It may not be a true horse-drawn sleigh as in days of yore, but a real sleigh would require snow—something we don’t see much of here along the Gulf Coast. I don’t know about you, but I’ll opt for a modern, makeshift sleigh rather than the snow!

Oh—you may not know what I’m talking about. Let me fill you in:

Tonight in Orange Beach, Alabama, a gift of nostalgia is being offered. When you arrive at City Hall between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., you will be given a ticket for a sleigh ride. Okay, it may feel more like a hay ride, as you’ll be sitting on benches attached to an open-air trailer pulled by a truck. But when your group is called and you step on the vehicle, let your imagination conjure up a one-horse open sleigh (name that song!), decorated just as you like.

As your sleigh follows the Hugh S. Branyon BackCountry Trail, you’ll discover carolers singing songs of the season, Santa’s workshop in high gear (are you on Santa’s list this year, good or bad?), a lovely Nativity scene and more. A number of schools, churches and businesses are involved to make this a special evening for everyone.

Before and after your excursion through Christmasland, stay warm with hot chocolate and cookies provided by Shipp’s Harbour Grill as you chat with friends old and new.

Your admission fee is simply a nonperishable food item or cash donation for the Christian Service Center. The donations will be put to immediate use to assist those in our communities who are struggling this holiday season and beyond.

So bundle up and bring your family for a taste of an old-fashioned winter gathering. And tell everyone you know to come enjoy the perfect ending to a perfect day (name that song!) during this sure-to-be-popular community event. Need more information? Call City Hall at 251-981-6979 or visit the Orange Beach Community Website.

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