Reviewed by: Patience Itson
7 events in Mobile to make your holiday season merry & bright
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The most wonderful time of year is right around the corner, and one of the best places to celebrate the holidays is only an easy road trip away. From dazzling holiday lights to delicious local bites, there’s something for everyone to celebrate. Grab some hot cocoa and cozy up to these seven events in Mobile that will help you ring in the holiday spirit.
1. 2nd Weekend in Mobile—Holiday edition
The second weekend of every month is always a party in Mobile, and it’s only getting merrier during the holiday season. Gather your friends and family, grab a beignet and enjoy a weekend showcasing the best of downtown Mobile, including local art, music, food and culture.
The Incredible, Inflatable, Holiday Balloon LoDa Artwalk
Ready to walk in a winter wonderland? The snow may not be glistening (we’re in Alabama after all), but Cathedral Square transforms into a jaw-dropping balloon-filled spectacle that’ll give you the same warm fuzzy feeling. This event highlights local creatives to see and shop, including visual artists, musical performers and local restaurants.
- When: Friday, December 9 | 6-9PM
- Where: Downtown Mobile, 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Find out more
Saturday’s at the Coop
What’s better than live music? Free live music, of course! Every month, the concert series “Saturday’s at the Coop” takes place at Cooper Riverside Park. Bring your own snacks, coolers, chairs and blankets to enjoy your night to the fullest.
- Saturday, November 12, 7-10PM: Hollywood Vagabonds (80’s hairband)
- Saturday, December 10, 7-10PM: Stormfolk (folk Christmas)
2. Cascading Mums + Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens
It’s about that time to gather the family in matching outfits for that picture-perfect holiday card photo. Skip the backyard, we’ve got the ideal backdrop for you: the 59th annual Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums display at Bellingrath Gardens. View hundreds of colorful, four-foot-long cascades of chrysanthemums hung on bridges and balconies and set out in topiaries, baskets and containers throughout the Gardens.
- When: Now-End of November
- Where: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
- Find out more
Magic Christmas in Lights
Bright and sparkling holiday lights are a surefire way to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s not called magic for nothing, you’ll feel the holiday spirit in the air as you stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Plus, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias for the occasion.
- When: November 25, 2022-January 4, 2023, open nightly (closed December 25 and January 1)
- Where: 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582
- Price: Adult- $17, Child- $9, Children 4 and under- free | Buy tickets online in advance or at the door upon arrival.
- Find out more
3. City of Mobile Christmas Tree Lighting
3…2…1… can’t you feel the anticipation already? Join the City of Mobile for a free, family-friendly night of pure holiday joy to kick off the season. The holly jolly event includes a live DJ, Holiday Princesses, photo opportunities and you already know who’s coming to town for the event…Santa Claus!
- When: Friday, November 18 | 5:30-9PM
- Where: Mardi Gras Park, 104-148 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Find out more
Here’s a detailed timeline of events:
- 5:30PM: Mobile Ballet Performance
- 6PM: Santa Arrives
- 6:30PM: Tree Lighting with Mayor Sandy Stimpson
- 7PM: Music by The Vocalitas
4. Small Business Saturday: Outdoor Holiday Market
After you’ve made your list and checked it twice, it’s time to do some holiday shopping. Looking for the perfect way to support local while finding a unique gift for everyone on your list? Head to downtown Mobile near Cathedral Square for the Outdoor Holiday Market edition of Small Business Saturday.
- When: Saturday, November 26 | Noon-4PM
- Where: Around Cathedral Square, 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Find out more
5. Roll Mobile: Holiday Edition
When it doesn’t get cold enough for lakes to freeze over, you improvise. Trade in your ice skates for some roller skates as Bienville Square transforms into a fun roller-skating rink during this free holiday event. Don’t forget to dress up as an elf or your favorite winter holiday character to glide across the rink in style. Plus, there will be plenty of holiday photo ops to snap a fun pic!
- When: Saturday, December 3 | 6-10PM
- Where: Bienville Square, 150 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36607
- Find out more
6. MoonPie Over Mobile
Forget watching the ball drop, head to Mobile to watch the only 600lb electric MoonPie drop at midnight instead! Ring in the new year at one of the Gulf Coast’s largest and coolest celebrations. Watch and enjoy live entertainment, a laser light show, an all-star fireworks show and did I mention you’ll get to dig into the world’s largest MoonPie cake?
- When: Saturday, December 31 | 8PM-Midnight
- Where: Downtown Mobile, 261 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Find out more
7. America’s Original Mardi Gras
You may associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, but did you know that the first Mardi Gras celebration took place in Mobile? The bead-throwing holiday originated in 1703 in the port city. Since then, Mardi Gras has been an extravagant celebration in Mobile, with incredible parades, colorful floats and flying MoonPies.
The celebrations begin two and a half weeks before Fat Tuesday and there are over 40 parades rolling through downtown Mobile throughout January and February that you don’t want to miss. Learn more here.
For a full list of can’t-miss holiday events, including an Iron Bowl block party and breakfast with Santa, visit the 2022 Mobile Holiday Event Guide.
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