The holiday season is upon us! Now I know we are all prepping for Thanksgiving—the food, the family, the fun. But in my house, the day after Thanksgiving is the first day of Christmas, meaning decorations go up, Christmas carols ring through the house, and we all start feeling both holly and jolly. If you have a similar tradition, then you might be planning your family’s yearly trip to go see Santa. We’ve got you covered, with 5 events on the Gulf Coast where you and your kiddos can go visit Santa.

1. Storytime with Santa and his Elves at OWA

When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays • Nov. 26-Dec. 19 + Dec. 20-23; 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm
Where: Downtown OWA, 100 N OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
More Info: Facebook

OWA amusement park loves going all-out for holidays, and Christmas is no exception. Bring your littles on over to downtown OWA to their North Pole, where Santa will be reading all the best Christmas tales, with help from some friendly elves.

2. Spanish Fort’s “Spirit of Christmas” Parade

When: December 11 at 6 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre, 30500 AL-181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
More Info: Facebook

Down here where Mardi Gras reigns supreme, we love having a parade for just about anything. This, of course, includes Christmas parades where Santa himself closes out the parade. Check out the “Spirit of Christmas” parade to see some JROTC marching, some high school marching bands and, of course, Santa!

3. Local Artisan Christmas Market

When: December 11 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre Pavilion, 30500 AL-181, Spanish Fort, AL 36527
More Info: Facebook

Need to knock out two birds with one stone—Christmas shopping and getting your littles to see Santa? You’ll for sure want to visit the Eastern Shore Local Artisan Christmas Market, complete with a visit from Santa himself, who will be taking photos on the stage.

4. Saturday with Santa

When: Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Blackhorse Gifts, 126a Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571
More Info: Facebook

Blackhorse Gifts in Saraland is celebrating their one-year anniversary the best way they know how—a special appearance by Santa! Join them on November 27th for food, giveaways, shopping, and Christmas festivities.

5. Pancake breakfast with Santa

When: Saturday, Dec. 4, from 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Where: Tillman’s Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Rd, Mobile, AL 36619
More Info: Facebook

Come on out to the TIllman’s Corner Community Center to get some delicious pancakes and a photo with Santa! Kids 10 & under eat free and it’s $5 for parents to grab some pancakes too.

Where are you planning on seeing Santa this year? Tag us @thebamabuzz and let us know.

Looking to get more holiday shopping done? Check out our local holiday gift guide.