The holiday spirit is alive and well here on the Gulf Coast! We’ve compiled a list of various events and activities that you and your loved ones can enjoy while you’re visiting coastal Alabama during the holidays. Scroll to find an activity for your area!
1. Holly Days on Main Festival, The Wharf in Orange Beach
A Christmas tradition in the heart of the Alabama Gulf Coast!
The 3rd annual Holly Days on Main Festival will be happening on December 10th-11th, 2022, at The Wharf in Gulf Shores, AL!
Join the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber for two days of vendors lining up and down Main Street at The Wharf, music and dance performances, a Santa Pub Crawl, and the perfect viewing spot for the Annual Lighted Boat Parade!
2. Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore
Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore, AL is celebrating Magic Christmas in Lights!
You won’t want to miss this Gulf Coast holiday tradition happening Nov. 25th, 2022 – Jan 4th 2023 (not open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 16 scenes throughout the 65-acre Garden estate.
Admission: $16 for adults, $8 for ages 5-12; free to ages 4 and younger
📸 Mobile Bay Magazine
3. Christmas Boat Parade, Dauphin Island
Nothing says holiday season on the coast like a Christmas parade on the water! Locals deck out their boats in lights and holiday decorations to create a glistening spectacle on the river. You won’t want to miss the Dauphin Island Christmas Boat Parade happening on Saturday, December 10th.
4. “A Cinematic Christmas” with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Mobile
On December 10th & 11th have yourself a merry little Christmas with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. Their annual holiday concert is a Christmas tradition for families all across the Gulf Coast.
This year they’re featuring music from your favorite holiday movies such as:
White Christmas
Silver Bells
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
March of the Toys
Somewhere in My Memory
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Polar Express
… and many more
Don’t miss one of the Gulf Coast’s best Christmas concert!
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to mobilesymphony.org
📸 Mobile Symphony Orchestra
5. Spirit of Christmas Parade, Spanish Fort
We can’t wait for the annual Spanish Fort “Spirit of Christmas Parade” happening on Sat. December 10th!
To spread Christmas Spirit to the residents of Spanish Fort and surrounding communities, the City of Spanish Fort hosts its annual Spirit of Christmas Parade at the beautiful Eastern Shore Centre located on State Highway 181, Exit 38 off Interstate 10.
The Spirit of Christmas Parade is led by the prestigious Daphne-Spanish Fort Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Cadets, followed by the award-winning Spanish Fort High School Marching Band and cheerleaders, Miss Spanish Fort High School, and the Grand Marshal. Adding to the holiday cheer are local civic groups, dance troupes, floats decorated by church and business organizations, and more! Of course, The Spirit of Christmas Parade would not be complete without a visit from the most famous jolly old elf, Santa Claus, arriving with a little assistance from the Spanish Fort Fire Department!
6. Tree Light on the Main Streets of Fairhope, Fairhope
Stroll through the main streets of idyllic Fairhope, AL, with your loved ones and enjoy the beautifully lighted trees. A holiday season favorite!
📸 Elizabeth M. Gelineau
7. Santa Brunch, Foley/OWA
You’re invited to a special pancake brunch with the jolly man himself. Select dates (Sat. & Sun., Dec. 3rd – 18th) this holiday season at The Bohemian in Downtown OWA, guests can dine with Santa and enjoy a delectable pancake spread. Don’t forget to tell him what you want for Christmas, too.
This is a special ticketed event. Guests of all ages must have a ticket. No walkups allowed. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
To reserve your ticket, go to visitowa.com/santa-brunch
📸 OWA