Gulf Shores is the perfect place to plan a winter holiday getaway with the family. Grandparents, parents and kids will all look back on your time here with fond memories. Whether you're looking for the best fireworks show around, or the kids want to meet Santa, there are no shortage of holiday events to attend.
#1 - Photos with Santa at The Wharf
At the Gulf Shores Public Beach you'll also find Christmas decor if you would like a festive backdrop to do your own photos, and of course you cannot forget the traditional holiday photo of everyone in Santa hats on the beach.
#2 - Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas In Lights
#3 - Ice Skating at The Wharf
#4 - OWA Holiday Tree Light & Music Show
Nightly free Christmas light show in downtown OWA. OWA's 36-foot-tall Christmas tree will put on synchronized music and a light show to favorite holiday tunes. The tree is offically lit on November 21st with a fireworks show afterwards. Then the three show will start weekly throughout December. Check out the OWA website for a complete listing of OWA holiday events.
#5 - Visit Fairhope for the Day
Visit nearby Fairhope for a day of shopping and dining. Write a letter to Santa at the Fairhope Welcome Center (they even provide Fairhope stationery) and he will even write back if you include your return address.
Don't miss Page & Palette, one of the best independent bookstores in the country and a great source for the gift of a signed book by your loved one's favorite author. Enjoy cute shops and galleries and the beautiful flowers and lighted trees lining the streets, walk down to the city pier. Try Fairhope Monday-Saturday (many things are closed Sunday and most shops close at 5), and check out the Fairhope website for a directory of shops, restaurants and events.
#6 - Noon Year's Eve at LuLu's
LuLu's offers a daytime celebration for the entire family with a countdown to noon. Full of kid-friendly activities including sandcastle building, arts & crafts, live music, zoo animals, face painting and more. It will be very busy, but so fun, so go over early.
Lucy Buffett knows how to entertain so you'll find live music every day and lots of things to entertain the kids while you relax, eat, drink and be merry.
#7 - Reeling in the New Year at The Wharf
Street Party at The Wharf is free to the public. Live music, children's activities, all of the restaurants will be open (we recommend reservations for those), and of course, fireworks!
You'll also find New Year's celebrations for the grown-ups at The Flora-Bama, and many restaurants will have special dinners and events. For any of these, you'll want to explore tickets or reservations, but you can also wander to the Wharf festivities without the need to plan ahead or go to any expense.
Holiday Events Honorable Mentions
- Dec. 5: Flora-Bama's Annual Santa Drop
- Dec. 12: Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade @ LuLu's
- Dec. 25: Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck
- Dec. 31: Flora-Bama's New Year's Eve Bash
Kick Back and Relax
Or you can ring in the New Year as we like to, relaxing at your favorite beach house with family or friends and just enjoying their company!