Things to Do in December
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Winter on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an excellent time to visit. The comfortable temperatures mixed with fewer crowds make it the ultimate vacation destination. On top of that, December is jam-packed with activities for those of all ages to enjoy, from holiday events to outdoor adventures. Check out all the fun things to do in December on Alabama's Beaches!
Looking for a holiday getaway? Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama is the place for you! From lighted boat parades and parachuting Santa's to visiting Whoville and ice skating, there is something for the whole crew on Alabama's Beaches in December.
1. Holiday fun at The Wharf
The Wharf in Orange Beach is the hotspot for the holiday season. Here, you'll find an ice skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, and lots of shopping. You can take a spin on the Ferris wheel that runs year-round and the nightly Spectra light show.
2. Enjoy Live Christmas Music
Get into the holiday spirit with some Christmas tunes. The Baldwin Pops is holding a holiday concert at the Erie Myer Civic Center on Tuesday, December 10, at 7 pm. You may even see a special guest from the North Pole during performances. This concert is free, but a toy donation is encouraged as the Baldwin Pops are collecting unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots.
3. Explore Gulf State Park
You can enjoy outoor activities like biking, hiking, and kayaking all year round here on Alabama's Beaches. However, the cool weather that winter brings to the coast makes December the ideal time to experience the area's natural beauty, and with 6,150 acres, Gulf State Park is a great place to explore.
4. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Grab your lawn chairs and fuzzy blankets, and enjoy a movie at Meyer Park. You don't have to travel through the seven layers of the candy cane forest to catch this favorite holiday flick. On December 19, visitors and locals can enjoy watching Elf on the big screen under the stars in Meyer Park in Gulf Shores. This free event begins at 6 pm, and food trucks will be available on-site for dinner and drinks.
5. Shop 'Til You Drop
Get all of your Christmas shopping done while you're here on Alabama's beaches. You'll find something for everyone on your list. Choose to shop from prominent spots like The Wharf, Pelican Place, and Tanger Outlets or local treasures such as art galleries and specialty food stores. Need a few ideas on what to give? We've got you covered with our gift guide for beach lovers and souvenir list!
6. See Santa
Santa loves to visit the Coast before Christmas, and while you're here, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see him! Photos with Santa are available at The Wharf until Christmas Eve for those who want to snap a photo with the big man in red. You can also catch Santa on December 7 at the annual Flora-Bama Santa Drop, where Santa makes a special appearance by skydiving onto the beach and offering pictures with spectators after he lands.
7. Hit the Course
Keep up your golf game by hitting the links this winter. With 15 amazing golf courses open year-round, the Alabama Gulf Coast is the premiere spot to get in a couple of rounds! The cool, comfortable temperatures combined with fewer crowds make a day of golf ideal to round out your beach trip.
8. solve a murder
Experience a little holiday magic and humor this season by attending HO HO Homicide in Downtown OWA on December 5-6. Santa, Ms. Clause, Jack Frost, and the Snow Queen are all competing for the Winter Throne, but there's been a murder! This family-friendly murder mystery dinner will have the audience work together to solve it.
9. Marvel at Christmas Lights
Checking out the beautiful Christmas lights is one of the best parts of the holiday season. You'll find light displays throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The lighted Christmas Boat Parade on December 14 is a bright and festive spectacle that features boats covered in lights. You can also catch Christmas lights at OWA and The Wharf. They both feature impressive Christmas trees decorated with glistening lights. Finally, take a stroll through Christmas Card Lane outside Gulf State Park's Visitor Center at Lake Shelby and enjoy the holiday greetings on display.
10. run for a cause
End the year by getting some exercise in at Flora-Bama's Make it to the Line Run. This race includes a 4-mile run/walk and a 1-mile fun run. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Secret Santa program, an organization that helps local families in need with holiday gifts, food, and clothes. All participants will enjoy complimentary food and beverages after the race.
