Central Baldwin residents had plenty of opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit beginning with several events over the past weekend.

Parades were held in Silverhill (Friday) and Robertsdale (Saturday), along with other events such as Down Home Christmas at the Silverhill Covenant Church, and a Christmas Bazaar at St. Patrick's Church.

Other events will continue this weekend, including:

Arctic Express

Wales West RV Resort and Light Railway will host its annual Arctic Express from now through Christmas Eve at 13670 Smiley Street off County Road 9, Silverhill.
Ride an authentic steam train through a wonderland of lights and decorations to the North Pole. Children visit with Santa in the Winter-wonderland barn and receive a free wooden toy. Free refreshments served at the train station after the trip. Enjoy a ride on the mini-train, a sleigh/hay ride, and inflatables on the playground.
Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 11 and nightly beginning Dec. 12 through Christmas Eve. Train rides are free with park admission, which is $15 per person, plus tax. Admission is free for children under 2.
For more information call 1-888-569-5337 or visit waleswest.com.

Polar Express
Derailed Diner will be hosting its annual Polar Express beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 inside the Oasis Travel Center, 27801 County Road 64 at the I-10 Wilcox Exit. The event will be staged during the weekends of Dec. 8-10 and Dec. 15-17.
For six magical nights Derailed Diner’s authentic dining car will be transformed into the train car from the children’s book “The Polar Express.” Participants receive a golden “Believe” ticket punched by the Polar Express train conductor as they enter the train car singing the “Hot Chocolate” song.
All attending will be served hot chocolate and cookies after the professional performance and sing-a-long from the book. Each child will be gifted a magic jingle bell to wish upon.
Admission is free for children ages 4 to 12. No adults will be allowed on the train, but can peek through the windows. Each child is asked to bring a canned good to donate to charity.
Reservations are required by calling 251-960-1152.

Walk Through Bethlehem
Bethel Baptist Church will also host its annual Walk Through Bethlehem from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9-11 at the church, 22250 U.S. Highway 90, four miles east of Robertsdale.
This live, interactive adventure follows the birth of Jesus Christ through with recreations of the shepherd’s fields, the town of Bethlehem, the manger where Jesus was born, complete with live animals. Scenes also depict Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with the stone rolled away.
Admission is free. The event is open to all ages and groups of any size. Accommodations are available for the handicapped. Homemade cookies and drinks will be served in the Christian Life Center at the end of the tour.
For more information contact the church, 251-947-5145, email bethelbaptistrobertsdale@gmail.com or visit bbcrobertsdale.com.

Loxley
The Town of Loxley will have its annual parade and Christmas in the Park beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
The parade route will follow Highway 59 north from the Loxley Church of God to the Loxley Municipal Park. Following the parade there will be hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will be available for photos.
For parade and Christmas in the Park information, contact Tina Harris at the Civic Center, 251-964-7733.

Summerdale
The town of Summerdale’s annual Christmas parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The parade begins on Fourth Street and will travel west on Broadway to Northwest First Street, north to Jefferson, west to West Fourth Street, then south to Broadway, going east on Broadway back to Pioneer Park.
Visit with Santa in the park gazebo and enjoy refreshments after the parade. For more information call the Summerdale Town Hall, 251-989-6202.

Christmas concert will be Friday, Dec. 16 at Baldwin EMC, 19600 Alabama 59, Summerdale. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at United Bank, Summerdale Library or Summerdale Town Hall.
For more information call the town hall.