Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
6 holiday-themed events in Mobile you need to plan for now, including Halloween
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Lazy summer beach days may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean Mobile isn’t still full of fun things to do. From the splendor of Bellingrath Gardens in the fall to the country’s first Mardi Gras, we found five reasons for you to plan a Mobile getaway today. Keep reading to discover six holiday events that will make you want to book your trip to Mobile today.
1. 2nd Weekend in Mobile, Spooky Edition | October 14-16
It’s almost fall, y’all, so let’s kick off the season at the 2nd Weekend in Mobile. Since this event is right in the middle of spooky season, come dressed in your best costume to the LoDa ArtWalk featuring local art, music, food and culture. Plus, the Mobile Latin Fest will be hosted at this event—it’s free and the perfect place to learn about and experience Latin culture, flavors and music.
- When: Friday, October 14 | 6-9PM
- Where: Downtown Mobile
A crisp, fall morning is hands down one of the best things ever. Grab a pumpkin spice latte to get your energy going and then enjoy the cooler weather while shoping at local vendors at the Fall Market in the Park. You can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, baked and canned goods, art and more.
- When: Saturday, October 15 | 7:30AM-Noon
- Where: Cathedral Square, 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
I get it—making plans for a Saturday evening can be stressful. Luckily, the Saturdays at The Coop—as in Cooper Riverside Park—has a mix of everything, so you and all your friends will have the best night. Grab a bite from a food truck and some photos in front of the water, then rock out to a live performance from Jenna McClelland.
- When: Saturday, October 15 | 7-10PM
- Where: Cooper Riverside Park, 101 S Water St, Mobile, AL 36602
Head over to Visit Mobile to discover the upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
2. Cascading Mums at Bellingrath Gardens | Late October-November
I’ve always been a fan of pots of mums on porches during the fall, but the displays of cascading mums at Belligrath Gardens will literally make your jaw drop. The 59th Annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums takes this flower to the next level as the nation’s largest outdoor cascade chrysanthemums show. This is the most picture-perfect Instagram spot for a fall post, so wear your cutest sweater and admire the hundreds of four-foot-long cascades of mums.
- When: Late October-End of November
- Where: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Lighting of the Tree | November 18
Have yourself a merry little Christmas at the City of Mobile’s Christmas tree lighting. This is an event for the whole family—your kids can even see Santa come to town. Plus, there are performances from the Mobile Ballet and the The Vocalitas to kick off the holiday cheer. Which Christmas carol are you hoping to hear?
- When: Friday, November 18 | 5:30-9PM
- Where: Mardi Gras Park, 104-148 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Magic Christmas in Lights | November 23-January 4
‘Tis the season for lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. Grab your coat and a steaming cup of hot chocolate and stroll through the gardens to vew the beautiful lights part of Magic Christmas in Lights. Ho, ho, ho—you can tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list in the Magnolia Room from 5:30-9PM through December 23.
- When: Wednesday, November 23-Wednesday, January 4
- Where: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
- Tickets: Buy online or at the doors
5. MoonPie Over Mobile | December 31
MoonPies, fireworks, oh my! Why watch the ball drop on your TV when you can be at one of the most fun and unique ways to ring in the new year? During the festivities at MoonPie Over Mobile, the city celebrates the mark of a new year by lowering a 12-foot-tall lighted mechanical MoonPie from the RSA Trustmark building in downtown Mobile at midnight. This free night also includes:
- Fireworks
- Laser light show
- Live entertainment
- Parade
- World’s largest MoonPie cake
I’m not sure what’s on your new year’s resolution list, but I think eating a piece of the world’s largest MoonPie cake might be on mine.
6. America’s Original Mardi Gras | January-February
Did you know that Mobile actually hosted the first official Mardi Gras celebration in the country, not New Orleans? Since 1703, Mobile has been a host city for many Mardi Gras parades. Show off your best purple, green and gold outfit at one of the 40 parades that roll through downtown Mobile throughout January and February.
If you’re looking for a more low-key way to join the Mardi Gras festivities, you can stroll around local neighborhoods. Have you ever wanted to design a Mardi Gras float? Well, creative Mobile residents get to do this by turning front yards into floats as part of the Mobile Porch Parade.
Where should you stay in Mobile?
Whether you’re looking for a place to bring your furry friend or want breakfast in bed, Mobile has so many hotel options. Make a reservation at one of Visit Mobile’s recommendations:
Your toes don’t have to be in the sand to have fun in Mobile. We hope to catch you in this Alabama city during the holiday season!
Are you planning to visit Mobile this holiday season? Check out Visit Mobile’s calendar of upcoming fun + exciting events in the city.
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