Top 5 Holiday Events in the South
Down here in Lower Alabama we may never have a white Christmas but we still manage to have a good time. During the holidays we turn the celebrating volume up to an 11 with our parades, festivals and holiday displays. Check out these top five holiday events in the South.
Magic Christmas in Lights
If you’ve lived in Mobile for more than minute, then you are familiar with the famous Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The sprawling estate has holiday events through the year but the property really comes alive with the annual Magic Christmas in Lights. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the garden’s display of over 3 million lights with 1,100 set pieces and 15 scenes. The Bellingrath Home will have on its Christmas best with holiday décor and dozens of poinsettias.
33rd Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
If you want to go coastal for the holiday season then head down to Gulf Shores for the 33rd Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. It is one of the largest boat parades in the Southeast with over 45 vessels decorated in colorful lights. The parade begins at Lulu’s at Homeport Marina and travels down to the Flora-Bama with viewing sites along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Christmas Nights of Lights
Enjoy the beauty of millions of Christmas lights from the comfort of your car at Christmas Nights of Lights. Located near the Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, this drive-thru lighted Christmas display has over 1 million LED lights synchronized to both traditional and rock-themed holiday music. The display opens in November and runs through January 1.
Merry Market Unique Gifts and Arts and Crafts Expo
Produced by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and city of Orange Beach, the Merry Market Unique Gifts and Arts and Crafts Expo grows every year. This year, over 70 vendors will be in attendance with everything from arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes and food. There will be door prizes and story time with Mrs. Claus. The event will be held at the Orange Beach Events Center located at The Wharf. Also happening at The Wharf is a wide selection of holiday activities including carriage rides, an ice skating rink, photos with Santa and the Jingle Jubilee Kids Craft Day on December 8.
Holiday Market & Christmas Kids Day
Visit Bienville and Cathedral Squares for a fun filled day of holiday activities and shopping on December 8. Cathedral Square will be home to over 50 local makers and vendors. Families can ride the free Christmas train to Bienville Square for the Christmas Kids Day event. There will be many holiday-themed activities for kids of all ages such a face painting, a petting zoo and story time. Be sure to stop and take a selfie with Santa!
So just because it’s nearly 80 degrees outside that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little holiday fun in Lower Alabama. From parades to craft shows, it can all be found along the Gulf Coast this Christmas season.
When Life Hands You Grapes by Michelle Murrill 