GULF SHORES, Ala. — The theme for the city of Gulf Shores’ Christmas Tree Lighting & Open House on Thursday, Dec. 4, is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

While there are currently no plans for live animals (except for AGC Zoo guests), guests will notice familiar items from the traditional song.

Pears, golden rings, and beautiful artificial birds will abound.

Some of the entertainment may even be interpreted as ladies dancing, lords leaping, pipers piping or drummers drumming.

Join your neighbors at 6 p.m. at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, corner of West 19th Avenue and West Second Street as the Gulf Shores kicks off the holiday season with the 28th annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Refreshments and entertainment will follow at the Civic Center, Museum, Library and David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center until 8 p.m..

Santa will visit with children on the Civic Center front portico and parents can take their picture.

The Gulf Shores Garden Club decorates the Civic Center lobby with flair, while the Special Events Division pulls out all the stops on the tree, stage and rest of the building.

Museum, Library, and Recreation Division personnel perform magical transformations of their locations. Part of the excitement is seeing the creative ways the theme is presented.

See the new lights and holiday decor on the entire municipal complex along Clubhouse Drive and West 19th Avenue, from West First Avenue to West Second Street.

Hundreds of thousands of energy-efficient LED bulbs will sparkle from massive greenery swags and festive lawn scenes throughout.