Hereâs where to celebrate Christmas for free in Baldwin County
Ever wish you could celebrate Christmas every day? This season, make that your mission with a variety of public Baldwin County Christmas events, including parades, festivals and more. Santa and his helpers will be making the rounds with appearances at all the events, and he is ready to take pictures with as many Alabama families as he can.
Each listing below includes basic information about the event, but for more information, click on the title of the event to go to the official event page. Be sure to check social media sources before the events in case of inclement weather.
Thursday, Nov. 30
Daphne’s Annual Tree Lighting
Where: Daphne City Hall
When: Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m.
What: Christmas lights and decorations adorning Old Towne Daphne with food trucks, train rides, children’s crafts, special musical guest Roman Street and more. Daphne will also host several other Christmas events throughout the month, including a parade, that can be viewed on their Facebook page.
Friday, Dec. 1
Bay Minette Christmas Festival
Where: Courthouse Square (1 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette, AL 36507)
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Head over to Bay Minette for two days packed with events, from eating a pancake breakfast with Santa to live music, ending with the annual Twilight Christmas Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Click here to view a full schedule of events.
Small Town Christmas
Where: 15965 Silverhill Ave, Silverhill, AL 36576
When: Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
What: Have a Silverhill “Small Town Christmas” and catch the parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be available at his sleigh after the parade for free photos, and there will be food trucks present.
Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Fairhope (N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532)
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 p.m. to midnight
What: This parade promises over 60 registered parade units under the lit-up trees of downtown, starting at the intersection of Morphy and Section Streets and ending at Oak Street. The arrival of Santa Claus will officially usher in the holiday season in Fairhope.
Foley Christmas in the Park
Where: Heritage Park (125 E Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535)
When: Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
What: Hot cocoa and other treats with Christmas carols and a visit with Santa. There will also be an award presentation for a Christmas tree decorating contest.
Community Christmas at Sims Park
Where: Johnnie Sims Park Pavillion (2008 W 3rd St, Gulf Shores, AL 36542)
When: Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What: 8th Annual Snowball Drop, a “man-made blizzard of 8,000 ping pong balls being dropped by Santa himself,” the event page says. Winning “snowballs” have a number that correlates with a prize. Families can also get photos with Santa while enjoying holiday treats and crafts.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Robertsdale Christmas in the Park and Parade
Where: Parade begins on Fairground Road, turning right on Hwy. 59, and traveling North on Hwy. 59 just past Honeybee Park, where the parade ends.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
What: Annual event sponsored by the Robertsdale Rotary Club. The organization will choose parade floats to win awards, including Rotary Club Favorite, Best Children’s Float and Most Creative Float. Bring your camera to snap a photo of Santa with your family at Honeybee Park.
Foley Christmas Parade & Let It Snow
Where: Downtown Foley (104 N. McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535)
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, parade at 10 a.m., activities afterward at 11 a.m.
What: See the Foley Christmas Parade and roll right into the next event, “Let It Snow,” where there will be snow flurries, kids activities, live entertainment, a marketplace and, of course, a visit from Santa.
Elberta Christmas Parade
Where: Elberta, AL 36530
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m.
What: Elberta is celebrating the holiday season with a new tradition: bring an ornament made by your family to hang on the town tree for all to see. There will be the annual nighttime parade, tree lighting, photos with Santa, hot cocoa and movies in the park.
Sunday, Dec. 3
Magnolia Springs Cookies w/ Santa & Tree Lighting
Where: Community Hall (Co Rd 49 and Oak St, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555)
When: Sunday, Dec. 3 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.What: Celebrate all afternoon with Santa and other community members at this event hosted by the Magnolia Springs Community Association. Check out this Facebook post to learn about more events in the town throughout the month, including a book read-along.
Friday, Dec. 8
Loxley Christmas in the Park & Parade
Where: Loxley Municipal Park (N Hickory St, Loxley, AL 36551)
When: Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
What: Catch some candy and throws from floats in the Loxley Christmas parade, which will end at Loxley Municipal Park. Festivities at the park will ensue afterward, and Santa will even make an appearance on a local fire truck.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Where: LuLu’s (200 East 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542)
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m.
What: Embrace the true spirit of Jimmy Buffet’s “Christmas Island” at his sister’s restaurant down in Gulf Shores this holiday season. While admission is free, you can also choose to enjoy some classic Gulf seafood while watching brightly decorated boats light the water at dusk. Can’t make it? The boats are heading all the way to The Wharf and will be visible along the canal from Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.
Annual Spirit of Christmas Parade
Where: Eastern Shore Centre (30500 AL-181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527)
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
What: A parade featuring the Daphne-Spanish Fort Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Catets, the Spanish Fort High School Marching Band, Miss Spanish Fort High School, local civic groups, dance troupes, and more. Santa Claus himself will make an appearance with the Spanish Fort Fire Department.
Summerdale Christmas Parade
Where: Pioneer Park (110 E Jackson Ave, Summerdale, AL 36580)
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, activities begin at 1 p.m., parade begins at 4:30 p.m.
What: An afternoon event with children’s activities, live music and the annual parade. Two food trucks and Dan’s Diner will be open for business on site. Event attendees can count on a visit from Santa, and a movie will be shown in the park after the parade. Festivities will last until 6:30 p.m.