The holiday season can be overwhelming with school events, parties and family functions. Even the list of fun holiday events can be a little too much, so this year we are rolling out the happenings a little slower. This week, we are starting with tree lightings and Christmas parades.

While more things to do will continue to pop up, this list will give you a good starting point to map out your route to holiday fun. Check back next week for more to add to your calendar.

GulfCoastMedia.com has an event calendar that will keep you up to date on all the happenings across the Gulf Coast.

TREE LIGHTINGS

Fairhope

What: The streets of downtown Fairhope are shut to traffic and residents fill the streets to listen to musical performances in anticipation of the trees lining downtown to glow with thousands of lights.
When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fairhope

Foley – OWA Parks & Resort
What: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as the streets come alive with the sounds of Christmas music. The event will jump-start your holidays with live entertainment and fun leading up to the lighting of the 45-foot-tall Christmas tree. Stick around and take in the fireworks, and catch a snowflake or two.

When: Saturday, Nov. 18, 2-8:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown OWA

Orange Beach
What: The city of Orange Beach invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with festive musical performances, hot chocolate, Santa and the annual lighting of the tree and SPECTRA Laser Light Experience.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Wharf

Daphne
What: The city of Daphne will kick off the holidays with the annual tree lighting featuring music by Roman Street. The fun will also include train rides, caroling, children's activities and more.
When: Thursday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Daphne City Hall, 1705 Main St.

Bay Minette
What: Courthouse Square will be filled with vendors and holiday cheer for the city's 41st-Annual Christmas Fest.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Courthouse Square, 220 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette

Gulf Shores

What: Enjoy a night with family, friends and fellow residents for the city's Community Christmas at Sims Park, featuring lights in the park, holiday treats, pictures with Santa and the annual Snowball Drop.
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Johnnie Sims Park, 348 W. 19th Ave., Gulf Shores

Elberta
What: Spend the evening in Elberta kicking off the holidays with the annual tree lighting, Christmas parade and movie in the park. The parade kicks off in the evening. Then head to the park to light up the town tree, which is followed by a Christmas movie.

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Elberta

Robertsdale
What: Follow the annual Christmas in the Park and Parade to Honey Bee Park to celebrate the season with the community and have photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Parade begins on Fairground Road, turns right on Highway 59 to Honey Bee Park

Spanish Fort
What: Enjoy an evening of light refreshments, live music and the lighting of the Christmas tree. A short family holiday film will be shown as well.
When: Sunday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.
Where: Spanish Fort Community Center, 7361 Spanish Fort Blvd.

Magnolia Springs
What: Enjoy the enchanted streets of Magnolia Springs lit by the glow of thousands of candles for the annual A Red Bird Christmas.
When: Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Oak Street, Woodland Drive, Pecan Grove Street, Cougill Avenue and Jessamine Street, Magnolia Springs

Loxley

What: Loxley's annual Christmas in the Park & Parade combines all things holiday in one evening. Enjoy the parade before heading to the park for the tree lighting, caroling and more.
When: Friday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.
Where: Loxley Municipal Park

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Public Menorah Lighting

What: Join the Mayim Chayim congregation for the lighting of the menorah in Daphne.
When: Thursday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Daphne Public Library Courtyard, 2607 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne

CHRISTMAS PARADES

Fairhope's Magical Christmas Parade

When: Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fairhope

Silverhill Small Town Christmas
When: Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Daphne Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Parade begins at the Daphne Civic Center and ends in Olde Towne Daphne

Spanish Fort Christmas Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre, Highway 181

Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
What: Coastal Christmas would not be complete without a lighted boat parade. Find a place on the Intracoastal waterway between LuLu's in Gulf Shores and The Wharf in Orange Beach and enjoy the show.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, dusk
Where: The Intracoastal waterway between LuLu's Gulf Shores and The Wharf in Orange Beach

CANCELLED: Summerdale Hometown Christmas Celebration and Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Begins at Summerdale School