Coastal Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 14 in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

See Santa on land and water too when he visits our island in December. For a special treat gather your family and friends to see a non-traditional Christmas parade with a coastal flair. For miles and miles along the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach, a festive boat parade lights up the night sky. Dozens of boats, large and small, are decked out from bow to stern with not only lights but creative nautical-themed holiday decorations for the 28th annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.

WHEN: Saturday, December 14, 2013 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and ending at approximately 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The parade route begins at LuLu's at Homeport Marina and moves along the Intracoastal Waterway eastward past The Wharf, ending at Zeke’s Landing in Orange Beach

PARKING: Lots of free parking is available along the Intracoastal Waterway, at LuLu's, Tacky Jacks and The Wharf.

MY PARADE TIP: I actually like to go to three places to view the parade. First I go to LuLu's before the parade begins and photograph the boats while they are still docked and before it gets too dark. Then I hurry across the bridge to Tacky Jack's in Gulf Shores and position myself along the canal front to see the boats as they head out from LuLu's on their eastward journey. Finally I move to The Wharf to see them pass by on their way to Zeke's Landing. By then I'm ready to eat at one of the many wonderful options at The Wharf and enjoy the rest of my evening.

MY TRAVEL TIP: Rent a condo or house for four nights and get a 50% discount. Sounds like a great BOGO type sale to me - buy 2 and get 2 free - and I do love a bargain.

MY ITINERARY TIP: Take a look at all of the Coastal Christmas happenings throughout the month of December, so you can plan your itinerary around the fun events taking place on the Gulf Coast.

See you at the beach.