By: Raven Hunter
It’s that time of year again! Soon, Christmas music will be playing on the radio (if it hasn’t started already), you’ll be rushing out to stores (or to your computer!) to find this year’s perfect gifts for your loved ones, and, most importantly, you’ll be deciding where or if you and your family will be travelling this year. Before you stress out trying to find that perfect family vacation spot or give up because all of the conventional options have been done to death, consider the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Fort Morgan area for this year’s winter getaway.
Now, at this point you’re probably wondering, “What could there possibly be to do on the Gulf Coast in December?” And trust me, I feel you. If you don’t live on the Gulf Coast or even anywhere in the South, a place where the only “White Christmas” you’re going to get is in the pure-white sandy shores typically isn’t going to be on your radar when seeking winter vacation destinations. But trust me when I say that there’s plenty on the coast to help you enjoy all that the chilly season has to offer without being too chilly.
Events
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both offer several events to get you in the holiday spirit while you enjoy the tropical climate! Depending on when the kids get out for break, you can take them over to Gulf State Park for Gulf State Park Very Merry Christmas on December 5th or 12th! And, if your vacation starts earlier in the month, you can enjoy a seasonal concert by the Baldwin Pops on December 7th at 7 pm. For those of you who are wanting a performance experience on your vacation to-do list but have to wait until later in the month to start your vacation, the family-friendly Wingbeat Christmas Spectacular might be the place for you on December 11th or 12th. Also on December 11th, Lulu’s Buffet is offering a lighted boat parade. So, if indoor performances aren’t your thing and you want to spend some time outside, head on down to Lulu’s at dusk to watch an armada of masterfully decorated boats, or register your own if you’d like to participate! Either way, it’s fun for the whole family.
Over in Orange Beach, the Wharf is really showing up with lots of fun options available through the whole month of December! Believe it or not, you can indeed ice skate in the South, and an awesome rink is available for the whole family to show off their skills! And, while you’re there, why not take the kids to have their pictures taken with Santa to capture the wonderful holiday memories you’re making on Alabama’s Gulf Coast? For you active types, the Yo Ho Ho 5K and Fun Run is to be held on December 11th. Click on over to register you and your crew for a fun time to exercise and push your limits!
In addition to the opportunities in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, OWA is offering lots of events for Christmas at OWA including Brunch with Santa and the Holiday Tree Show to give your holiday a little extra pizazz. So, if you and your crew are wanting to make a trip to Foley, you can take your vacation on the road for a bit to take advantage of all the area has to offer!
Fort Morgan
Let me guess, you’ve got some kiddos at home that love to learn. And, I bet they’re SUPER bummed that school’s gonna be out until the new year… right? Well, maybe not. But, a trip to Fort Morgan could still be the perfect addition to your vacation to keep your students’ brains stimulated even through the winter school hibernation. Fort Morgan is enriching for the whole family to learn about its roles in the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II, and you can take your kids on a journey through time on this historic structure with a self-guided tour. The grounds are open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day, so regardless of when you choose to squeeze a little learning fun into your vacation, Fort Morgan is waiting there to make it possible.
Still the Beach!
Okay, I know I’ve been showcasing all of the opportunities to enjoy the Gulf Shores area without the beach, but hear me out on this one. Gulf Shores beaches are open year round, and there’s a lot you can do on the beach without going in the water. Be the only ones in your friend group to build sandmen instead of snowmen, or just bundle up and take a nice walk in the cool, crisp winter air. The weather promises to be warmer than any area with four seasons, and if you’re from farther north, then you might have a better cold tolerance than us southerners down here. Take advantage of the possibly less crowded beach this season for a relaxing, unique beach experience that you’ll tell of for ages to come.
If this southern winter wonderland sounds too good to be true and you’re wondering how you can possibly make it work, rest assured that Sunset Properties has you covered. On the website, you can find over a hundred rentals that house from four guests to twenty-four. No matter the size of your family, Sunset Properties can help you find the perfect place to unwind after a day of seizing the holiday spirit and making irreplaceable memories.
