Ring in the New Year on the Gulf Coast
From vision boards to polar plunges, celebrate the final days of the year and welcome 2026 with unforgettable local experiences.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As the calendar turns and a brand-new year approaches, the Gulf Coast comes alive with opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and start fresh. From goal-setting workshops and scenic winter cruises to family-friendly festivities, lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, and bold New Year’s Day traditions, this week offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning your dreams for 2026, dancing into midnight, plunging into icy waters for good luck, or easing into the new year with learning, food, and outdoor fun, these events are the perfect way to close out the year.
Monday, December 29th- Join fellow goal setters at the Orange Beach Community Center for an interactive session titled “Vision Board Making Class.” This workshop is designed to help participants strategically outline their plans for the new year. Registration is required for this event, which will focus on key methodologies such as visual planning, manifestation techniques, and the cultivation of accountability through peer engagement. The class will take place from 5:30 PM to 7 PM. The participation fee is $20 for non-residents and $10 for OB residents. Attendees are encouraged to arrive with preliminary ideas, as the class fee includes all necessary materials for creating a comprehensive vision board. This session will guide participants in crafting a detailed visual representation of their objectives, facilitating a clearer roadmap toward achievable milestones and enhancing overall productivity. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with a tangible timeline setting the stage for a transformative year ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to strategically plan for an impactful 2026!
Orange Beach Community Center
27235 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, December 30th- Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with a unique cruise experience aboard Southern Rose Boat Tours. The Rose offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing you to choose whether you prefer to relax in the cosy interior or enjoy the fresh air on the open deck. During the cruise, you can enjoy various amenities, including retail items and concessions that offer a selection of snacks and beverages. This is an excellent opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing year while basking in the natural beauty of our surroundings. You may even get a chance to see local marine life, such as dolphins, which will add an exhilarating touch to your experience. Sail away at noon or 3PM!
The Southern Rose
27212 Marina Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Wednesday, December 31st- Today marks the beginning of celebratory festivities that kick off in the morning with family-friendly fun and extend into the late evening for those who wish to ring in the New Year at midnight. Starting the day, Gulf Shores presents Lulu’s Noon Year’s Eve from 10 AM to 2 PM. This event features a Beach Ball Drop at noon, along with live music, creative crafts, and various interactive experiences, including their on-site arcade and rope courses right over the sand. At the same time, The Wharf in Orange Beach will host the "Kids Confetti Drop," sponsored by Beachball Properties. Children will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as inflatables, face painting (starting at $10), camel rides ($10), balloon art, and more. At noon, a dramatic display of confetti cannons will shower attendees with a cascade of sparkling confetti. As evening approaches, Orange Beach will feature events at CoastAL, Flora-Bama, The Wharf, and more. CoastAL will offer dinner and continue with live music throughout the night. Flora-Bama promises delicious food, festive party favours, and a champagne toast at midnight, creating a lively atmosphere. The Wharf will kick off its evening festivities at 5 PM, culminating in a Midnight Marlin Drop on Main Street. In Gulf Shores, Tacky Jacks will host a New Year’s Eve Bushwacker Drop, offering a comprehensive hors d'oeuvres buffet, one complimentary bushwacker, and party favors, all for a ticket price of $50. For those looking for a late-night option in Gulf Shores, The Hangout will remain open until 1:30 AM. This event will feature a musical performance by Future Astronaut, showcasing Nashville talent Zewmob along with other special surprise guests. It will conclude with a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the New Year. There are plenty of options to choose from on the Gulf Coast this New Year’s, so be sure to enjoy and get out there and make the most of it!
Thursday, January 1st-
While the sand may still be warm under the sun, our waters and most by now are quite chilly this time of year. That’s why annual polar dips have become popular on coastlines around the world on New Year's Day—it's a fun way to shake off the past and start fresh on the first day of the year. Flora-Bama will be hosting its annual Polar Dip party, inviting everyone to take a plunge into the Gulf at noon alongside a few thousand fellow participants. Those who fully submerge will be rewarded with a meal featuring ham, black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread, plus free draft beer available after the icy dip. Just down the beach in Gulf Shores, another group of Gulf water plungers will gather where Highway 59 ends and the fun begins, right in front of The Hangout. Here, participants can enjoy live music and hot chocolate after their noon jump. Whether you choose to come as a spectator or join in the fun, it’s sure to be an exciting event. Plungers often arrive in costumes, wetsuits, and all kinds of silly attire, so feel free to dress up—wilder is better!
Friday, January 2nd- The Learning Campus is excited to host another engaging educational class, this time with an adult focus as part of the “Science of Nature” mini-series. This class brings together nature lovers, connecting them with each other and the beauty of Gulf State Park. What to expect from BEACH BIOLOGY: a guided beach tour with experts, where you will learn about the ecosystem while participating in a beachcombing exercise. You'll also have the opportunity to assist in wildlife monitoring, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity on our local beaches and dunes. All participants will meet at the Learning Campus and travel together to the beach in the campus tram for this experience. Who says learning and curiosity should stop when the last school bell rings? Life is an adventure waiting to be explored! Fellow nature lovers and park scientists are always looking for fresh perspectives, so get out there, try new skills, and enjoy hands-on fun while learning. This class is for participants aged 18 and up, with a cost of $35. Registration is open now.
The Learning Campus
20249 State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Beach Biology with The Gulf State Park
Saturday, January 3rd- Start the day off early at the beach with some warmer clothes and a shell basket or bag, explore the white sandy shores, and embrace the beauty even if it’s a bit chilly outside. Then pop over for lunch at one of the Gulf Coast’s most known family restaurant. The Shrimp Basket lives up to its name, offering all-you-can-eat baskets filled with delicious fried shrimp, fish, and oysters. This menu is guaranteed to make your mouth water! They are now featuring an exciting new deal: a three-course meal for just $12. This special includes one starter, one entrée, and a drink from a selected menu that showcases some of the best dishes the Shrimp Basket has to offer. Enjoy great food, a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service, and fantastic prices at the Shrimp Basket today!
The Shrimp Basket
26651 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Sunday, January 4th- Kiva Dunes is offering tee times starting as early as 7 AM this Sunday and continuing throughout the evening. Accommodations are available for groups of 1 to 4 golfers for a round of 18 holes. Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking to refine your skills, a visitor eager to explore new courses, or a novice seeking an engaging introduction to the sport, Kiva Dunes is the perfect choice. The course features advanced design and technology to enhance your gameplay experience, and on-site equipment is available for both rental and purchase. With a user-friendly online booking platform, you can easily secure your tee times and embark on a rewarding golfing experience. Gather a few friends and make the most of this opportunity!
Kiva Dunes
815 Plantation Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
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