9 Things to Do in December

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Winter on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an excellent time to visit. The comfortable temperature mixed with fewer crowds makes it the ultimate vacation destination.

October 26, 2022

Winter is an excellent time to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast. Comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors make it the ultimate vacation destination. On top of that, the month of 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 here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

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 December 4, 11, and 18 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 Grinch.

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 natural beauty of the area, 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 Thursday, December 15, visitors and locals can enjoy watching Elf 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.

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 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 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 catch Brandon's magical act on December 21, 23, 28, and 30 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 10 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 at Lake Shelby and enjoy the holiday greetings on display.