It is that time of year and all across our area it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, despite the warm weather. The street lamps through out the area are lit up and covered in garland. Recently the City of Foley had their Christmas Tree lighting and welcoming Santa. This year the event was quite grand with Santa escorted by the Police and Fire departments. This year the City of 
Foley went all out adding tons of new lights in the Train Park, and around the newly built Centennial Clock Tower. Guests to the Tree lighting enjoyed regular sized trees decorated by local business and community organizations, hot chocolate, carols sung by local children’s choirs, and a count down to lighting the of the Dr. Seuss like tree.
The second most popular spot after visiting Santa in the pavilion was the miniature village. This area has miniature replicas of local city landmarks and even little trees to light up the tiny town. This area features buildings that are a couple of feet tall and painted and even occupied by townspeople or sometimes Santa’s elves. This popular little village had a line just as long as the line for Santa. 
The newly constructed clock tower with star and surrounded by angels was a favorite spot for photos.
Foley isn’t the only place that has holiday festivities this time of year. Gulf shores recently hosted a Christmas Parade on the streets and in the Inter-coastal Canal both are a site to see as they are dominated with lit up boats. Lighting the boats for Christmas is a tradition that is particular to coastal towns. If you haven’t seen a boat parade you need to make time to see one of these parades.
The Gulf Shores Christmas Parade closes down Hwy 59 and proceeds right down through the heart of town ending just before the beach. Of course candy and prize are tossed by passing floats. Holiday music fills the air as light covered floats and boats head toward the gulf. As inmost small towns everything shuts down when a parade comes through the streets. The high school band plays and marches and different sports teams and the homecoming court is part of the action as well. A great parade to sit and enjoy and then you can continue your evening at a local restaurant. 
The annual Christmas boat parade starts at 6 and continues on until it is done. Many people stake out their spot early on the canal or a pier and pack a picnic to enjoy the parade.
If you are not up for roughing it and a picnic enjoy the parade from the side of the canal enjoy it from one of the many canal side restaurants while enjoying a wonderful meal. Be sure to pack your hot coco and your camera and enjoy all the fun of the local Christmas activities.
