The time has arrived to hang the stockings with care. Christmas has arrived whether you are ready or not!

If you are looking for some fun ways to spend time with family and friends this weekend we have found five events to fill your time. Kick off the weekend with a massive Mardi Gras parade in Mobile. The parade kicks off the 68 Ventures Bowl weekend in Mobile. On Saturday, get tickets to the bowl game or take the kids fishing at Meaher State Park. If you are looking to get a run in before diving into the Christmas cookies head to the Flora-Bama for the annual Make it to the Line Run/Walk.

If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.

This is Alabama Mardi Gras Parade

• What: 68 Ventures and Greer's Markets are kicking off the 2023 68 Ventures Bowl weekend with Mobile's largest Mardi Gras Parade featuring 20 mystical societies, local high school marching bands and cheerleaders. The parade is followed by the This Is Alabama Street Party at Mardi Gras Park.
• When: Friday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Mobile
• Price: Free to attend

68 Ventures Bowl

• What: Round out football season by watching the South Alabama Jaguars take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles in Hancock Whitney Stadium. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit
  www.68venturesbowl.com.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.
• Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, 500 Stadium Dr., Mobile
• Price: Tickets range from $15 to $165

Kids Fishing Day

• What: Gather up the children and fishing poles and head to Meaher State Park. The park naturalist will meet you at the fishing pier for a morning of fishing. Some fishing poles will be available to borrow and bait will be provided. Children under 15 years old do not need a fishing license.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 9-11 a.m.
• Where: Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort
• Price: Park entry is $3 for guests over the age of 12

Winter Crafts

• What: After a morning of fishing, head to Pavilion 3 to learn how to make fun and seasonal crafts in nature.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
• Where: Meaher State Park, 5200 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort
• Price: Park entry is $3 for guests over the age of 12

Flora-Bama Make It to the Line Run/Walk

• What: Run, walk or crawl into the holidays at the annual Make It to The Line race at the Flora-Bama. A portion of the proceeds from the race benefit the Secret Santa program. For more information or to register, visit www.florabama.com.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m.
• Where: Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Perdido Key, Florida
• Price: $30