10 Things to Do in Fairhope in December

December in Fairhope is such a special time. Right now, the downtown trees are covered with tiny white Christmas lights and will stay lit until around Easter. Jim and I love our charming small town and we try to get to as many events as we can.  The tree lighting in November sees happy families gather at the intersection of Fairhope and Section Streets for a celebration we look forward to every year. (We love the fact that Fairhope closes the downtown streets at least once a month for a party!) This year the music was beautiful, the speeches were poignant, and the suspense built when the countdown began. At the big moment, the switch was flipped, the trees all lit up at once and the snow began to fall from the sky. Truly magical.

We've put together a list of some of our favorite events for December from available public information. If you're one of our guests this month be sure to double check the time and address if you plan to attend. We'll see you there!

This is an annual delight with over 60 parade units featuring high school bands, organization floats, lots of music, and a great excuse to bring the family downtown for some wholesome fun at night. The parade begins at Section and Morphy at 7 pm. Many of the streets are closed so plan your parking ahead of time.

For another annual highlight for families with young children, plan to stop by the Santa house in front of the Fairhope Museum of History at 24 N. Section Street. He'll be there two Saturdays from 10:30 - 12 noon to enchant your child while you take pictures.

 

Families will love this Outdoor Movie night at Volanta Park at 701 Volanta Avenue in Fairhope. There will also be events before the movie at 6pm, including a track parade at 3pm and interactive games with high school and youth sports. Candy and prizes will be awarded. Bring a blanket to sit on the football field or bring chairs to sit on the track around the football field to watch the movie. And Santa will also be there so bring your camera!

   

Trinity Presbyterian Church at 545 South Mobile Street is once again offering a drive-through live nativity from 5-7pm. You stay in your car and view Christmas scenes set up in the church parking lot. A variety of scenes are presented with live actors, from the annunciation angel, to Emperor Augustus, to the mean-old innkeeper, to the shepherds and wise men, to the manger scene with Mary and Joseph. This is a great way to explain to your children the true meaning of Christmas and create memories for a lifetime.

 

Celebrate the season and support this local ballet company as they perform the classic The Nutcracker at the Fairhope Civic Center. They offer two shows, 2pm and 7pm with elaborate sets and over 60 dancers from the area. Tickets are $8 for children and $12 for adults. Click here to purchase online at Eventbrite.

   

Find a spot on the Fish River to watch this festive parade of private boats each decked out with Christmas lights. The parade begins at 5:30 on the Fish River between the 98 Bridge in Weeks Bay and just north of the 32 bridge. If you know a friend with a dock, great! But if you get there early, Big Daddy's Grill at 16542 Ferry Road has restaurant seating on their deck. They also encourage you to bring chairs and set up on their beach in case they get busy.

 

Get your tickets here to run in this fundraiser to benefit the children of the Eastern Shore. Family packs of 4 tickets available. The run starts at the Mill at 85 N. Bancroft Street at 1pm and the event runs until 4 pm. Also meet Santa, do some holiday arts and crafts, listen to the Baliwick Brothers perform live, take your chance on raffle baskets and treat your family to a meal at The Mill.

This annual fundraiser presented by the Baldwin Humane Society is a "pawsitively elegant holiday giving gala" at the Rock Creek Golf Club at 140 Clubhouse Drive in Fairhope. This adults-only affair starts at 6pm and features live music, dancing, dinner, cocktails, and a silent auction all benefiting the non-profit Baldwin Humane Society. Put on your cocktail attire and join the fun. See their website for ticket and sponsorship information.

 

The festivities start at 8:30 pm with live music at the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street. There's a ball drop at midnight and the fun continues until 12:30. Fairhope closes the streets to cars so this is another family-friendly event. Last year's celebration was cancelled so this year bring the kids and dance in the streets!

   

No visit to Fairhope is complete without a visit to the Fairhope Pier at sunset. Known as our unofficial town square, you never know who or what you'll see there. It's always entertaining! Whether you walk, drive your car, bike or take your golf cart to the Pier, you'll most likely be rewarded with one of the most gorgeous sunsets of your life. Especially in December, the cooler and drier weather seems to produce one spectacular show after another. Don't miss it!

If you're a visitor to Fairhope, we invite you to check out our suites. We're located directly on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay and most of our family-size luxury suites offer a patio or balcony for sunset viewing too. Many evenings we gather around the firepit for a sunset celebration with our guests. We'd love to host you and your family the next time you're here.