ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The December buzz sounds like the most wonderful time of the year. Orange Beach has become a Thanksgiving and Christmas destination. Coastal Christmas began as a concept in 2012 and today has over 70 events on its calendar at www.alabamacoastalchristmas.com . 

This Coastal Alabama Business Chamber program includes Aaron Neville's kickoff Christmas Concert Wednesday night, followed by vents through New Years’ Eve parties. Share this website with your friends and customers. Add your business or non-profit event to by clicking submit an event.  No sales will be approved just events showing the spirit of Christmas. 

Winter Wonderland including ice skating has begun at The Wharf.  Welcome, NAIA National Championship Women’s Soccer is in town this week!

Tuesday the City Council meeting is at 4:00 pm at City Hall Council Chambers. The Orange Beach Tree Lighting Celebration follows at 5:30pm with shopping, music, light show and horse drawn carriage rides all available at The Wharf.

What a great “local” sport. If you missed the Wildflower’s Fisher’s local’s night for local children’s Christmas’ toys then drop off cash, check or toys at Wildflower’s today. 

Tacky Christmas Sweater Local’s Night is December 4 at the Pleasure Island Tiki Bar at Sportsman Marina and everyone should bring canned food items for those in need. December 5 is the Miram’s 'Taste of the Islands' so purchase your ticket today. Also the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade will roll at 6:30 pm Friday, proceeding from City Hall to the Hangout. 

Saturday, December 6 is Breakfast with Santa at 8:00 am, at Orange Beach United Methodist Church. Gulf State Park Pavilion will host Santa by the Fire on Sunday, December 7 from 5 to 7 pm. Pepsi along with local restaurants will provide snacks.

Give back by picking up the wish list from a foster child and them providing toys for Christmas. It’s a great time to roast marshmallows, give Santa your list, and create an ornament. December 11 Local’s Night Christmas Party will be at Shipp’s Harbour Grill at Sportsman Marina. 

Saturday, December 13 begins 2014 USSSA Fall Alabama State Baseball Tournament so welcome the teams and fans. Also on the December 13 is a free Kids’ Breakfast and Santa at Wildflowers and Another Broken Egg.  Bring a toy for Christian Service Center.

Cookie Extravaganza opens at 9:00 am on December 13 at Orange Beach United Methodist Church. December 13 is the deadline for dropping off new toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots at the Perdido Beach Resort.  All cash donation go specifically to Toys for Tots.

Sunday, December 14 is the Orange Beach United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata at 10:30am. The Flora-Bama along with Pensacola's Joe Patti's Seafood are featured in the 2014 Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast ornaments collection at http://www.gesgc.org . Sales support services that encourage, educate and employ individuals with disabilities and others in need. Congratulations Flora Bama. 

Also congratulations to Joseph Long who won 2nd place in John Blonde’s 12-year-old skim boarding competition.