Things to Do in December
Gulf Shores and 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 in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!
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 Activities at The Wharf
The Wharf in Orange Beach is the hotspot for the holiday season. Here you'll find ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and lots of shopping. You can also enjoy the Ferris wheel that runs year-round and the nightly Spectra light show.
2. Visit Whoville
Don't be a Grinch this holiday season. Step into Whoville at the Learning Campus in Gulf State Park. A Very Merry Coastal Grinchmas takes place each Sunday before Christmas Eve from 5:30-7:30 and offers visitors a chance to get in the holiday spirit with fun crafts, activities, refreshments, and even a chance to meet the grumpy Grinch himself.
More details coming soon.
3. Explore Gulf State Park
You can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and kayaking all year round here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 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. A few weeks before Christmas, visitors and locals can enjoy watching a classic holiday film on the big screen under the stars at Meyer Park in Gulf Shores. This free event begins at 6 pm, and food trucks will be available on-site for dinner and drinks.
More details coming soon.
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 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!
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 September 9, 2023 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.
More details coming soon.
7. Hit the Courses
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 to round out your beach trip.
8. Catch a Magic Show
Experience a little holiday magic this season by catching Brandon Style's Magic Show in Downtown OWA. This exciting show combines magic and comedy to create the perfect amusement for the whole family. You can see Brandon's magical act on December 27, 2023, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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 9, 2023 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.
More details coming soon.
10. Enjoy Holiday Treats
You can't let December pass by without indulging in a few Christmas cookies. Stop by Coastal Cakes and Confections at Pelican Place in Gulf Shores and pick up a box of these holiday treats and check out all the delicious sweets from this local bakery. They're almost too cute to eat!
Celebrate the holidays on Alabama’s beaches and start planning your trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach today!
