Christmas is heading to South Baldwin County

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The time is almost upon us: Christmastime! The holidays are fast approaching, and December has plenty of events for every age to enjoy. From live music, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa, there’s a lot of offerings this year as we prepare to ring out one decade and begin another. South Baldwin County has a ton of upcoming festivities that’ll put you in the Christmas spirit, so check out the list of upcoming dates and spread some holiday cheer!

BON SECOUR

Head out to Swift-Coles Historic Home (17424 Swift Coles Lane, Bon Secour) on Saturday, Dec. 7 to enjoy a Christmas Open House. Event will last from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission costs $18 per person. Hear live music performed by Melody Duncan and Sherrie Lynn and check out a variety of arts and crafts vendors. Don’t miss your chance to walk through the historic home to view its holiday decorations.

For more information, visit www.SwiftColesHistoricHome.com or email swiftcoles@outlook.com.

ELBERTA

It’s time for the Elberta Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting, and Family Fun Night on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 - 9 p.m.! The parade will be following the town’s new parade route which can be viewed at Town Hall or on the town’s Facebook. Lineup will begin 30 minutes before the parade rolls. The Tree Lighting will take place in the park afterwards. For more information, contact Vicky Norris at 251-232-5393 or Alma Doege at 251-979-6607.

FOLEY

Looking for some Christmas music to put you in the holiday spirit? Legends in Concert at OWA’s Holiday Spectacular is running now through Dec. 31! The lineup includes Dolly Parton, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, The Blues Brothers, and George Michael. Each artist performs hit songs as well as popular Christmas tunes, encouraging the audience to sing and clap along during the performance. Performances run each night except for Monday beginning at 7:30 p.m., with 4 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets or more information, check out www.legendsinconcert.com/owa.

52nd Annual Trim-A-Tree is open now through Dec. 23! Come brose over 150 local artists and craftsmen who have created one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and décor. These unique offerings were all handcrafted by artists in Baldwin County, and are perfect for loved ones, and perhaps a little gift for yourself, too. Trim-A-Tree is located in Tanger Outlets, Suite 182. Visit www.FoleyArtCenter.com for more information.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity will be hosting “Hark! A Christmas Concert” on Dec. 5 at the Foley Civic Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7. Local group Four a Change will be preforming popular Christmas carols and hymns. Refreshments will be served for donations to Habitat. Proceeds will benefit the ministries of Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity and St. Paul's. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at St. Paul’s Church office in Foley, Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity in Summerdale, Think Outside Furniture in Gulf Shores and Epic Lasering in Foley. You can also purchase from members of Four a Change and members of St. Paul’s Church (251-943-2173).

Heritage Park in Foley has been undergoing a transformation recently as the city prepares for the Annual Christmas in the Park. Festivities begin on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. and include the lighting of Foley’s Christmas Tree, live holiday music, a visit from Santa and his elves, and the Christmas Tree Lane contest winners. A special surprise is waiting at this year’s event, and the Foley Caboose Club will be providing free train rides around the park. A miniature lighted village will be set up for attendees to stroll through, and lots of photo opportunities will be offered.

The Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra will be performing their Christmas Concert at the Foley Civic Center on Friday, Dec. 6 from 7 - 9 p.m. The event is free to the public, and will be a fantastic opportunity to listen to some Christmas favorites performed by the premier training orchestra for young musicians along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.

Kiwanis Club of Foley’s Annual Christmas Parade is set to roll on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. Parade route maps are available online at VisitFoley.org and at the Foley Welcome Center (104 North McKenzie Street.) The parade is looking to have approximately 70 participants this year and is Foley’s largest parade, so don’t miss this spectacular event!
Immediately following will be Let it Snow in Heritage Park. This year promises a unique experience, and those who come out to the park will find snow falling during the event. An art village, bounce houses, Whoville Hair Salon, Doctor Gee’s balloons, and many other actives will be provided. Santa will stick around after the parade to take photos in the park.
For more information, visit www.VisitFoley.org or call the city of Foley at 251-943-1300.

Downtown OWA is about to get a little chilly, as they’re bringing the North Pole to South Alabama every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 7 until Dec. 22 from 2 - 7 p.m.! Santa is setting up his shop in Downtown OWA right across from Wahlburgers and is inviting guests of all ages to come and see his and Mrs. Claus’ North Pole home. You can stop in and check out the kitchen to see what delights Mrs. Claus is creating, and grab a hot cup of cocoa while you’re there. Drop by Santa’s stable to see a few famous visitors, and explore the elves’ workshop to make some arts and crafts. Don’t forget to grab a photo with Santa himself! The North Pole’s activities are free for families to enjoy. Professional photos with Santa will be provided for a small additional cost.

Come join the Copper Kettle Tea Bar crew as they ring in the holidays with A Christmas Carol Tea on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 - 7 p.m. Featuring a cast of famous Dickens themed characters and lots of activities, live music, food, and of course, teas, this event has become a local favorite. It will be both indoors and outdoors. Tickets are $35 for adults, and $25 for kids ten and under. Reservations are required. The Copper Kettle Tea bar is located at 106 North Chicago Street in Foley. Drop by or give a call to 251-609-2832 to purchase tickets. Check them out on Facebook for more information and future events.

Come enjoy Brunch with Santa in The Park at OWA on Dec. 8 and 15 from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. inside Shady Arbor in the Park! A ticket into The Park isn’t required, but due to limited seating a ticket to join Santa is. Cost is $10.99 (plus tax) per person. Brunch includes pancakes, an assortment of toppings to pile on, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, and your choice of drink (cocoa, coffee, juice, milk.) To all parents, mimosas will also be available for $5 for a single or $7 for two.

The Baldwin Pops ‘Tis the Season Concert is happening on Dec. 9 at the Foley Civic Center from 7 - 9 p.m., and everyone is invited to enjoy some holiday favorites! A Toys for Tots location will be set up, and expect a special visit from Santa. Go to www.eventbrite.com/e/the-baldwin-pops-tis-the-season-tickets-69918896301 or https://www.facebook.com/events/951644978532445/ for more information or tickets. Unfortunately due to limited seating, tickets do not guarantee seating.

Come and enjoy some Pancakes with Santa at Foley United Methodist Church’s Spirit Center (915 North Pine Street) on Dec. 14 from 8:30 - 11 a.m. Event costs a $5 donation and will include pancakes, pictures with Santa, crafts, and story time. Cookies will be available for purchase. For more information, call 251-943-4393 or visit Foley United Methodist Church on Facebook.

Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market’s Arts at the Market, happening Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come out to find selections from local farmers, craftsmen, and much more. Pick up a few gifts for Christmas and for your own kitchen. Don’t forget to bring the kids as Santa will be making an appearance later in the day for photos. Follow on Facebook for more information.

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS

The Magnolia Springs Community Association Presents Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Magnolia Springs Community Hall, located at the corner of Oak Street and Highway 49. This will be a family event with pancakes galore! Cost is $5 per person.

The Magnolia Springs Community Association invites you to the 2019 Madrigal Dinner on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 beginning at 6 p.m. The fun and entertaining fundraising event will take place in the century-old Community Hall, where guests will be welcomed by “King Henry” and “Queen Isabelle” to 1475 England to enjoy a five-course meal, humorous skits, Wassail toasting and holiday music performed by Madrigal Singers. Menu includes cheeseboard, mixed green salad, French onion soup, beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes & green beans, and cherries jubilee. Tickets are $50 per person. Seating is limited. Guests may bring their favorite wine; a corkage fee of $5 will be charged. To purchase tickets visit www.magnoliaspringsal.org or call Helen Soule at 703-473-6944. The Hall is located at 14775 Oak Street, corner of Highway 49 and Oak Street.

SUMMERDALE

Head to downtown Summerdale on Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Annual Summerdale Christmas Parade! Event begins at 4:30 p.m. at Pioneer Park in the town center. For more information, call Town Hall at 251-989-6202.