Holiday cheer on the Gulf Coast is in full swing. We’ve got more festivals filled with talented sugar plums, more Santa photo op surprises, parks transforming into winter wonderlands with lights and more lights, hot cocoa and much more. 

Plus local Chef’s have teamed up to put together new warm, feel good menu items. Mark off gifts on your shopping list, good ole grateful tunes and a special guest appearance from the one and only Billy Claus. Grab your favorite people and let's jingle all the way into another festive week at the Beach for Christmas. 

Monday, Dec. 11th - Two of the most incredible culinary minds on the island have joined together with Chef David Pan of The Pantry at the Wharf. The team has put their skills and tastes to the test to bring some exclusive new winter bowls to the menu. The Pantry is best known for that gourmet feel prepped daily “Good Food To-Go” vibe. This time they’ve chosen a line of traditional Japanese Ramen with an added coastal twist. The diversely rich and appealing flavors were created in a collaboration with Jonathan Kastner and Tyler Braun of Southern Chili Lab so expect each bite to pack a punch. Doors open at 9:30 AM with new and exciting ramen options each day, so hurry to get yours while the pots are still hot. 

The Pantry at the Wharf

4790 Wharf Pkwy 

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://thepantryatthewharf.com

Tuesday, Dec. 12th - All aboard the winter express. Looking for something fun for the whole family that doesn't break the bank while covering all the nostalgic holiday experiences in one joyous packed evening? Wales West 2023 Arctic Express Light Railway is the place to be. The park is transformed into a winter wonderful dream full of exciting sights like the snowball cannon. Families will board to ride “Dame Ann”, an authentic steam locomotive. Each cart is open, so guests can view from both sides of the spectacular light shows and animated themed stops full of decorations, Christmas music, all while riding through snow to the North Pole. Once at the North Pole, Santa will be ready for photos and Christmas requests. All children are encouraged to participate in the craft stations and pick out their very own special TOY. Hay rides, mini train rides, playgrounds and bounce houses are also a part of this adventure, as well as hot cocoa and other refreshments near the gift shop. It’s one simply old fashion delightful good time all aboard. 

Wales West Light Railway

13670 Smiley St.

Silverhill, AL 36576

https://www.waleswest.com/arctic.htm

(251) 232-2322

Wednesday, Dec. 13th - To celebrate mid-week strides choose Cosmos for your lunch on this hump day. Treat yourself to some delicious pasta, savory seafood, or hand-cut steaks or even sushi. As a neighborhood favorite with award-winning menu items and chef inspired ingredients, Cosmos “has taken cuisine to the cutting edge.” Each day expect a lunch and dinner specials menu plus lunch and happy hour special items. Browse the courtyard to find a variety of local shops, including Maggie's Bottle and Tail. Located on the upper deck from Cosmo’s you’ll find this cute little shop full of dog portraits by local artists, jewelry, restaurant merch and much more unique gifts or stocking stuffers. Stop by and support local fronts in more ways than one by choosing art in local stores made by the hands of local island families. Share the love and tell your friends, or better yet make it a midweek stride lunch hotspot tradition and shop stop. Open daily at 11 AM and remember this is a fur friendly courtyard, so it’s okay to stop at home and bring your furry pals along too.

Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar

 25753 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://cosmosrestaurantandbar.com

251-948-WOOF (9663)

Thursday, Dec. 14th - The Coastal Art Center and the City of Orange Beach have put together an event that’s sure to “Light up the Arts.” They are calling it “an evening of sophisticated holiday fun.” All ages are welcomed to this free outdoor event where guests can stroll through watching artist demonstrations in mediums of hot glass and clay. The gift shop will be offering Christmas specials and raffle prizes. No coastal event is complete without a little musical mashup to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Light hors d’oeuvres catered by AL Coastal Catering will be served along with hot cocoa and a wine bar provided by “Friends of the Arts.” Make sure to stop by several displays for a Christmas photo op with the ones you hold dear and pick up a limited edition 2023 ornament. 

Coastal Art Center - Light up the Arts

26389 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

(251) 981-ARTS

Friday, Dec. 15th - It’s going down at Lulu’s in Gulf Shores starting at 3 PM with Billy Claus, Santa’s “warm weather loving brother” and the Lulu Belles. This is one Gulf Coast tradition that has become a great way for kids and families to kick off their winter breaks in style and silliness. This will be Billy’s 15th appearance traveling from the Caribbean for the annual event. After photos with Billy Claus and The LuLu Belles. The Belles will be sticking around to show everyone the new and improved “Billy Claus and the Spirit of Christmas Island” story-time reading corner. All new crafts this year will be set up throughout the venue with plenty of treats to go around all free. The magical evening will end with a showing of the latest Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Christmas movie. What a great way to start off winter school breaks and yuletide cheer. 

Find Billy Claus merch here https://shop.lulusfunfoodmusic.com/brands/billy-claus/

LuLu’s Gulf Shores

200 E 25th Ave

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://lulusfunfoodmusic.com/location/gulf-shores/

Saturday, Dec. 16th - Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo is expecting a visit from Jolly ole Saint Nick and the Mrs. from 11 AM - 2 PM. Come experience a true come back zoo from animal planet’s  “The Little that could” to an over 25 acre lush animal exhibits. From feeding giraffes to entering into the dark rooms of the snake exploreum the new and improved zoo will excite every animal lover, young and old. Bring your camera’s or make sure to keep your phone’s charged to come meet, see and take a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Included with the purchase of regular zoo admission or zoo memberships. 

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Selfies with Santa

20499 Oak Rd E 

Gulf Shores, AL 36542

https://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

Saturday, Dec. 16th - Downtown OWA will have its streets lined with artisan vendors and all manner of sweet delicious Christmas treats for the Sugarplum Festival. It’s a full holiday extravaganza in celebration of all the little sweet things. There will be a myriad of local arts and crafts and other “sugar plum delights,” including a gingerbread house competition and Nutcracker performances. Immerse yourself into the season and fill your cheeks with as many sweets and gummy treats as you can. It is Christmas after all. 

Downtown OWA Sugarplum Festival 

100 N OWA Blvd

Foley, AL 36535

https://visitowa.com/destinations/downtown-owa/

Sunday, Dec. 17th - “O Come All Ye Grateful” it's time for some Christmas Grateful Dead jam at OSO Bear Point. OSO is a well-known area that fills its seats and docks all year long with locals and visitors alike. Live music at the tiki allows for guests to have that boat life island feel all while still enjoying an evening out on the town for dinner and drinks. Guests can come early and dine inside or out with top deck and bottom seating options. Bar seating is first come, first served as well as all standing dance floor room, no worries you’ll fit in you’ve “just gotta poke around.” OSO is one of the top waterfront restaurants to capture the sunsets. Join the party by boat, car or golf cart. OSO is extending the invitation to all for an “evening of Grateful Dead magic during this holiday season”  Come ready to experience the shake down tunes with cover band Ramblin Roses then they’ll be “nothin left to do but smile, smile, smile” and dance. 

OSO at Bear Point Harbor 

5749 Bay la Launch Ave

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.osobearpoint.com