Towering Christmas tree palms decked out in twinkling lights, festive costume contests, and Santa Claus trading in his heavy velvet suit for a breezy floral shirt… Welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast version of a “white” Christmas, where silky white sand just might be confused for snow.
The Alabama Gulf Coast is a popular destination for families, couples, and friends all year round, but the sunny shores bring a little extra magic come Christmas time.
With most visitors looking to escape the seasonal frigid chill, our beachfront vacation rentals with panoramic ocean views become extra enticing this time of year. Here, you can spend the holiday season connecting with family and creating lasting memories you’ll cherish for decades.
If you’re sticking around after the holidays, New Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores is the perfect way to ring in 2025 with spectacular beach parties and festive events to celebrate the end of the year.
This guide will help you fill your Christmas vacation with seasonal events and activities that guarantee these Gulf Coast beach towns feel like Christmas, even at 60 degrees.
2025 Christmas Events
Here’s a small collection of local events in and around the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Many are free to attend, but you should check the events calendar in advance to confirm.
White Tie Rock Ensemble (various dates, December 2025)
Ring in the holiday season with your favorite hits from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. These Christmas concerts take place at various venues along the Gulf Coast in December.
Check the band’s website for exact dates here.
Solve a Ho Ho Homicide at a Murder Mystery Dinner Show (December 5, 2025)
Set at the Brandon Styles Live Theatre, this themed murder mystery plated dinner is sure to intrigue and entertain.
Although not family-friendly, this is a unique way for adults to get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy a spectacular meal with an up-close interactive show.
Santa Drop at Flora-Bama Bar (December 6, 2025)
It’s like the New Year’s Eve Ball drop with a little Christmas cheer and adrenaline sports thrown in. Every year at the Flora-Bama Bar, Santa does a sky-high jump over the stark white sand and kicks off a fun day of kids’ games, crafts, live music, and celebration.
This friendly bar is an absolute staple of the community and well worth a visit regardless of the season.
Christmas Night Market (Mid-week in Early December, 2025)
In Europe, Christmas Markets are a staple of the holiday season. This festive market is hosted at the Coastal Alabama Market and offers a similar ambiance for those looking to embrace the Christmas spirit.
Here, you can purchase all your locally crafted gifts and try some tasty homemade Christmas treats.
Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade (December 13, 2025)
Rather than hitting the streets searching for the best Christmas lights, gather your loved ones and let the lights come to you.
Station yourself by the Intracoastal Waterway on Canal Street to see a boat parade and the city’s best light displays float by.
Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck (December 25, 2025)
This beach bar isn’t just dropping Santa. It’s also cooking up one of the best Christmas Day dinners in town. But this isn’t your average sit-down dinner.
This is a full potluck with the community. Flora-Bama provides the ham and turkey, but each family is encouraged to bring a side dish to share with their fellow diners.
Flora-Bama Make It To The Line Run (December 27, 2025)
Is your family the kind that loves a 5k after Thanksgiving? Why not burn off your Christmas feast with the 4-mile Flora-Bama Make It To The Line Run after Christmas?
Participants receive free food and drinks to recuperate after the event. Even better, some of the proceeds from the run go to benefit the local Secret Santa program that gives to families in need. So you can feel doubly good about your morning run.
Other Christmas Time Things to Do on the Gulf Coast
While there are plenty of single-day events, the month of December hosts a variety of activities for those not keen to book ahead or plan on specific dates. Here are some of our favorite things to do for the whole family.
Catch a Show at South Baldwin Community Theatre
If you want to hear some classic Christmas tunes performed by some of the local community’s most talented musicians, check out what’s on at the South Baldwin Community Theatre.
Events vary every year, but there’s always a chance for a sing-along.
Get Photos With Santa at the Wharf
Everyone gets a photo of Santa Claus in a red suit, but only the chosen few who vacation to the Gulf Coast get to nab family pictures with the big man in a Hawaiian shirt instead of a red suit.
Enjoy the unique vacation Santa this season down at The Wharf.
While You’re There…Grab the Perfect Gift
Known as Holly Days on Main, the local boutiques and gift shops of Gulf Shores and the surrounding Alabama coastline are bursting with goods this time of year. If you’re running a little late on your holiday shopping, search the stores here for your perfect coastal Christmas gifts.
While the Wharf offers excellent shopping throughout the season, early December offers live music and vendors selling handcrafted wares that make lovely unique gifts.
Still need help finding the perfect gift for your special someone? Make it yourself. The Clay Studio and The Hot Shop allow you to try your hand at pottery and glass blowing. Your friends and family will appreciate their gift even more when it’s homemade.
Carve it Up at the Ice Skating Rink
Ice skating is synonymous with holiday magic. You don’t have to be a professional on the ice to have some fun. This family-friendly activity is a great way to bond with the children.
The Wharf installs the rink every winter so that visitors can enjoy beachfront skating for around $15 a person. Buy a package ticket, and you can even throw in a ride on the sky-high Ferris Wheel.
Stroll Through Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights
From late November through early January, the stunning Bellingrath Gardens will be luminescent with millions of lights. You can walk through the 16 Christmas scenes and get in the holiday spirit.
Outside of the Christmas Season, you can also explore the gardens for a more traditional floral display that’s equally impressive.
Visit the Gulf State Park and Snaps Some Photos of Christmas Card Lane
From December 1st, you can head to the Lake Shelby Picnic Area to see some of the best-lighted displays on the Gulf Coast.
Pack up the car, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, and make an evening of it. Your stunning photos of Christmas Card Lane might make your Christmas card next year.
Packing for Christmas at Alabama’s Beaches
December is a chilly time of year for Alabama’s beaches, but not for the average US town in winter. One of the main reasons people love to visit the Gulf in the wintertime is the comfortable temperatures and the lack of crowds. In fact, it’s an ideal time to visit.
Daytime temperatures range between 55°F and 60°F, with nighttime lows around 45°F. This means you’ll want to pack at least a few Christmas sweaters in lieu of bathing suits.
Here are a few additional items to add to your regular Gulf Shores packing list that you should remember to throw in the suitcase for a holiday getaway.
- SPF 50 reef-safe sunscreen
- Beach towel
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
- Christmas sweaters
- High-quality beach bag or daypack
Book Your Alabama Gulf Coast Christmas With Us Today
For those looking to forgo the snow this holiday season, start planning a beach vacation in Alabama instead. Our luxurious beach houses allow you to revel in the natural beauty of the Gulf while remaining in an easy reach of all the amenities and attractions.
Whether you choose to spend Christmas in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or another of Alabama’s beach towns, you can be sure that there is no shortage of holiday events to fill your time with.
Soak in the holiday spirit of a coastal Christmas this year and make this a holiday tradition to remember.