Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are the best place to come to prepare for the holidays! If you are just needing a holiday getaway, or if you are trying to find something unique for everyone on your list the Alabama Gulf Coast has it all just waiting for you. Below is a list of holiday activities including parades, tournaments, Christmas craft Bazaars, special shopping and Dining events, and Musicals of all sorts. We are going to attempt to go to many of these so you can see all that our area has to offer for the holidays. Keep an eye out on facebook and here on the blog for updates. Don’t forget if you need a special rate we have on e for you. Call today to book your winter beach getaway!
Nov. 16 – Season of Joy Light Show Premiere at The Wharf
Celebrate the season with SPECTRA, The Wharfs sound and light spectacular, each evening on Main Street. The immersive experience will spark the spirit of the holidays in the hearts of kids of all ages! Date: November 16, 2013 Time: 6:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf Orange Beach, Alabama
Contact: 251-224-1000
Date/Time Details: Nightly at 6pm & 7pm Holiday hours may vary
Fees/Admission: FREE
Nov. 19 – Sip & Shop
Join us for an evening of shopping, refreshments, food & fun! Treat yourself with a glass of wine or a delicious meal and fabulous offers from participating merchants. Jump-start your holiday shopping at the Sip & Shop. Either way, don’t miss the fun at these Wharf locations: Seaside Shoes, Rejuvenations Med Spa, Isle of Bama Toys, Villaggio Grille, The Southern Grind Coffee House and Paradise Fruit Wines & Accessories. Grab a girlfriend and stop in at each spot as we roll out the red & green Christmas carpet for you. Plus, sign up to be registered to win a grand prize package that will make you, or someone on your ‘NICE’ list, smile!
Date: November 19, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Participating Merchants located at The Wharf in Orange Beach: Seaside Shoes, Rejuvenations Med Spa, Isle of Bama Toys, Villaggio Grille, The Southern Grind Coffee House and Paradise Fruit Wines & Accessories
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, November 19th from 5pm until 8pm or later!
Fees/Admission: Free to attend, visit each location for their special offers.
Nov. 22 – Jan 1 Holiday Skating
Monday – Friday 4PM – 10PM
Saturday & Sunday 10AM – 10PM
Hours vary during holiday season
Date: November 22, 2013
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf
Contact: 251.224.1000
Date/Time Details: Varies
Fees/Admission: $8 for 2 hour skate rental, including skates
$10 includes the above + Ferris Wheel ticket
Nov 29 – Jan 1 Coastal Christmas Holiday Season
WHAT IS COASTAL CHRISTMAS? It’s a growing — and glowing — collection of existing
and new holiday events designed to showcase our Coastal Baldwin region as the perfect destination for holiday travel and shopping opportunities. Many businesses, local organizations and governmental entities have come together to bring you this new annual event series.
Date: November 29, 2013
Website: https://alagulfcoastchamber.com/pages/CoastalChristmas/
Location: Alabama Gulf Coast towns
EMail: Info@alagulfcoastchamber.com
Nov. 29 – Dec 22 Pictures with Santa! at The Wharf
Please see below for 2013 schedule:
November 29 Friday 4-8
November 30 Saturday 12-8
December 1 Sunday 4-8
December 3 Tuesday TBA
December 5 Thursday 4-8
December 6 Friday 4-8
December 7 Saturday 12-8
December 8 Sunday 4-8
December 12 Thursday 4-8
December 13 Friday 4-8
December 14 Saturday 12-8
December 15 Sunday 4-8
December 19 Thursday 4-8
December 20 Friday 4-8
December 21 Saturday 12-8
December 22 Sunday 4-8
Date: November 29, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://alwharf.com
Location: The Wharf
Orange Beach, AL
Contact: 251.224.1000
Fees/Admission: $10 for photo and frame
Nov. 29 – Dec 31 Magic Christmas in Lights
The holiday tradition continues as Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Magic Christmas in Lights. Stroll through over 3 million sparkling lights and over 950 displays throughout the 65 acre Garden estate. The Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and poinsettias encompass the Gardens. Nightly choral performances are held on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. A fun family event for everyone, guests can also have their photographs taken with Santa and find the perfect holiday gift can be found for that someone special in Bellingrath’s magnificently stocked Gift Shop.
Date: November 29, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.bellingrath.org/mcil.html
Location: Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road
Theodore, AL 36582
Contact: 800.247.8420 or 251.973.2217
EMail: bellingrath@bellingrath.org
Date/Time Details: Friday, November 29 through Tuesday, December 31. Nightly from 5PM to 9PM. Closed December 25th.
Fees/Admission: Magic Christmas in Lights Only: Adults (13 and older): $15.00; Children (Ages 5-12): $7.00 & Children 4 and Under: FreeMagic Christmas in Lights and Bellingrath Home Tour: Adults (13 and Older): $24.00; Children (Ages 5-12): $13.00
& Children 4 and under: Free
Nov. 30-Dec. 30 – “The Light Before Christmas”
on the IMAX giant screen / National Museum of Naval
Aviation / Noon / $8.75 / 850-453-2025
Nov. 30 – Kaiser Realty Coastal Half-Marathon and 5K Run
OB Sportsplex
Dec. 1 – Pictures With Santa
PICTURES WITH SANTA at the COTTON BAYOU BEACH ACCESS
2 – 5 PM
$20 DONATION (INCLUDES FULL IMAGE RIGHTS)
PROCEEDS GO TO FUND YOUTH MISSION TRIPS
Great for Christmas cards!
Date: December 1, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.orangebeachumc.org
Location: Cotton Bayou Beach Access in OB
Contact: Brady Haynes 205-213-9222
EMail: bradyatobumc@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, December 1st
2-5pm
Fees/Admission: $20 donation (includes full image rights)
Dec. 1-7 – NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship
OB Sportsplex
Dec. 2 – 5th Annual Luxury Wine Pairing
Sunset Cork Room / 6:30pm
Dec. 1 – Gulf State Park Coastal Christmas
Photos with Santa Claus, food, Christmas projects for the kids, Christmas Carols.
Date: December 1, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Gulf State Pavilion
Gulf Shores, AL
Date/Time Details: Sunday, December 1, 2013
6 pm – 9 pm
Dec. 3 – Orange Beach Tree Lighting at the Wharf
Join us as the City of Orange Beach hosts its Official Tree Lighting at the Wharf. This free event is open to all ages. Community groups will have hot chocolate, arts and crafts and cookie decorating booths. Santa will arriving on a fire truck!
Date: December 3, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Marlin Circle at the Wharf
Contact: Angela Bateman, City of Orange Beach, 251-981-6629
EMail: abateman@cityoforangebeach.com
Date/Time Details: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2013/5:30-7pm
Fees/Admission: Free Event
Dec. 3 – A Christmas Musical Celebration starring Brian Gurl
Date: December 3, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Erie H. Meyer Civic Center
EMail: ldethloff@gulfshoresal.gov
Date/Time Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Show begins at 7 p.m.
Fees/Admission: Free Admission – Tickets available by calling 251-968-1174 or at the Gulf Shores Activity Center Box Office (260 Clubhouse Drive).
Dec. 5 – Holiday Open House at K McElroy Salon
Enjoy refreshments, you can mingle with our guests, meet our team, take a tour of the salon and spa and get a head start on your holiday shopping!
Date: December 5, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: K McElroy Salon 2305 East 2nd St. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Contact: (251) 968-3737
Date/Time Details: Thursday, December 5th 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Fees/Admission: No Admission
Dec. 5 – Classical Christmas Concert
Concert featuring Victor and Megan Andzulis, presented by the Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library.
Date: December 5, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Summerdale Municipal Complex
Contact: Yolanda Devine Johnson
EMail: Yolanda@jdevinecompany.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, December 5th, 7:00pm
Dec. 6 – Light Up The Arts
Coastal Arts Center Open House: Hot Shop glass blowing; Clay Studio demo’s; whimsical lighted gallery exhibit; gift shop featuring glass, clay, jewelry and art; refreshments by Shipp’s Harbor Grill.
Date: December 6, 2013
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.coastalartscenter.com
Location: Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Contact: Art Center: 251-981-2787
Date/Time Details: 5:00 – 8:00
Fees/Admission: -0-
Dec. 6 – City of Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration
The Gulf Shores Lighted Christmas Parade will feature lighted festive floats from around the region followed by a stunning lighting ceremony and celebration at the Gulf Shores Public Beach.
Bring the whole family to the picnic area at Gulf Place to have their picture taken with Santa & enjoy refreshments, crafts, a live nativity, and entertainment.
Free Admission.
Reserve your spot in the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade by following the link below & submitting an online application.
https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/paraderegistration
The Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & Beach Celebration is a part of the Coastal Christmas campaign.
Date: December 6, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Gulf Shores Public Beach
Contact: Blake Phelps
Date/Time Details: December 6, 2013
4:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE
Dec. 6, 7, 8. 13, 14 & 15 – “Nuncrackers – The Nunsense Christmas Musical” / South Baldwin Community
Theatre / $15-$18 / 968-6721 or https://www.sbct.biz
Dec. 6 – Mystical Order of Mirams 7th Annual Taste of the Island
Orange Beach Events Center, The Wharf / 6pm
Dec. 6 – Interactive Wines Dinner at The Beach Club
Coast Restaurant / 6:30pm
Dec. 7 – The Christmas Angel Breakfast
GSUMC Auditorium / 9am / Free / 968-2411 for reservations
Dec. 7 – Billy Claus at Lulu’s
967-LULU / Free
Dec. 7 – Annual Christmas Ornament Painting
You get to choose your own ornament, paint it, have cookies and coco, face painting, letters to Santa and get your picture taken in Santa’s photo booth! Reservations are not needed. We can’t wait to see you all again this Holiday Season *Photo booth brought to you by Flash Time Photo Booth
Date: December 7, 2013
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Life’s A Canas SanRoc Cay 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd, Suite C103 Orange Beach, AL 36561
Contact: John Grant Gordon (251) 981-7770
EMail: johngrant@lifesacanvasob.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, December 7th 12:00pm-3:00pm
Dec. 8 – Dec 16 First Baptist Church Orange Beach Nativity Open House
The FBC family welcome our neighbors, friends, and visitor to share our love of Jesus and celebrate the season of His birth through the art of nativities. Over 75 nativities will be displayed for all to enjoy in a casual open house atmosphere.
Date: December 8, 2013
Location: First Baptist Church Orange Beach 4773 Bay Circle & Canal Road Orange Beach, AL 36561
Contact: Vivian Hanich
EMail: vlhanich@hotmail.com
Date/Time Details: 12/8 – 12/16 9 AM – 3 PM daily
Fees/Admission: free
Dec. 8 – HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Gulf Shores UMC Presents “Messiah” on Sunday, December 8, 2013
Written by: Louise Hawley
The stirring choruses of Handel’s “Messiah” will again launch the holiday season for the Gulf Shores community with a 2:30 PM performance on Sunday, December 8th by the Choral Society of Pensacola at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway.
Under the baton of musical director Xiaolun Chen, featured soloists will include: Carla Connors, soprano; Wanda Brister, mezzo-soprano; Leo Day, tenor; and Patrick Jacobs, bass-baritone; along with the 60-member Choral Society singers. The performance will be accompanied by the Choral Society Orchestra, featuring members of the Pensacola Symphony.
Concert tickets may be purchased at the church office any weekday from 9AM to 4PM with reserved seating for $20 and general admission for $15. Call 251-968-2411 for more information or please view the church website at www.gulfshoresumc.org.
Organized as the Pensacola Oratorio Society in the fall of 1935 for its first presentation of “Messiah,” 2013 marks the choral group’s 78th consecutive annual performance of this timeless masterpiece. Be a part of this moving experience; purchase your tickets today.
Date: December 8, 2013
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresumc.org
Location: GSUMC – Sanctuary
1900 Gulf Shores Parkway
Gulf Shores, AL
Contact: Church Office 251-968-2411
Date/Time Details: Sunday, December 8th
2:30 pm
Fees/Admission: General Admission: $15
Reserved Seating: $20
Dec. 12 – Coastal Christmas Stroll
Enjoy the wonderful facilities that the City of Orange Beach has to offer. Many City facilities including the Senior Center, Library, Wind and Water Learning Center and Coastal Arts Center will be holding Open House and many other fun activities.
Date: December 12, 2013
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: City of Orange Beach facilities
Contact: Carolyn Vines, City of Orange Beach Senior Center Coordinator, 251-981-3440
EMail: cvines@cityoforangebeach.com
Date/Time Details: Thursday, Dec 12, 2013/4:30-7pm.
Fees/Admission: Free Event
Dec. 12 – City of Gulf Shores Christmas Open House
The City of Gulf Shores hosts its annual Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 12.
Free Admission. For more information contact the Special Events Division at 251-968-1172.
Christmas Open House is a part of the Coastal Christmas campaign.
Date: December 12, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov
Location: Erie Meyer Civic Center, David L. Bodenhamer Center, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, Gulf Shores Museum, South Baldwin Community Theater
Contact: Blake Phelps
EMail: bphelps@gulfshoresal.gov
Date/Time Details: December 12, 2013/6:00 p.m.
Fees/Admission: FREE
Dec. 14 – 28th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Parade begins at Lulu’s and proceeds east on the Intracoastal Waterway to Zeke’s Marina / 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Dec. 13-14 – USSSA Fall Alabama State Baseball Tournament
OB Sportsplex
Dec. 15 – SanRoc Cay’s Rockin’ Christmas Open House
SanRoc Cay / 1pm-6pm
Dec. 19-21 – Gulf Shores High School Basketball Christmas Invitational Tournament
Gulf Shores High School
Dec. 21 – Breakfast with Santa
Erie Meyer Civic Center / 8am-10:30am / $4; 3 and under free
Dec. 31 – Noon Year’s Eve Party
Lulu’s 10am-? / Free / Countdown at noon with kid-friendly fireworks and beach ball drop. Many activities are available for the children.
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash
The Wharf / 7pm-11pm
Jan. 1 – Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
12pm
