GULF SHORES, Ala. – The City of Gulf Shores has announced plans for its annual holiday celebration and invites residents and visitors to enjoy their Christmas on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

“The City of Gulf Shores is proud to be partnering with the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and local businesses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to promote the Coastal Christmas campaign,” Grant Brown, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director said. “We encourage all businesses to participate by decorating for the season and helping to make our community a magical destination for our residents and visitors.”

Gulf Shores will kick off the season with Christmas Open House on Thursday, Nov. 29. The night will begin at 6 p.m. with crafts, games and treats at the David L. Bodenhamer Center, Gulf Shores Museum, South Baldwin Community Theater and a special appearance by the Grinch at 6:30 p.m. as he reads “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library.

Santa will highlight the night as he arrives at the Erie Meyer Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. followed by a special performance of “The Fruitcake” as students from Faulkner State light up the Erie Meyer Civic Center stage. While on hand for the performance, be sure to enjoy your share of refreshments prepared by Gulf Shores High School culinary students.

The holiday fun continues with Gulf Shores’ 3^rd Annual Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration on Dec.1. The parade will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature festive floats from around the region. Large crowds of spectators looking to soak up the holiday spirit are anticipated along Alabama 59 as parade entries make their way from Clubhouse Drive to the Gulf Shores Public Beach.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s parade,” said Programs and Events Manager, Brigette Reynolds. “Our parade doubled in size last year and we are looking forward to welcoming even more participants this year.”

Anyone interested in entering the parade can do so by registering online at www.gulfshoresal.gov or by contacting Candice Carraway at 251-968-1173.

The excitement from the parade will roll continuously into the night as the Beach Celebration will kick off at the Gulf Shores Public Beach, immediately following the parade. Families can enjoy a stunning lighting ceremony followed by pictures with Santa, a live nativity, live entertainment, holiday treats, crafts and much more.

This year’s event will also feature a special treat for those families looking for a compromise on this big day.

“We know many families want to pack as much fun into their holidays as possible and also understand how important football is in this part of the country,” said Reynolds. “This year fans can enjoy the best of both worlds as we will be showing the SEC Championship Game live at the event.”

Gulf Shores will close out its holiday celebration with Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. Dive into a wholesome breakfast complete with sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes and take advantage of one last chance to have pictures taken with Santa. Admission for Breakfast with Santa is $4 and children 3 and under are free.

As a special gift, the first 50 children to have their picture taken with Santa during the Beach Celebration and Breakfast with Santa will receive their photo complimentary. 

For more information about any of the City of Gulf Shores holiday events, contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1172 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov.