'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the South all the creatures were stirring with plenty left to do out of the house. The final week for the Coastal Christmas countdown is here only seven more sleeps until waking up on the most celebrated day of the year. 

We've made you a list and we've checked it all twice. Here's a full week of fun made for everyone, naughty or nice.

Monday, Dec. 18th - Bingo, a place where the numbers in front of you start with a letter instead of  a dollar sign. Many view the game as a form of gambling, however most observers and players will disagree, calling it a relaxing time. Bingo can be therapeutic, opening up a chance to unwind and replace financial worry with a little game time that often brings end results of money or other prizes. No poker faces here, just a good ole family-friendly game. Take a midday break with Rhonda Hart and Flora-Bama on the tent stage from 1 PM - 4 PM. Everyone can enjoy and maybe bring home a precious Christmas prize. Join the Bamily and guests for Monday Bingo with Rhonda Hart where everyone leaves feeling like a winner. For more details on this recurring event, click the link below.

Flora- Bama Lounge and Package

17401 Perdido Key Dr

Pensacola, FL 32507

https://www.florabama.com/daily-events

Tuesday, Dec. 19th - Ho-Ho- Holiday it’s time for Story time and a Christmas party at Orange Beach Public Library. In the spirit of Christmas, this week’s story time is filled with all Holly themed readings, songs and cookies. Gear up for a fun adventure to follow with a reindeer scavenger hunt that wraps up with a little gift wrap for all. The fun starts at 10:30 AM. After leaving the library, take a walk through our southern winter wonderland over to Orange beach Waterfront Park and the Coastal Art Center ‘s shared lawn. Enjoy viewing more than 30 Christmas tree’s with The Garner C. Tampary Memorial Foundation's Merry Tinsel Trail featuring ornaments dedicated to loved ones lost in service. Also, included on the grounds a shop full of local handcrafted items in the Coastal Art Center’s gift shop ready for any last-minute gifts and the kids park. The park is a great way to polish off a merry ole time and to let the littles get all of their jolly jittering energy out before taking them home.

Orange Beach Public Library

26267 Canal Rd. 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.orangebeachlibrary.org

Wednesday, Dec. 20th - Final day countdowns to Christmas can be rough on parents, especially once the little ones are out of school. The Gulf State Park Nature Center has set up a sweet time from 1PM-2PM to get the kids out and enjoy an educational afternoon with Alligator Adventures. Though these prehistoric creatures grow up to be fierce predators, they start out pretty cute and small. Kids and Adults will have a chance to interact and see baby alligators and soak in some interesting facts about our island natives found in the Gulf State Park. Meet at the Nature Center, for a map of the exact location for this event program click here https://what3words.com/naptime.deep.midst 

Finish the afternoon off all aboard the polar express for a screen captivating and sugary salty goodness filled evening at Lulu’s Gulf Shores. Owner of Lulu’s Lucy Buffet, and one of Jimmy Buffett’s sisters has outdone herself this Holiday season opening her bay shore landscape to all manner of Christmas bliss and Community highlights like hosting a celebration for Gulf Shores City School 2023’s 5A State Champions. And she’s not done yet, starting at 6 PM “The Polar Express” movie will display over the white sandy outdoor theater. Families are encouraged to come in their PJ’s and bring their snuggle up blankets for dinner and a movie. Delight yourself with free popcorn, Christmas cookies, and hot chocolate plus find the hidden dolphin to receive a special Christmas prize. The restaurant and outside bars will be open for anyone wanting to try the menu or add a dash of peppermint schnapps to their adult hot chocolate yummies. Free Kids Meal with the purchase of any Adult Entrée. Thank you, Lucy, for setting up another magical evening full of good tidings and great joy. 

Lulu’s Christmas Cookie Movie Night

200 E 25th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://lulusfunfoodmusic.com/christmas-cookie-movie-night-polar-express/

More info on Alligator Adventures here 

https://www.alapark.com/events/gulf-state-park/alligator-adventures-43

Thursday, Dec. 21st - Baby it's not that cold outside here on the Gulf Coast. However, for all those seeking winter oasis vibes, the seasonal ice rink at the wharf will have everyone all  bundled up. Open for a limited time only with special times on some dates. The latest rink openings are from the 18th -23rd 10 AM - 10 PM, let's glide. After a chilling experience, head over to Island Time Daiquiris for a thrilling one. Warm up to the musical sounds echoed from Mason Henderson who will take the stage 3 PM- 7PM. Dip out early or arrive a little late and head over to Doc’s Seafood and Steaks at the Beach road location. Indulge the dinner order with a mouth watering thick steak or one of the always fresh seafood dishes while being entertained by the classic sing along tunes with talented artists Lisa and Lee Ann from 5 PM - 9PM. Lisa has been serenading the island for decades with her powerful voice, epic guitar riffs and inviting comfortable stage presence. The L’s will have the whole audience feeling right at home before the night's end. This is a rain or shine musical event live on the lawn.

Island Time Daiquiris & pizza                                 

4830 Wharf Parkway 

The Wharf- G101A 

Orange Beach, AL 36561                         

https://www.obawebsite.com/local/island-time-daiquiris

Docs Seafood and Steaks 

24221 Perdido Key Dr.

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.obawebsite.com/local/docs-seafood-steaks

Friday, Dec. 22nd - Cross over the line and slide your sleigh right up to the front doors of Perdido Key Sports Bar. Where the weather may not be cold enough for snowflakes falling but is always ready for a cold brew on tap. Serving 19 cold regular and craft beers on tap, PKSB offers more than the average sports bar to stop by. Enjoy 26 HD TV’s daily lunch and dinner specials as well as many other seasonal specials. Stop tripping and get to dipping into that sauce, “Saucy FuzZ” that is. Live music lasts 4 hours or even longer if the tunes hit right, so sit back and enjoy Saucy Fuzz starting at 7 PM. For the latest updates on PKSB, connect to their FB page here https://www.facebook.com/perdidosportsbar/

Perdido Key Sports Bar and Restaurant 

13583 Perdido Key Dr

Pensacola, FL 32507

Saturday, Dec. 23rd - How about a December to remember this year at ‘‘Make it to the Line’ 4-mile run/walk hosted by Flora-Bama. Participation gifts local families in need during the holidays by benefiting the Secret Santa Program. An amount from each $30 ticket and other on site purchases will go to the Secret Santa Claus Cause nine and under runners get to attend for free. Local realtor for Exit Realty, sponsors of the event and fitness guru Amanda Vogel exclaims “the Flora-Bama has the best food spread of any race” she’s” ever attended and reminds us not to “forget about the music too!” She goes on to say “Let’s make this the largest, most festive, and over the top race the Flora-Bama has ever hosted!!’ So “you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why” Make it to line is coming to town. Are you? For more on this event and to register, click here. 

Flora-Bama Lounge and Package store

17401 Perdido Key Dr

Perdido Key, FL 32507

https://www.florabama.com

Saturday, Dec. 23rd - Grab your Santa Hats and head out to the Brewery, Big Beach in Gulf Shores. Where everyone's’ jingle all the waying and swaying to Greyson Capps and the silver bells of Chad Edwards celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. It's a comfy cozy chestnut popping brewing kind of sleigh bells ringing time. Yo ho giddy up let's go it's as good as time as any to have a BB brewery celebratory holiday beer. 

Big Beach Brewery 

300 E Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Sunday, Dec. 24th- Merry Christmas Eve looking for a place to have a candlelight service morning or night? Find the right place to celebrate the greatest gift of all this Christmas Season.

Candlelight Services will be held at all three morning services at the Island Church in Orange Beach, 8:15, 9:30 and 11 AM. Candles will be passed out to all in attendance to watch the room light up to honor the real light of the world. These are family services, no island nursery or island kids services, just a time for the whole family to enjoy together. Sunday services offered online year round. 

The Island Church 

25550 Canal Rd 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://theislandchurch.tv 

Flora-Bama isn't just for sunbathing, music and big events, it's also a place to gather under the tent to celebrate the arrival of “our Prince of Peace.” The Bama church Worship on the Water is calling it an unforgettable celebration you don’t want to miss. Catch one of the two Christmas Eve morning gathering times at 9 AM and 11 AM. The third time offered will be a special candlelight Christmas Eve gathering starting at 4 PM. 

Flora- Bama - Worship on the Water

17401 Perdido Key Dr.

Pensacola, FL 32507

https://www.florabama.com/flora-bama-church 

Christmas at Orange Beach Methodist Church this year will be held in the early afternoon and in the evening. The first service starting at 3 PM will be a family worship experience child focused, with an interactive Nativity and with LED candlelight. At 5 PM, enjoy modern praise and worship music and a performance of the Nativity play by Pier-56 for this contemporary worship and candlelight service. Lastly, starting at 7 PM, enjoy a traditional worship and candlelight service where another performance by Pier-56 will take place and classic hymns will be sung. Take a moment with the ones, you love to slow down a bit this holiday season and choose from any of these special Christmas Eve services when celebrating this year. 

Orange Beach Methodist Church 

28751 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://obmchurch.com