Celebrate Thanksgiving Week the Gulf Coast Way
Local markets, Santa visits, and seaside dining await.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As Thanksgiving week arrives, there’s plenty to be grateful for on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where days ahead are filled with holiday excitement and coastal charm. There are numerous ways to celebrate, explore, and spend quality time with family and friends. From ice skating and visiting festive markets to savoring holiday meals, shopping for local treasures, and enjoying magical Christmas experiences, each day offers its own set of memorable moments. Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, finish last-minute shopping, support community events, or soak in the spirit of the season, this week’s lineup is packed with activities to brighten your holidays in this unique Gulf Coast setting. Let’s dive into what’s happening each day in this beautiful corner of paradise.
Monday, November 24th- With the Thanksgiving break underway, parents looking for engaging activities for their children on a low-key Monday might consider visiting the Wharf in Orange Beach. The venue offers a wide variety of recreational options, including a vibrant ice skating rink, numerous retail shops, and diverse dining choices to satisfy different culinary preferences. Additionally, guests can enjoy interactive entertainment with advanced indoor sports simulators, set sail with boat tours at the marina to explore the local waterways, or catch a film at the AMC movie theater. Planning a fun-filled day at the Wharf is easy. You might start with ice skating and then head to lunch. Fill the midday hours with other activities, and be sure to stay for the lights-out SPECTRA Laser light show starting at dusk along Main Street. A highlight of the Wharf, and a perfect way to conclude the day, is a ride on the iconic Ferris Wheel, which offers both breathtaking views by day and night for an exhilarating experience.
The Wharf
23101 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, November 25th- It's a special time of year all across the globe, no matter if it’s the way one celebrates or doesn't celebrate different holidays or how it’s a time of gathering and table meals, cozy nights by the fire, the sharing of recipes and treats, gifts and hosting, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. So, it’s no wonder the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market has chosen this perfect time to open a “Special Pre-Thanksgiving Market” on Tuesday from 9AM to 1PM. The vendors have prepared last-minute Thanksgiving goodies to share and serve during the Holiday gatherings. Suppose you're unfamiliar with this locally sourced market. In that case, the vendors sell fresh produce, Gulf Seafood, other homemade artisanal goods, crafts, and honey, as well as meats, cheeses, and jams in unique flavors. Some but not all Saturday Market craft and gift vendors will be open for this special event. Shop local and support your neighbors by checking out any of those last-minute items before the common Holiday store closures in the following days.
Coastal Alabama Farmers & Fishermens Market
781 Farmer Market Ln
Foley, AL 36535
Harvest Festival (Saturday before Thanksgiving)
Wednesday, November 26th- Rouses is the ideal place to find everything you need for your big spread day, featuring a special: “Buy a Ham, Get a Free Turkey” available in-store only. After you purchase your ham, bring your turkey and an unwrapped toy to Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach anytime between 10 AM and 4 PM to donate to Toys for Tots. In return, they will fry your turkey for free! This is a wonderful way to give back during the holidays and make a child’s Christmas wishes come true while letting the professionals handle the main course of your holiday meal. With less stress, you can focus on spending quality time with family and friends and get the rest of your preparations done early. Let Tacky Jacks take care of frying your Thanksgiving turkey, all for a good cause. Just remember, all turkeys must be fully thawed and weigh under 13 pounds. Happy carving!
Rouses Market
25405 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Thursday, November 27th- Gone are the days when the only places open for Thanksgiving meals were like the old Christmas movies with soup kitchens and Asian restaurants. The Alabama Gulf Coast offers a delightful mix of southern charm and family traditions with its coastal cuisine. So, if you’re looking for a place to celebrate the holidays or need a backup plan for any kitchen mishaps, these restaurants have you covered. Luna’s Eat and Drink features two wonderful options this year: plan-ahead To-Go orders and a buffet available on Thanksgiving Day. GT’s will also host a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 AM to 4 PM. Zeke’s is now taking reservations, though they are not required, for their Thanksgiving celebration, also running from 10 AM to 4 PM. Additionally, several other options from Orange Beach’s finest establishments are available, including the famous Annual Thanksgiving Potluck at Flora-Bama along the Alabama-Florida line. Some highlights further west include the Hangout and Coast Restaurant at the Beach Club on Fort Morgan, as well as Foley’s Wolf Bay Lodge, which offers both To-Go options and a Thanksgiving Day buffet. For more information about these and other Thanksgiving meal offerings, check out our related article below.
Friday, November 28th- It is BLACK FRIDAY, and there are plenty of specials to grab before Christmas. This is a great time to buy someone a gift certificate to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Stores, to get great deals on a present or maybe to take a picture with Santa to get in the seasonal mood.
SEE MORE: Black Friday Specials
Saturday, November 29th- There’s a hollydaypoluza taking place in Orange Beach on Saturday at the Community Center. This dynamic holiday market will feature local artisans showcasing their creations through various tented vendor stalls. Attendees can enjoy a selection of food trucks offering diverse culinary options to keep them fueled while they shop. To enhance the experience for families, bounce houses will be on-site, providing entertainment for kids to burn off energy while enjoying Christmas music. This event aims to create a comprehensive holiday shopping experience, promoting community engagement and supporting local crafters and talents. The Orange Beach Holiday Market opens to the public at 9 AM and closes down tinsel town at 5 PM. There’s magic in the air, and rumor has it that Santa will make a surprise appearance around 11 AM. Be sure to arrive early to get in line and meet jolly old Saint Nick himself for a chance to share your Christmas hopes and dreams. Come out and enjoy the sparkling splendor of the season, and don’t forget to look up for the mistletoe!
Orange Beach Holiday Market
27235 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Coastal Christmas Market Returns to Orange Beach for Holiday Shopping Season
Sunday, November 30th- Say peace out to the last day of November and welcome in the Christmas season the right way. For a delightful 35-minute drive from Orange Beach, visitors can experience the Arctic Express at Wales West Light Railway. Here, guests can hop aboard an authentic steam train and journey into a magical winter wonderland filled with snowflakes, Santa stops, cookies, candy canes, and so much more. Once everyone is settled, the train takes passengers on a ride showcasing spectacular lights and holiday decor that will make even Clark Griswold’s displays look dim. Be prepared to be dazzled with each turn and curve, as every corner features another enchanting Christmas display, with no tree branch left untouched by twinkling lights. Meanwhile, the crew plays Christmas music for everyone to enjoy. The locomotive will make a special stop at the North Pole for a visit with Santa, where boys and girls can safely leave their holiday wish lists with the elves. Each child will also receive a special wooden toy made by the elves before continuing the journey. Complimentary refreshments will be provided, along with a stop at a playground where visitors can explore the gift shop, rent a snowball cannon, or purchase various food items from the café and concessions stand. Additional off-the-rails excitement includes pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a hay-less hayride, and unlimited rides on the mini train. Tell your friends and bring the whole family for a ride on the Arctic Express, where snowflakes flurry all month long even in the coastal South!
Wales West Light Railway
13670 Smiley St
Silverhill, AL 36576
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