Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf is rolling out a full lineup of holiday events that blend classic traditions with new surprises. Organizers say families can expect movies, music, shopping deals, and plenty of free activities. Visitors will see festive lights and themed photo spots across Main Street and Portside. The schedule includes highlights for movie lovers, shoppers, skaters, and kids eager to meet Santa.

Key dates span late November through January, giving locals and visitors many options. The City of Orange Beach Christmas Tree Lighting is set for December 2 at 5:30 pm. Pepsi Presents Jingle Bell Movie Bash takes place December 13 starting at 11 am. Last-Minute Christmas Shopping is scheduled on December 24 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Small Business Saturday is on November 29 from 10 am to 6 pm at various merchants on Main Street and Portside. Black Friday Shopping appears the day before on November 28, during the same hours. The ice skating rink presented by Pepsi runs November 14, 2025, through January 19, 2026, with times that vary by date. Photos with Santa run weekends from November 14 through December 24, with special hours close to Christmas.

Pepsi Presents Jingle Bell Movie Bash invites guests to wear comfortable holiday pajamas to Portside on Main. Starting at 11 am, the lineup features The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Grinch, and Elf. Free popcorn and Pepsi products will be available for attendees throughout the day. Admission and parking are both free for this event.

Beyond the films, the movie bash adds interactive touches to keep families busy between showings. A face painter will be on site to add festive flair. Snow machines are planned to create a winter wonderland at Portside. A Wharf Prize Wheel will offer seasonal giveaways.

The event also includes holiday-themed photo opportunities to capture the day. Organizers say comfy Christmas jammies are encouraged for extra cheer. Activities are designed to be family-friendly and free. The aim is to provide a relaxed community gathering.

On December 2, the City of Orange Beach will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Main Street. The celebration begins at 5:30 pm with live holiday performances. Santa is scheduled to arrive for photos at The Wharf Store and will stay until 9:30 pm. The SPECTRA Laser Light Experience returns to add color to the evening.

This year’s tree lighting also features a first for The Wharf, a drone show following the lighting. Organizers expect the aerial display to cap the night. Hot chocolate will be available to warm up the crowd. Admission and parking are both free for the tree lighting event.

Shoppers will find two days of deals leading into the season. Black Friday Shopping is on November 28 from 10 am to 6 pm. The Wharf says boutiques and dining spots will feature exclusive offers. The next day, Small Business Saturday, is set for November 29 with the same hours.

Small Business Saturday highlights local shops and gifts with a hometown feel. Organizers encourage shoppers to consider gift cards for a simple and timely present. Merchants across Main Street and Portside will participate. The push is to keep holiday spending local.

For last-minute gift seekers, The Wharf plans a Christmas Eve shopping window. On December 24, select merchants on Main Street and Portside will open from 10 am to 2 pm. The goal is to help people secure final surprises before celebrations begin. Organizers describe it as a stress-reducing option.

Skating returns as a seasonal favorite at The Wharf’s real ice rink presented by Pepsi. The rink operates from November 14, 2025, through January 19, 2026, across from Portside at Main Street and Wharf Lane. Hours vary by day and date. Friday and Saturday nights include a live DJ from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Pricing for the rink is set at $15 for general admission, which includes skate rental. A combo pass for the ice rink and Ferris wheel is listed at $20. Frequent skaters can purchase ten admissions for $100. Socks are available for $3 per pair.

The rink accepts all major credit cards at the venue. Guests who bring a 20-ounce Pepsi product bottle receive $2 off admission. A completed waiver is required for all skaters before entering the ice. Organizers suggest signing the e-waiver ahead of time to save time in line.

Holiday closures and special hours are noted across the season. The rink is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, skating runs from noon to 4 pm. New Year’s Eve hours extend to midnight.

The rink schedule includes weekday afternoon and evening sessions and longer weekend hours. During Thanksgiving break, several days running from 10 am to 10 pm. Early January features a mix of evening weekday times and daytime weekend blocks. January 19 marks the final day, open from 10 am to 10 pm.

The ice rink has Pepsi as the presenting sponsor with support from local partners. Gold sponsors include the City of Orange Beach and Sawgrass. Bronze sponsors range from Baldwin EMC to Spectrum Resorts and others. Organizers thanked all supporters for making the rink possible.

Families can also visit Santa for photos through December 24 at The Wharf Store, Suite D118. Regular hours are Fridays 3 pm to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays noon to 6 pm. Special hours are scheduled December 22 and 23 from 10 am to 6 pm. Christmas Eve hours run from 10 am to 2 pm.

During Santa visits, children can share wish lists and hand-deliver letters. The setting is designed as a cozy village scene. Photo packages are available for purchase on-site. Organizers describe the experience as a chance for keepsake memories.

Across all events, admission and parking are free for most public gatherings at The Wharf. Some activities, like skating and photo packages, have listed costs. Venues include Main Street, Portside, and The Wharf Store. Organizers recommend checking schedules for exact times by date.

The Wharf’s holiday program aims to offer options for different interests and ages. From classic movies and snow machines to shopping deals and a drone show, the calendar is full. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and plan for crowds during peak hours. With many free features, the season is set to draw strong community turnout.