How to Spend 12 Days of Christmas

Browse incredible artwork crafted by local artists at the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Gallery’s Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3. Pick up a piece for yourself or as a gift!

View stunning Christmas lights reflecting off the water during the Annual Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 10. At dusk, this dazzling parade travels from LuLu’s down the Intracoastal Waterway Canal. You can see the parade at public spots like The Wharf and Orange Beach Waterfront Park, and restaurants such as GTs on the Bay, OSO, Playa, Tiki Bar, and Cobalt.

 Plan a visit to the town of Whoville at the Learning Campus in Gulf State Park to celebrate Grinchmas. On December 4, 11, and 18, you’ll enjoy holiday crafts, Who activities, refreshments, and photos with Santa Grinch.

Don’t let the season pass by without having your photo taken with the big man in red. You can snap a picture with Santa this winter at Downtown OWA and The Wharf. Be sure to wear your best Christmas sweater!

Head to The Wharf for Holly Days on Main, December 10-11. Shop ‘til you drop, listen to live local music, participate in the Santa Pub Crawl, and don’t forget to check out all the dazzling lights lining Main Street! 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa Clause parachuting from the sky! Visit Flora-Bama on December 10 and catch the Jolly Old Elf himself dropping from above during The Santa Drop. 

Create your holiday gifts and show off your artistic skills this year at The Hot Shop, where you’ll learn the art of glass blowing. Or try your hand at pottery at The Clay Studio.

Stroll through the renowned garden estate at Bellingrath's Magic Christmas in Lights. Lit by more than three million lights, the gardens include more than 1,100 lighted pieces in 16 scenes throughout the gardens. This year, the event will be open for tours from November 25 through January 4.

Try something new and exciting for this year’s Christmas cards and have your family photos taken at Cool Shots Selfie Museum at The Wharf. With so many engaging and immersive backgrounds, you’ll have the coolest holiday card ever!

Attend Gulf State Park’s first-ever Christmas Card Lane at the beautiful Lake Shelby. This holiday event lasts all of December and features lighted holiday greetings from area residents and businesses. Proceeds from the event will fund an autism nature trail within the park.

Get in the holiday spirit by hitting the rink – the ice skating rink! The Wharf has an ice skating rink throughout the entire month of December and skates are included when you buy a ticket.

Eat, drink, and be merry on the line this year at Flora-Bama’s Annual Christmas Potluck. Flora-Bama will provide the turkey and ham and encourages patrons to bring their favorite covered side dish to share.