Deck the Palms: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Christmas Week Celebrations!
From Barbie bashes to boat parades—one magical holiday week along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As December scurries across the Alabama Gulf Coast, our shoreline communities are continuing to light up with festive flair, hometown charm, and a whole week of jolly celebrations, whether you’re donning your glitziest Barbie pink, humming along to Holiday Classics, shopping local coastal brands, or catching snow flurries in the park, this week delivers something merry for every kind of beachgoer. From charity parties and timeless concerts to cozy library crafts, night markets, boat parades, and all-out Christmas chaos, consider this your playbook for a week packed with joy, giving, and Gulf Coast magic.
Monday, December 8th-
“Come on, Barbie, let’s go party!” It’s that time again for Rhonda Hart’s Annual Barbies for Charity event at Flora-Bama from 5 to 8 PM. We can’t think of a better way to shake off a case of the Mondays than by joining the Bamily and bringing a Barbie or a kids' toy (for either a boy or a girl) to this vibrant, charitable event. Love a good theme? Nobody's judging if you come dolled up for a night full of fun in your favorite Barbie or Ken attire, unless of course you're being judged— to win prizes. Participants can stop by to drop off a toy or stay for a while. Each individual who donates a gift will receive a free drink card and a delicious plate of food. We encourage you to stick around to get to the heart of the event, where Rhonda game hosts and entertains from the stage while sharing insights about the various charities being supported, such as Toys for Tots and Gulf Coast Kids’ House and how this shindig came to be as a way to celebrate her birthday and give back. This is one fantastic night of fun where laughter and games combine with the spirit of giving for an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss! So come on—you know you want to go for a ride–jump in, “Barbie, let’s go party Ooh woah, ohh woah!” Costume prizes will be given out in both the Ken and Barbie categories; the more extreme, the better your chances – good luck!
Flora-Bama Lounge
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Perdido Key, FL 36507
Rhonda Hart’s Barbies for Charity Event
Tuesday, December 9th-
What’s a small-town holiday season if not filled with as many traditions as well as brand-new jolly adventures for all the girls and boys? Gulf Shores and the US Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program are proud to bring back The Baldwin Pops for their annual Holiday Concert at Erie Meyer Civic Centre at 7PM. This serves as a collection site for TFT drop-offs, as well as an entertainment hub where old friends reunite and new ones find joy in the sharing of giving and celebrating in melodic wonder. A quick recap of who they are and what they play–The Baldwin Pops are volunteer musicians with a mission. They believe in sharing music with the citizens of Baldwin County in a concert band format, all for FREE. Arriving early is recommended, as this is a first-come, first-served event; the doors will close when the venue is full. Be sure, as always, to bring an unwrapped gift, a smile, and, of course, a grateful spirit. Prepare for a traditionally festive mix blending carols, modern holiday hits, and classic Christmas tunes, from Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” to theme suites like “The Polar Express.” It's the most wonderful time of the year-be there or be square.
Erie Meyer Civic Center
1930 W 2nd St.
Gulf Shores, AL 367542
Wednesday, December 10th- Why not make Wednesday a day to shop in person or online for gifts while also supporting local businesses that truly represent our coastal communities? The focus on this spree would not be on high-end fashion items, but instead on unique, higher-quality local merchandise from distinctive island brands. These are the kinds of brands that attract customers from far and wide, allowing them to purchase items for themselves to strut back home, helping them maintain that local island aesthetic throughout the year while sporting some of the most coveted brands to date. For those who may have missed last weekend's promotions, a wide selection of holiday items is still available for purchase, including some at a steal of a deal. Our top recommendations for retail selections in this category are The Wharf Store, The Orange Beach Store, and The CoastAL Store. Each of these locations features its own unique logos, styles, and designs, all while reflecting that beach-inspired panache. Look hot all year long, even in comfy pullovers and hoodies on cool breezy days. Shop local, shop now and save the rest of the month for good times with family and friends.
Thursday, December 11th- Explore the excellent options available this Thursday at your local Gulf Coast libraries. Orange Beach will be hosting an evening class for “Crafty Adults” from 5:30 PM to 7 PM for "Book Bedazzling" Add a little sparkle and cheer to your favorite holiday book to give or keep this holiday season.
OB Library Book- Bezazzling
Stop by for Storytime at Gulf Shores (Thomas B. Norton Public Library) this week from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Santa Claus himself! Families will have the opportunity to meet Santa, share their holiday wishes, and take memorable photos. Enjoy a festive story and celebrate the holiday spirit. GS Library Santa Storytime
Foley is offering a registration-only adult class at 10 AM. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious cookies and coffee while building and designing a mini gingerbread house. Additionally, for babies and big kids, a Story Time & Music session will take place from 10 to 11 AM. Foley Library Gingerbread/Storytime/Music
Save time in the evening hours, between 5 PM and 8 PM, for a special Christmas Night Market at Coastal Alabama’s Farmers and Fishermen's Market (the only after-sunset under-the-stars event of the year). This popular holiday mid-week date returns with all your favorites and many new surprises. You'll find delicious treats from local bakers, as well as artisan gifts perfect for the season and more locally crafted items. Enjoy warm snacks and a cuppa or cocoa from local food trucks to keep cozy while you shop. Keep an eye out for a special Santa sighting! Kids can even write their Christmas wish on an ornament to hang on the massive market wishing tree before they leave. The Foley High School Choir will be there, serenading shoppers as light artificial snowflakes fall around them. Be sure to visit this holiday market event, which promises fun for the whole family and the chance to check off some items on your Christmas gift list. Parents need not worry—Christmas Night Market will offer exciting activities for kids throughout the evening. Come out and enjoy the dashing festivities!
Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market
781 Farmer Market Ln
Foley, AL 36535
Friday, December 12th-
You’ve undoubtedly heard of the ugly Christmas Sweater Parties, where someone always comes up with something worthy of year-round chatter, be it evening attire or actions that garner them bragging rights or subject them to teasing worthy of their ugly Christmas crime. Tacky Jack’s presents you guessed it– A Tacky Sweater Party! This isn't a party for the humorless; this is next-level wacky, tacky, they're calling for designs that look like a deranged elf-type absurdity put together. So, dust off your ugly old sweater and start putting together a maddening collection of bells, lights and whistles that’ll toot anybody's polar express, and get tacky this December in Orange Beach from 5-9PM. Gringo Fife will be performing live music all night, and best of all, at 8PM, they’ll be hosting a Sweater Contest for the tackiest of the lot for three prizes: 1st place trophy and $100 cash, 2nd place Medal and $50 Tacky Tokens, and 3rd place Medal and $25 Tacky Tokens. Come out to celebrate the season and belly laugh until it hurts, dance, drink, eat and mingle too! Happy Sweater weather to ya.
In other local Christmas news Foley will be continuing their kick off to the season with some rescheduled events like Christmas in the Park at 6 PM, where families can enjoy Christmas carols, the lighting of the tree, hot cocoa, snacks and awards for the Christmas Tree Boardwalk decorating contest. Foley Christmas in the Park- Rescheduled
Tacky Jack's Grill and Tavern
27206 Safe Harbor Dr
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Saturday, December 13th-
This weekend promises an exciting array of Christmas coastal events, featuring both brand-new attractions and rescheduled favorites from last weekend's rainy days. Get ready for a festive experience filled with joy! First up, Foley is the place for families seeking outdoor adventure mixed with Christmas cheer. The Foley Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 AM and runs until noon, while the “Let it Snow” event begins at 9 AM and lasts until 2 PM. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club since 1963, the parade winds through downtown Foley, bringing the community together to enjoy floats from local businesses and marching bands, all celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Meanwhile, in Heritage Park, visitors can experience falling snow flurries, explore an open Marketplace for shopping, engage in kids' activities, and enjoy live entertainment, all of which conclude around 2 PM. In Gulf Shores, things will be heating up as Santa’s brother, Billy Claus, arrives from the Caribbean to spread joy and collect letters to Santa. Joined by the LuLuBelles, attendees can partake in crafts and merriment while being entertained by Billy, enjoying music, playing games for prizes, and taking photos with the Caribbean crew table service will be from 12-2PM, with Billy arriving at 1:30PM. Be sure to stick around until sundown for Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade, which runs from 5 PM to 8 PM from the Wharf to Lulu’s Marina! Orange Beach is presenting a unique outdoor movie event called the "Jingle Bell Movie Bash,” hosted by Pepsi. This all-day holiday event is perfect for the whole family, allowing everyone to stay cozy in their Christmas jammies. At Portside on Main, movies kick off at 11 AM with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," followed by "The Grinch," and wrapping up with "Elf." Enjoy free popcorn and Pepsi products, face painting, snow machines, a Wharf prize wheel, and plenty of holiday-themed photo opportunities. With so many exciting coastal Christmas gatherings, this weekend is sure to be a delightful celebration filled with joy and fun for everyone! Happy Christmas Coasting.
Related Christmas Event article
Sunday, December 14th-
Sundays at Big Beach are all the rage this season with the "Bend and Brews" event in partnership with Glow Yoga Studio. Enjoy a complimentary yoga session for members and a $10 option for community participants from 10 AM to 11 AM. After yoga, relax to live music by Miss Riley Lynn from 2 PM to 6 PM, featuring a mix of '90s hits, a touch of Metallica, and even some Dolly Parton. Join the town for a perfect blend of wellness and entertainment in an ideal coastal open-air setting, and plan to stay awhile - the tap is on and popping, and the stage is rocking!
Big Beach Brewing Company
300 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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