Happy December, Gulf Coast Media readers! Thanksgiving is past, and it is time to crank up the holiday tunes and decorate.
This weekend's list of happenings has a little bit of everything to kick off the holidays. There are Christmas parades, tree lightings and meals with key holiday figures. If you need more holiday decorations for your home, don't miss the annual Parking Lot Sale at Emmy's Thrift Shop in Fairhope. With the holiday shopping list growing, mark off a few items at the St. Patrick's Christmas Bazaar.
While this weekend's list is heavy on the holidays, there is one unrelated event you may want to check out. The Coastal Cat Café is holding its grand opening in Pensacola this weekend. Take the feline-loving family members by to snuggle a cat while sipping a late.
If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.
Christmas Bazaar
- What: Get some of your Christmas shopping done while supporting the students at St. Patrick Catholic School. Each year, the St. Patrick Ladies Auxiliary uses the proceeds from the bazaar and other events to financially support St. Patrick Catholic School.
- When: Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Parish Center, 23035 Highway 59, Robertsdale
Visions of Christmas
- What: Orange Beach's Expect Excellence music department has been working for months to prepare the third-annual Visions of Christmas variety show. The show is packed with music, dancing and holiday spirit. The concert is also an opportunity to support local children as it is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help make a local child's holiday special.
- When: Thursday, Nov. 30-Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m.
- Where: Orange Beach Performing Arts Center, 23908 Canal Road, Orange Beach
- Price: The concert is free, but reservations are required. Visit www.orangebeachal.gov for tickets.
Bragg-Mitchell Mansion
- What: There is no better time to visit and learn the history behind one of Mobile's iconic mansions built in 1855. See the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion dressed in traditional holiday décor. Visit www.braggmitchellmansion.com for more information and to check tour hours.
- When: Dec. 1-22, times vary
- Where: Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, 1906 Spring Hill Ave., Mobile
- Price: Tickets range from $5-$12
17th Annual Christmas Parking Lot Sale
- What: For the past 17 years, residents and visitors have waited with bated breath for Emmy's Thrift Shop's annual parking lot sale. The team saves Christmas items all year so you can decorate your home for half the cost.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Emmy's Thrift Shop, 564 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Coastal Cat Café
- What: If you are looking for a pawsitively good time, you should not miss the grand opening of the Gulf Coast's first cat café in Pensacola. Sip coffee while you play with the adorable feline residents. To book a session, visit www.coastalcatpcola.com/book.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Coastal Cat Café, 1508 W. Garden St., Pensacola
- Price: A 45-minute session is $15 per person
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Friday, Dec. 1
• Fairhope's Magical Christmas Parade, 7 p.m., Downtown Fairhope (rescheduled - Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.)
• Silverhill Small Town Christmas, 6:30 p.m., Silverhill (rescheduled - Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m.)
• Bay Minette Christmas Fest, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Courthouse Square, 220 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette.
• Gulf Shores Community Christmas at Sims Park, 6-8 p.m., 348 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores
Saturday, Dec. 2
• Elberta Tree Lighting and Parade, 4:30 p.m., Elberta (rescheduled - Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.)
• Daphne Christmas Parade, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Olde Towne Daphne
• Christmas in the Park, 6:30 p.m., Honey Bee Park, Robertsdale (rescheduled - Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.)
• Bay Minette Christmas Fest, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Courthouse Square, 220 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette.
Sunday, Dec. 3
• Spanish Fort tree lighting, 6 p.m., Spanish Fort Community Center, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY DINING
Saturday, Dec. 2
Breakfast with Santa
• Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores, 240 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores, 8-11 a.m., Adults $12 and children $6. For more information, visit www.tackyjacks.com.
• OWA Parks & Resort, 101-N OWA Blvd., Foley, 9 a.m., tickets are $25.99. Reservations are required, visit www.visitowa.com to purchase tickets.
Lunch with Reindeer
• Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores, 240 E. 24th Ave., Gulf Shores, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Adults $12 and children $6
Sunday, Dec. 3
• OWA Parks & Resort, 101-N OWA Blvd., Foley, 9 a.m., tickets are $25.99. Reservations are required, visit www.visitowa.com to purchase tickets.
