobile, the birthplace of Mardi Gras. Learn more at www.cityofmobile.org/events.

Join us on January 18th from 2pm to 4pm for the special closing celebration of The Amazing Castle and Framed: Step into Art. During this limited time, families/teams can participate in the Great Dinosaur Race around the Exploreum to try and win a 3D printed dinosaur egg containing a secret surprise ranging from Gift Shop gift certificates to admission passes. The first family/team to complete the race will win a Mini Plus Family Membership. All participating families/teams will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win other great prizes. Starting at 2pm, participating teams will receive a list of different exciting STEM activities they must race to complete all around the Exploreum. From STEM challenges in the AM/NS STEM lab to chemistry fun in the Science Squad Headquarters, guests will explore the wonders of science learning as they rush to the finish line. There will also be special magical challenges in the Amazing Castle and Framed: Step Into Art. The Education team will be stationed around the building leading the different experiments and activities. The first five families/teams that complete the entire list of STEM activities win a dino egg! Admission for the event (2pm-4pm) is $12 for non-members and free for members. * At the conclusion of the race at 4pm, there will be a special showing of Jurassic Park in the PCI Digital Dome Theater. Seating in the film is first come, first served. Do you think you can win the Great Dino Race?

Unlimited rotational bowlingShoes included2 admissions to Laser tag$10 Bonus Arcade Card All for only $22 pp

Meet at the Gulf State Park Pier for a guided exploration of the sky, stars, planets, and constellations (Weather dependent). The program is free and pier entry for this program is waived. Please note there is a $10 parking fee, if you do not have a GSP parking pass or decal. Please use the link below to register for this FREE. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.https://reserve.alapark.com/register/stargazing-at-the-Pier

Join us at Rosedown Designs for a fun Mardi Gras door hanger class! Choose between these 4 designs, all door hangers are etched for easy painting. Must register by January 10th; register by going to www.rosedowndesigns.com Grab your girls and BYOB and snacks we are going to have a fabulous time!