Citizens of Gulf Shores were reminded that, indeed, there is no place like home for the holidays as the coastal community officially kicked off the 2010 Christmas season with their traditional Christmas Open House festivities on Thursday.

Hundreds of excited families and friends strolled the streets of downtown, going from the Erie Meyer Civic Center, to the Thomas B. Norton Library, then on to the Bodenhamer Center, Gulf Shores Museum and the South Baldwin Community Theater.

Starting things off at the Bodenhamer Center was the Mike Morris Taekwondo Exhibition. Visitors were also served refreshments as they visited the Holiday Village, watched the toy trains, courtesy of Ron West with Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue, and opportunities to decorate gingerbread men, thanks to culinary students from Faulkner State Community College.

At the South Baldwin Community Theater, folks enjoyed hot cocoa and S’mores and had an opportunity to find out about the upcoming performances scheduled at the theatre.

Local favorites Top Hat and Jackie entertained guests at the Thomas B. Norton Library, site of the 2010 gingerbread house competition. Kids enjoy decorating a stocking while mom and dad listened to the music.

“This is great,” said Peggy Stone, who was visiting Gulf Shores with her family from Ft. Payne. “We are not usually down here this time of year, but this has been so much fun for the kids.”

Mayor Robert Craft got the festivities started at the Erie Meyer Civic Center welcoming the hundreds in attendance. Folks started arriving well before the 6 p.m. kick off, and there was standing room only by the time the mayor took to the stage.

“I’m glad that all of you are here and I am excited that we can all enjoy Christmas together,” Craft said.

Following the invocation by Rev. Glenn Butler, Senior Minister at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, vocalist Candice Carraway led everyone in singing this years theme song “Home for the Holidays.”

Gulf Shores Elementary School was represented by Dolphin Sound under the direction of Gay James and selected band students from Gulf Shores schools presented music as well.

The First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores Choir presented 25 minutes of Christmas music as well, joined on one selection by dancers from the South Baldwin Dance Center.

Finally, the Gulf Coast Ballet performed selections from “The Nutcracker Ballet” which they will perform in its entirety on Dec. 18.

On Saturday, the holiday fun continued as citizens lined Alabama 59 from Clubhouse Drive to East Beach Boulevard for the first annual Gulf Shores Christmas Parade. The city plans to make it an annual event.

After the parade, the festive crowd enjoyed refreshments, caroling, a live nativity and photos with Santa.

Later in the afternoon, local dignitaries presented the official  Alabama Tourism “Small Towns and Downtowns” historical marker recognizing the spirit of Gulf Shores past, present and future and of course, the 30th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.