The Christmas Season Brings Santa, Skating and Shows to the Alabama Gulf Coast
OBA Staff • December 2, 2025
From Boat Parades to Ice Rinks, Local Cities Gear Up for Christmas
UPDATE December 18, 2025: Past events have been removed from the list below.
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Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Families across the Alabama Gulf Coast will have plenty of ways to celebrate the season this year, with Christmas events planned in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Gulf State Park and Foley. From photos with Santa, tree lightings and drone shows to boat parades and ice rinks, local cities and area venues are rolling out a full calendar of activities. Many events are free or low-cost, with options ranging from traditional holiday gatherings to nature programs and beachside celebrations. There is something for residents and visitors of all ages.
In Orange Beach, The Wharf is hosting photos with Santa at The Wharf Store and the Ice Skating Rink presented by Pepsi, while the City of Orange Beach prepares its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and a new holiday drone show. Gulf Shores is highlighting its Community Christmas at Sims Park, the Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert, and several events at Erie Meyer Civic Center and Embassy Suites. Gulf State Park will feature family programs such as Breakfast with the Grinch, Christmas Card Lane and wildlife-themed events at the Nature Center, and Foley is planning Christmas in the Park and marketplace activities in Heritage Park.
Orange Beach
- Photos with Santa at The Wharf: Running weekends from now until December 24, families can meet Santa for photos at The Wharf Store (Suite D118). This event ties into the broader holiday vibe at The Wharf. More details.
- 3rd Annual Merry Memories Tinsel Trail - The Garner C. Tampary Memorial Foundation, in cooperation with the City of Orange Beach, will host the 3rd Annual Merry Memories Tinsel Trail this Christmas holiday season at Orange Beach Waterfront Park. Grand opening of the trail will be Saturday, November 29th and trees will be on display until December 27th. The Tinsel Trail is a holiday display of live Christmas trees. Trees are provided and can be reserved for $350 with all proceeds benefiting the Christian Service Center, helping local families in need. Tree selection day will be Saturday, November 22nd. Reserve a tree and find additional details by clicking here.
- Ice Skating Rink presented by Pepsi at The Wharf: Open from now until January 19, this outdoor rink offers skating sessions amid holiday lights and decorations, perfect for all ages. Admission varies; skate rentals are available. Event info.
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Christmas Movie Night: A free Christmas Movie Night will be held on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at 5 p.m. Friday, December 19th at Al's Parkour Park in Orange Beach. The holiday movie will be “The Polar Express," and it will start at 5:30 p.m. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided. Parking will be available at the Sportsplex Trailhead, 4385 William Silvers Parkway. For questions, call Orange Beach Coastal Resources at 251-981-1063.
- CoastAL Orange Beach Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: December 24 at 4:30 p.m. Located at 25722 Perdido Beach Blvd., this annual event offers a beautiful evening of worship, joy, and reflection on the birth of the Savior. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in a serene beachfront setting. Click here for more information.
Gulf Shores
- The Hangout in Gulf Shores Holiday Breakfasts will take place on December 20th. The “mean one” (Mr. Grinch) himself helps set the tone for a morning of fun. Families can dig into an all-you-can-eat feast featuring biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and breakfast potatoes, with the option to add French toast, pancakes or fresh fruit plates for an extra treat. The restaurant will be transformed into a festive wonderland complete with themed costumes, playful decorations and plenty of surprises around every corner. Pricing is $19.99 for adults, $9.99 for children ages 6–10, and children 5 and under eat free (limit two per check), making it an easy and entertaining way to kick off a day of holiday fun in Gulf Shores. Click here for more information.
- Sunliner Diner in Gulf Shores Breakfast with Santa is bringing a nostalgic dose of Christmas magic to the beach on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can step into a retro “winter wonderland” complete with snow machines, Santa’s sleigh photo ops, and a holiday workshop where kids can make festive crafts, plus time to snap photos with Ole Saint Nick and enjoy milk and cookies. A special event menu will be available, and tickets are $20 for children 12 and under and $25 for adults (not including drinks or gratuity), with day-of pricing set at $25 for kids and $30 for adults. Seating is limited to 35 families per time slot, so reservations are encouraged by sharing your party size in advance. Click here for more information.
- Skate the Shore! at Embassy Suites: From November 15 to January 15, this ice skating option provides another festive skating experience near the beach. Facebook Event.
Gulf State Park
- Christmas Card Lane at Gulf State Park: Taking place from December 1st through the 31st from 6 to 9pm around Lake Shelby Picnic Area, drive through decorated displays as part of Coastal Nights of Lights. Free. Event Info.
- Reading with Raptors: The Christmas Owl at Gulf State Park Nature Center: December 22 at 10 a.m., a family program with hot chocolate, wildlife education, and naturalist talks. Register here.
- 12 Days of Snakes at Gulf State Park Nature Center: On December 24 at 10 a.m., learn about 12 native snake species in a holiday-themed educational session. Free. Event Info.
Foley
- Annual Trim-a-Tree at Foley Art Center: From November 14 to December 23, visitors decorate mini trees for display and potential sale.
Event Details.
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