Gulf Coast Coastal Christmas Happenings on December 8

Saturday (December 8th) is a BIG day for COASTAL CHRISTMAS happenings in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Perdido Key. It's probably impossible to experience all of the festivities but if you could here's what your Saturday would look like:

First thing in the morning - beginning at 9 a.m. - run in the 5 K Jingle Bell Run at Flora-Bama but be sure to stretch first. Stick around to see Santa fall from the sky (don't worry he will be wearing a parachute) at the annual Santa Drop at Flora-Bama where the music, fun and games begin at 10 a.m.

Then swing by and buy your special cookies & candies for Christmas gifts at the Orange Beach United Methodist Church during their Cookie Extravaganza from 9 til noon. Don't stay too long because the Merry Market at The Wharf Event Center in Orange Beach also has lots of holiday arts and crafts for you to purchase beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting til 4 p.m. By the way admission is free to this exciting marketplace.

Once you have your special gifts tucked away, head over to LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores where Billy Claus & the LuLuBelles arrive at noon and promise an afternoon of family fun, free arts and crafts. Billy Claus is a little known brother of Santa and is sure to entertain the whole family.

Here's where the schedule gets tricky because you can't be in two places at once. The annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade begins at LuLu's at Homeport Marina at 5:30 p.m. so it's a great place to see the launch of these beautifully decorated holiday themed vessels. The boat parade will proceed along the Intracoastal Waterway past The Wharf and will end at Zeke’s Landing in Orange Beach at around 8:30 p.m., so anywhere along the waterway is a great spot to view the spectacle of nautical lights.

The tricky part is the fact that in addition to the fun at LuLu's there's a Wharf Christmas Open House from 4-7 p.m. and stores will be offering specials and serving finger foods and beverages. So you might have to decide whether to stay at LuLu's or go to The Wharf. Or you could see the boats launch at LuLu's at 5:30 p.m. and head to The Wharf because the boat parade is expected to pass by that location around 7 pm.

I hesitate to even tell you there's an opportunity to Sail with Santa on Wild Hearts that same day where you can get photos with Santa plus cookies & eggnog. But there are two more chances to experience this treat on December 15th and 22nd.

Are you exhausted just reading the list of possibilities? Don't be. Just pick and choose your events this Saturday and have a jolly good time on your favorite coast.

Check out the Meyer Vacation Rentals calendar of events and Music Calendar for more details on Coastal Christmas and other area happenings.