GULF SHORES, Ala. – The start of the holiday celebrations in the City of Gulf Shores is going to have one heck of a finale.

Officials will kick off the “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” festivities Thursday night at 6 p.m. with open houses at the Gulf Shores Museum, the Thomas B. Norton Library and the Bodenhamer Recreation center. All venues will have receptacles for Toys for Tots donations.

Each open house venue will have different activities and snacks for visitors. There will be visits with Mrs. Claus telling stories at the museum, live music at the library and ornament making at the recreation center.

The Erie Meyer Center will host the big finale opening doors at 7 p.m. for the arrival of Santa Claus.

“Santa’s coming in on a firetruck,” Brigette Reynolds, Programs and Events Manager, said. “At 7:15 the Mobile Symphony jazz quintet will begin to perform. Joining them later will be a portion of the high school band. And then the last part of the performance that night will be Brent Burns.

“People need to be aware of how things are changing so they don’t miss out on anything.”

Other events will include the Christmas parade to the beach Saturday starting at the city complex at 4 p.m. The annual Breakfast with Santa event will take place on Dec. 10.

At the beach there will be ceremonial lighting of palm trees and a lifeguard stand as well as holiday snack and crafts. The first 50 children at the beach event will receive a free picture with Santa.