GALLERY: ‘TIS THE SEASON: City celebrates with parade, opening of Candyland

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Mr. and Mrs. Claus were in Andalusia Friday morning to cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening Christmas in Candyland 2024. Joining them for the event were officials with the City of Andalusia, the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce and a children who were among the first to enjoy the “snow” and candyland cottages on the downtown square. (PHOTOS BY ROBERT BLANKENSHIP)

A nutcracker, gingerbread men, and polar bear were among the many characters in the Christmas parade. Also participating were many favorite characters, courtesy of Meredith’s Miracles.

Reminding everyone of the true reason for the season, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints featured a nativity scene in the parade.

Andalusia youth cheerleaders show their spirit along the parade route.

The PowerSouth Energy Cooperative incorporated caroling to their float in this Thursday night’s Christmas parade.

After one of the city’s most well-attended Christmas parades on Thursday night, the City of Andalusia and the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce officially opened Christmas in Candyland with a ribbon cutting on the square and events beginning later that day.

This year’s Christmas parade featured over 130 entries.

The monthlong Candyland event, coordinated by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Andalusia, got underway Friday.

Among the staples of the event are the cottages, which are sponsored by local businesses. Beginning with just nine cottages the first year, there are now over 45 of these structures, some of which provide interactive fun for children, located at both on the grounds of Springdale Estates and on the downtown square.

Children — and many adults — also have a blast with the Polar Bear Tubing Hill, the ice-skating rink, a cocoa ball pit, and the Candyland Express train rides through a trail of Christmas lights and other decorations. Those decorations will include a new candy cane for “Candy Cane Lane” as well as the large Hollywood-esque Candyland sign added last year. Also new this year is a large photo booth to preserve special Candyland memories.

Candyland kicked off Friday and continues through Dec. 29.

Each Friday night there will be Concerts and Carols on the main Candyland stage at Springdale. Special guests Mickey and Minnie will also appear on Fridays.

On Saturdays and Sundays through the event, children can meet with Santa from 1 to 5 p.m. Also appearing each Saturday is one of Candyland’s most popular guests, Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” She will meet with children in the Frozen Garden behind the Springdale mansion from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Then, at 6 p.m., an assortment of children’s characters will take to the stage for Meredith’s Miracles “Christmas in Candyland” show.

Mickey and Minnie will make more special appearances on Friday, Dec. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., through Sunday, Dec. 30, 4 to 5:45 p.m.

To warm things up, families can enjoy Cocoa with Characters on Dec. 14, from 4 to 5:45 p.m.

The traditional Santa Send-Off will be held on Dec. 22 and the Candyland finale is Dec. 30. Both of those events feature bands, shows and fireworks.

The entire schedule of Candyland events is available at christmasincandyland.com.