The season has officially started for Santa. Last Saturday he dropped into the Flora-Bama to say hello to hundreds of families. Now the Christmas events start in the beach community. From educational outings in the natural beauty of Gulf State Park to magical character evenings at The Hangout, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As the week unfolds, attendees can look forward to unique activities, including crafting sessions, live comedy, lighted boat parades, and even pet photos with the Grinch himself. These events showcase the vibrant holiday spirit of the Gulf Coast, offering a blend of tradition, creativity, and fun.

Whether it's discovering the winter wonders of Gulf State Park, cheering on dazzling vessels at Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade, or savoring a cozy breakfast with Santa, each day offers a special way to make memories and connect with loved ones. The Gulf Coast's festive lineup ensures that locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the holiday magic, creating unforgettable experiences in the heart of this coastal community.

Monday, December 9th -  Discover the secrets of Gulf State Park’s winter landscape with a special Christmas program. Join the guided winter walk exploring the wonders of the park revealing the fascinating flora and fauna that emerge during the cooler months on the Gulf Coast. These seasonal themed groups are designed for anyone seeking to enjoy the outdoors while learning, homeschool groups, community groups, individuals local or visiting. After the informal, brisk educational walk through the park, meet the group back at the learning center for a creative activity. Participants get to design a beautiful holiday-themed oyster decoupage craft with the aid and assistance if needed from the GSP’s expert educators. No matter what age or stage you're in, this is one fun, interactive, interesting, medium movement day suited just for you. Crafts available for ages 5 and up to keep it cool through all ages are welcome to attend for the day. To ensure everyone has all the glitter and glam they desire for their decoupage and room to create this is a pay to participate event for just $16.50, sign up to save your spot with the link below. 

Winter Wonderland Day

Learning Campus at Gulf State Park 

20249a State Park Rd

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://allevents.in/gulf%20shores/winter-wonderland-homeschool-day/200027560308840

Tuesday, December 10th - Get ready for an unforgettable night of pure magic and joy. Pop in for Character Night at The Hangout, where your favorite Disney and other characters come to life in an enchanting atmosphere. Experience the thrill of meeting beloved characters, capturing photos, and enjoying a night brimming with laughter, dancing, plus delight in activities fun for all ages. This is the ultimate event to gather your family and create incredible memories with the ones you love showcasing the ones/characters you also love. Don’t miss out on this sensational celebration. Come stop by where 59 ends and the fun begins and let the magic of the season sparkle all around you. This is a ‘Free Character Night’ event with the purchase of dinner. The first group eats and greets starting at 4:15PM with the second and last group starting around 5:30PM seats fill up fast so be sure to reserve your spot by making a reservation today. 

The Hangout - Character Night

101 E Beach Blvd 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.thehangout.com/events/

Wednesday, December 11th - Looking for a quick yet made to order new lunch spot that won’t break the bank, look no further than Zaxbys. Known for their mouthwatering chicken and special, ‘they’ll never tell the secret,’ Zax Sauce. Find the time to dine in and enjoy some ice-cold sweet tea made with love and another of Zaxby's specialties, nugget ice pellet ice, or as most refer to it, “the good ice.” Pressed for time, no worries, roll through the drive-through and snag your bag of goodies to go. Add Zaxby’s to your list of good eats and be sure to ask about the special treats. Keep in tune with the local buzz jamming to late night beats, bells and merriment brought to you by Saucy Fuzz at the Undertow from 10PM-2AM. The Undertow is a perfect place to unwind after a long day, kick back and listen to music or play a round of pool, darts or hit the dance floor. Get up and come join in the festivities at the Tow where it’s never too late to get down. 

Zaxbys Gulf Shores

1800 Gulf Shores Pkwy. 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.zaxbys.com/locations/al/gulf-shores/1800-gulf-shores-pkwy 

Thursday, December 12th - The countdown has commenced for the highly anticipated Light Up The Arts event, taking place from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to don cocktail attire for this festive occasion. Thanks to the generous support of ‘Friends of The Arts,’ guests will be treated to an evening featuring live music by saxophonist Rod Pittman, and for those aged 21 and over, a curated wine bar will be available. Local artists will showcase their skills through demonstrations utilizing hot glass and clay techniques, exemplifying their intersection of creativity and craftsmanship. Each attendee will receive a limited edition ornament for 2024, provided supplies last, as a tangible keepsake of the event. The evening promises to be rich in holiday ambience, including raffle opportunities, gift shop exclusives, and a festive Christmas photo opportunity. Join the community and island friends for an immersive experience celebrating the arts, vibrant lighting, and a community spirit that embodies the essence of the season.

The Coastal Art Center - Light up the Arts

26389 Canal Rd 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

Friday, December 13th - Get ready for a fun-filled, laughter-packed comedy night featuring the vibrant and lively Tae Madden at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. He’s known across the comedy world filling all the seats in the house at the Stardome Comedy Club, Dallas Comedy Club, and carved out plenty of tee-hee’s and belly roars at festivals like the Baltimore Comedy Festival. This is your chance for an up-close night under the stars boasting with laughs that will keep a smile on everyone's face well into the evening. To break the ice they’ve added a festive twist, calling for the ugliest, cheesiest and most colorful holiday sweaters, the more outrageous the better. Keep your tinsels untied no need for a fuss, the must-see Christmas show tickets are just $15 and can be purchased online. Join the rest of the herd on the patio of the Savanna Restaurant. Remember, it’s not just the animals that can be wild and wacky at the zoo, you and your best or worst sweater can too. Doors open at 6:15, show starts at 7PM. 

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

20499 Oak Rd E

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-night-with-tae-madden-tickets-1011564455517

Saturday, December 14th morning - ’Tis the season, children are invited to attend a breakfast unlike any other having a jolly good time at the “Breakfast with Santa” event hosted by the City of Gulf Shores at the charming Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Kicking off at 8AM, families will come together to savor a delightful breakfast spread that includes sizzling sausage, crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and warm, golden pancakes. The cost for this enchanting morning is only $6.00, and the best part? Children aged 3 and under can join in the fun at no additional cost. As a special keepsake, each young guest will receive a complimentary photo with the man in red, Santa himself, ensuring that these precious moments become cherished memories for years to come. Don't miss out on this heartwarming holiday celebration where wishes come true and dreams of the North Pole and ole Saint Nick leave the snow for the sand until 11AM. 

Erie Meyer Civic Center-Breakfast with Santa

https://gulfshoresal.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=16246

Evening - While the Gulf Coast may not experience the frigid temperatures often associated with the holiday season, that doesn't mean the festive spirit can’t shine brightly at the beach. Lucy Buffett embraces this challenge wholeheartedly, determined to infuse the magic of Christmas into the shimmering salt water surroundings with ‘Lulu’s annual Lighted Boat Parade.’ Come by Homeport for an enchanting evening in Waterway Village, where the parade transforms the serene waters into a dazzling display of holiday cheer. Positioned along the parade route, visitors can enjoy the spectacle from various vantage points, ideally around 5PM when the festivities come along in the twilight. The celebrations come to life as the beautifully adored boats, each twinkling with colorful lights, set sail from Lulu’s Homeport Marina. They will journey eastward towards the Wharf, illuminating the night sky and canal banks as they pass on by with their festive glow. What better way to dive head first into the holiday spirit than by drifting under a canopy of sparkling lights, surrounded by local cherished vessels as they glide through the calm waters of the canal on a Gulf Coast winter night. This is one family holiday tradition you won’t want to skip out on. 

Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade-at Lulu’s 

200 E 25th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://lulusfunfoodmusic.com/lulus-lighted-boat-parade-dec-14/

Sunday, December 15th - This holiday season, families around the globe will open vibrant envelopes to find cheerful cards showcasing the smiling faces of their loved ones. Some may even feature a beloved furry companion or two, but how many will dare to include the mischievous green figure from Whoville, the Grinch? If you’ve ever dreamed of a delightful “Christmas in Whoville” beach photo for next year’s cards, you’re in for a treat! Zeke’s Landing is thrilled to announce a special event that’s sure to bring joy to both pets and their humans. For one magical day only, everyone’s favorite holiday villain, the Grinch, will be on hand for festive pet photos! But the fun doesn’t stop there—this heartwarming experience is designed to delight everyone involved. While your pets enjoy delicious treats specially crafted for them, you can sip on a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate, the perfect drink to warm your spirits as you create lasting memories together. The festive spirit is calling, so gather your furry friends for an unforgettable adventure. As the Grinch himself would say, “Even if we’re horribly mangled, there’ll be no sad faces on Christmas.” Get ready for a day filled with laughter, love, and wagging tails, where all you need to do is strike a pose and say cheese. Free pet photos with the Grinch from 11AM-2PM. 

Zeke’s Landing 

26619 Perdido Beach Blvd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://allevents.in/orange%20beach/pet-photos-with-the-grinch/200027573672731