By Laura McAlister
Journal Editor
The streets of downtown Fairhope are lined with trees draped in twinkling, white lights year-round. But during the holidays, the small town takes on an even more enchantment with the lighting of the town Christmas tree, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and, believe it or not, snow.
While this artsy town on Mobile Bay is better known for its community of artists and fine golfing, it also has several unique events to celebrate the holidays.
It’s not just the city, either, that makes the holidays extra-special. At the nearby Grand Hotel in Point Clear, the festivities include fireside readings of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” carriage rides and even carolers and a reindeer or two.
“Christmas is really one of our favorite times of year around here,” said Alex Robinson, special events coordinator with the city of Fairhope. “It just has a real local, small town feel. It starts with the tree lighting on Thursday, and then people really just make a weekend of it.”
The holidays kick off downtown with the tree lighting ceremony Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The streets of downtown Fairhope light up with one million twinkling lights as well as the town Christmas tree.
Last year, snow machines were brought in to add to the fun. Alex said to expect the faux snow again this year. Mrs. Claus also will be on hand visiting and giving out candy.
Another tradition started last year in Fairhope that will return this year is the Movie on the Street on Fairhope Avenue. Streets will be blocked off Nov. 19 for the 6 p.m. showing of the Christmas classic “The Polar Express.” Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring blankets.
“We really didn’t know what to expect when we did this last year, but it was such a great hit,” Robinson said. “It’s in November, so it’s cool but not freezing. People can bring lawn chairs and blankets and coolers. We’ll have some vendors, too.”
To close the holiday kickoff weekend, the city will have its annual Holiday Open House. The eclectic shops of downtown Fairhope will be open Nov. 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. Christmas characters will walk the streets, and stores will serve treats and offer specials.
Mrs. Claus will again be on hand, but the big man himself won’t make an appearance in downtown until Dec. 2. That’s when the city will host its Magical Christmas Parade.
The 7 p.m. parade will travel through downtown from the intersection of Morphy and Section Street and then down Section to Oak Street.
“The Christmas parade is always the first Friday of December, and it’s always great,” Robinson said. “It’s at night so all the floats are lit up, and Santa’s on the last one. He doesn’t make an appearance until then.”
However, Santa can be found the following Saturday and Dec. 10 at the downtown Fairhope Welcome Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For celebrations that last the whole season, head to the Grand Hotel and step back in time for some longstanding Christmas traditions. The holiday festivities at the historic hotel start the day after Thanksgiving and continue through Christmas Day.
David Clark, general manager of the Grand, said the hotel is transformed both inside and out with sparkling lights and live greenery.
In addition to 25-feet-tall live Christmas trees in the lobby, there’s also a massive gingerbread house replica of the hotel that’s constructed every year.
The holiday traditions of the Grand date back decades. They include a children’s breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house workshops, bonfires with hot chocolate and a traditional holiday reception hosted by the Grand’s general manager on Dec. 23.
On Christmas Eve, one of Santa’s elves even comes to tuck the children into their beds, said Clark.
Whether it’s strolling on the charming streets of downtown Fairhope or taking in the traditions of the Grand, visitors to this southern Alabama town will find plenty of events that add magic to the holiday season.
