Family Fun Events in Mobile During the Holiday Season
Mobile, Alabama, is a wonderful place to visit during the holidays with lots of kid-friendly activities to enjoy! Here are some festive events and things to do in the area:
1. Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home
When: Late November to early January
What: One of the largest holiday light displays in the South, featuring over 3 million lights throughout the gardens. It's a magical experience for kids and adults alike with themed light displays and a chance to visit Santa.
2. Mobile’s Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Mobile
When: Mid-December (check local listings for dates)
What: A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade is a family-friendly tradition and a great way to celebrate the season.
3. The Polar Express Train Ride
Where: The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
When: Mid-November to December
What: A holiday-themed train ride inspired by the classic book The Polar Express. Kids can enjoy a reading of the story, hot chocolate, and cookies while being transported into the holiday spirit. A great family experience for younger children.
4. Winterfest at The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Where: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (Foley, about 30 minutes from Mobile)
When: December
What: The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland, with holiday lights, special animal encounters, and festive activities. It’s a fun way for kids to enjoy both animals and Christmas cheer.
5. Holiday Market at the Mobile Convention Center
Where: Mobile Convention Center
When: Early December
What: A family-friendly holiday market with arts, crafts, and food. Kids will enjoy the chance to pick out unique gifts and see local artisans. There may also be Santa and other holiday characters to meet!
6. Tillman’s Corner Christmas Parade
Where: 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile, AL. 36619
When: December 7, 2024 at 10:30am
What: Come join the fun and spread some cheer as you watch many floats parade by to kick off the Christmas season.
7. Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center Holiday Activities
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center
When: Year-round, with extra holiday events
What: While the Exploreum is a great destination any time of year, they often offer holiday-themed science exhibits or workshops where kids can make holiday crafts or participate in seasonal science activities.
8. Visit Santa at the Mall
Where: The Shoppes at Bel Air or other local malls
When: Late November to Christmas Eve
What: A classic holiday tradition—take the kids to visit Santa! Many local malls have Santa photo opportunities, where kids can take pictures with St. Nick and share their holiday wishes.
9. Langan Park Winter Wonderland
Where: Langan Park, Mobile
When: December
What: Langan Park hosts a family-friendly Winter Wonderland, where kids can enjoy activities like snow slides, a holiday market, and festive music. It's a great spot for a family outing during the holidays.
10. Christmas at the Mobile Carnival Museum
Where: Mobile Carnival Museum
When: December
What: Experience the holiday season with a Mardi Gras twist! The museum often features special holiday displays, making it a fun and unique spot to explore the city's Carnival traditions alongside holiday decorations.
11. Holiday Lights Tour
Where: Various locations in Mobile
When: Throughout December
What: Take a driving tour through the neighborhoods of Mobile to see homes decorated in brilliant holiday lights. Some areas, like the historic district, go all out with decorations, and it's a fun way to take in the holiday spirit.
12. Hands-On Holiday Craft Activities
Where: Local libraries or craft stores (like Michael’s)
When: December weekends
What: Many of Mobile’s local libraries and craft stores offer free or low-cost holiday craft sessions, where kids can create ornaments, holiday cards, and other festive projects.
These activities are sure to create special memories for your family during the holiday season in Mobile!