Christmas spirit will be in full effect this week as three big events help kick off the December holiday season — and with Santa Claus making appearances all over Atmore and Poarch.

The events begin on Thursday as the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce hosts An Evening with Santa at Heritage Park beginning at 5 p.m.

The event will have Hursh Photography taking photos of children with Santa and the purchase of packages available.

A fun atmosphere should be the pull for families to come out to the park, Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce office manager Shelly Williams said.

“Parents and children should expect a wonderful Christmas setting with Santa Claus and his elves,” she said. “There also might be a visit from Mrs. Claus, so it should be an enjoyable environment for everyone.”

An Evening with Santa is an annually successful event that brings the community together and puts smiles on children’s faces.

Arrivals should be made near the five o’clock hour to see Santa make his arrival to the park, Williams said.

“We are encouraging everyone to get there as early as possible, so they will not miss Santa arriving on the Polar Express,” she said.“Getting there at 5 p.m. would be best, so they do not miss seeing him arrive on the train. Children will also get the chance to ride the Polar Express train at the event.”

The photos and refreshments will help bring warmth to the festivities on a cold night, Williams said.

“Hursh Photography will be taking beautiful photos for memories,” she said. “They will be offering picture packages for parents to purchase of their little ones sitting with Santa. The nice women from the PCI SAIL Center will also be making homemade macaroni and cheese and we will also have cookies and hot chocolate, which will be needed because it will be chilly that night.”

Friday and Saturday bring parades in Poarch and Atmore with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians holding their Christmas parade on Friday night and Atmore to follow on Saturday.

The parade in Poarch will begin with the sun going down at 5:30 p.m. It will begin at the Poarch gym and end at the health department.
Atmore’s Twilight Christmas Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Atmore City Hall and end at Escambia County High School.

With the Atmore parade, things are picking up as safety meetings are held and floats are completed.

A large number of contributors to the parade are sure to make it a success, Williams said.

“They are going to witness an amazing parade,” she said. “It is probably one of the largest that we’ve had. I know as of now we have 25-plus floats in the parade along with bands and classic cars that will be a part of it. The children also do not want to miss Santa riding as the guest of honor.”