While some towns have their Christmas parades down ugly, blocked off, city streets the town of Gulf Shores does it coastal style. Each year the festivities begin with Billy Claus welcoming the children to LuLu's, the the annual Lighted Boat Parade begins to travel from LuLu's marina all the way to the Wharf.

Billy Claus is Santa’s warm weather-loving, tropically clad brother who lives in the Caribbean who just happens to be allergic to snow! He travels to LuLu's to help Santa gather all the little boys & girls lists during the Holiday Season. The LuLuBelles are Billy’s fun version of Santa’s elves.

From 1 to 3 p.m., families can meet Billy Claus and the LuLuBelles. Children can share their wish lists and participate in arts and crafts. At 1:45 p.m., there will be a reading of "Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island," authored by Lucy Buffett. Billy Claus is expected to arrive at 2 p.m. 

As dusk approaches around 5pm, the Lighted Boat Parade will leave LuLu’s Gulf Shores & Homeport Marina, traveling east along the Intracoastal Waterway to The Wharf in Orange Beach. Spectators can view the parade from LuLu’s or Tacky Jacks and from various points along Canal Road. 

Both events are free and open to the public, offering festive activities for all ages. There are numerous viewing areas for the event like LuLu's, Acme Oysters, ICW Boat Launch and The Wharf!