Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Sportscation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    25 Rainy-Day Activities
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Fall in Orange Beach
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Voyagers Restaurant Orange Beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Family Vacations
    • Couples Getaway
    • Beach Safety
    • Weather
    • Getting Here
    • Welcome Centers
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    11 Things to Do with Teens
    The Track Bumper Boats Gulf Shores
    Thrilling Amusement Parks in Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    Meeting in Gulf Shores
    Five Tips to Becoming a Confident Speaker
    beach bag, gulf shores
    How to Pack for a Meeting at the Beach
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Your Next Workcation
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    Meetings and conventions on Alabama's beaches
    5 Unique Meeting Spaces at the Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    Non-Traditional Meeting Spaces on Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    Meeting at The Lodge
    Which Social Media Networks Help Meeting Planners the Most
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    Gulf State Park Orange Beach
    3 Meeting Tips To Make Your Next Gulf Coast Meeting a Success
    Hashtag Events Happening in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
    5 Ways Social Media Can Help Meeting Planners Communicate & Educate Attendees
    Meeting Ballroom on Alabama's Beaches
    How to Increase Attendance at Your Next Conference
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    Woman relaxing on the beach in Alabama
    Tips for Maintaining a Work-Life Balance as a Meeting Professional
    AmyPeralta
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Sales Manager Amy Peralta
    MaryStatkewicz
    “From the Desk of…”: Q&A with Meetings Sales Manager Mary Statkewicz
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book Lodging
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    Family Lodging Gulf Shores
    Budget-Friendly Planning Tips for Sports Parents
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    4 Spots to Fuel Up for the Game
    Teens playing on Alabama's beaches
    What to Pack for Your Sportcation?
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    Grab n go Gulf Shores AL
    On the Go Dining
    Orange Beach, Lunching For Less - Teaser
    Budget-Friendly Meals for the Whole Team in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Crab claws at Pink Pony in Gulf Shores, AL
    Places to Grab the Best Crab Claws on Alabama's Beaches
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    7 Quirky, Must-Visit Places in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    The Factory Trampoline Park
    5 Action-Packed Activities Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
    The Hangout Gulf Shores
    What to Do When Your Tournament is Rained Out
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    Baseball player
    Get to Know the Beach's Best Sports Facilities
    Man running a race
    Event Planner Resources for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    NCAA Softball Gulf Shores
    Start Planning Your Sportscation to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Blog
    All Blog
Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights

Things to Do in December

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

September 1, 2023

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!

Watch Now

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. 

 
Ice Skating at The Wharf
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.

The Grinch Orange Beach
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.

Biking in Gulf State Park
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.

Christmas Lights Gulf Shores
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.

Holly Days on Main
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!

Santa Clause on the Beach
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.

Kiva Dunes Golf Course
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.

Downtown OWA
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.

Lighted Boat Parade Gulf Shores
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.

Coastal Cakes & Confections Christmas Cookies
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!

Share This

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

You May Also Like

Cool Shots Selfie Museum Orange Beach

8 Things to Do in January in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Beach Family Sunset Gulf Shores

Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Cobalt Steak Dinner

6 Sizzling Steaks to Try at Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Bike Share Program Gulf State Park

10 Cheap & Free Things To Do

Gulf Shores Beach

10 Fun Facts About Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

Southern Grind Indigo Hotel

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us