Coastal Alabama Christmas

Bellingrath Lights

Find your holiday jolly in Coastal Alabama this Christmas!

MAGIC CHRISTMAS IN LIGHTS: A South Mobile County Tradition

This marks the 22nd year of Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The seasonal display is a Coastal Alabama holiday tradition that brings thousands of visitors to tour the 65-acre Garden estate and stately Home.

Bellingrath Lights
Bellingrath Gardens and Home shines during the Christmas season. Photo from Bellingrath Gardens and Home

 

When you go, allow plenty of time to explore more than 1,100 set pieces, three million lights and 15 holiday scenes. Include a tour of the Bellingrath Home for a view of its holiday finery enhanced with majestic poinsettias.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home
The Bellingrath Home is decked out in its holiday finest. Photo from Bellingrath Gardens and Home

 

Choral performances add favorite Christmas tunes to the festive displays each Sunday through Thursday. Mondays provide a discount for military personnel. And the gift shop is stocked with holiday items. So, tour, listen and shop – all in one great event!

ON THE WATER: Christmas that Floats

Living on the coast means Christmas parades aren’t limited to the land. Each year, crowds gather at prime viewing spots along the Intracoastal Waterway spanning from LuLu’s in Gulf Shores to Cobalt in Orange Beach to view the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.

Christmas Boat Parade
The Christmas spirit is reflected in the Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Photo from the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.

 

As night falls, eager eyes look to the west to catch the first glimpse of the lead boat. One after the other the decorated vessels glide by with their lights reflecting in the rippled water. Some are calm and serene, others a bit more rowdy.

To help you pick your spot, the parade will travel east down the Intracoastal Waterway Canal, past The Wharf (public viewing area), around Bear Point, along the south end of Ono Island, west to Perdido Pass, north into Terry Cove Harbor, south to bridge, and end at Cobalt Restaurant in Orange Beach.

REGIONAL VIEW: Coasting Through the Holidays

It’s the holidays! Throw on some jingle bells, hop on the family sleigh and ride like the Gulf breeze to Coastal Alabama for Christmas magic that will bring the holiday twinkle to your eyes. Fun, festive and colorful activities in our coastal communities are guaranteed to make even a Grinch’s heart grow! READ MORE

Richards-DAR House Museum
Richards-DAR House Museum dressed for the holidays

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CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES

Step back in time to a Christmas celebration that was simple and sincere and often surrounded by the conflict of war. It’s the 34th annual Christmas Through the Ages at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, December 9. DETAILS

Fort Gaines Christmas
Enjoy a heart-felt Christmas at Fort Gaines. Photo from Fort Gaines Historic Site.
CHRISTMAS FEST: BAY MINETTE  

If the holiday spirit hasn’t caught up with you yet, head to Bay Minette on December 8 and 9 for the 35th Annual Christmas Festival, and you’ll surely be jolly. From the tree lighting and live entertainment to the Christmas parade, it’s a tradition of the season. DETAILS

Christmas Fest
Bay Minette embraces the holidays with the 35th Annual Christmas Festival, December 8-9. Photo from North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.
A CHRISTMAS STORY

Enjoy this holiday classic in Gulf Shores with the South Baldwin Community Theatre. Will young Ralph Parker get his dream Red Ryder air rifle? Dates are December 1-3, 8-10. DETAILS

A holiday favorite performed by the South Baldwin Community Theatre.
A holiday favorite performed by the South Baldwin Community Theatre.
TRIM-A-TREE

This six-week arts & crafts holiday event is underway in Foley. Conveniently located at the Tanger Outlet Center (Suite 446), shop from local artists and craftsmen for artwork, pottery, wood carvings, driftwood art and more. DETAILS

Trim a Tree Foley Art Center
Trim-A-Tree is celebrating 50 years. Photo from Foley Art Center: facebook.com/FoleyArtCenter
HOLIDAY DUCKS

“Duck” the halls this Christmas with a unique land and water experience in Mobile. Gulf Coast Ducks will drive through the streets of downtown and splash twice in the Mobile River as riders enjoy holiday lights and a sing-a-long. December 1-23. DETAILS

Gulf Coast Ducks
See Mobile’s holiday skyline from a Gulf Coast Ducks Holiday Duck tour. Photo from Gulf Coast Ducks: facebook.com/gulfcoastducks
NORTH POLE STROLL

When Art Walk meets Christmas in Fairhope the results are both stunning and cause to celebrate. On December 8 join in the festive fun of the North Pole Stroll with luminaries, live music, refreshments and more than one million lights to keep your spirits bright. DETAILS

North Pole Stroll
Downtown Fairhope sparkles for the holidays. Enjoy the fun at the North Pole Stroll.

 

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