Last Updated on November 5, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
When it comes to celebrating the holidays in Alabama Beaches, there’s no place quite like their stretch of sugar-white sand and sparkling Gulf waters. In Alabama Beaches, festive spirit meets coastal charm, where palm trees glow with lights and the sound of waves mixes with holiday music. From dazzling parades and seaside fireworks to family-friendly events and cozy winter getaways, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless ways to make the season bright.
Visit the official Alabama Beaches Tourism site for full planning information!
1. Kick Off the Season with the Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade
One of the most famous restaurants in Alabama Beaches is Lulu’s Gulf Shores. I’ll find any excuse to take the family to Lulu’s, and enjoy a bushwacker and a cup of gumbo. The Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade is the perfect excuse.
The event is a festive celebration where boats decorated with holiday lights travel the Intracoastal Waterway between LuLu’s (at 200 E 25th Ave in Gulf Shores) and The Wharf in Orange Beach. It’s a coastal twist on a street parade, with boats decorated and gliding over the water as families watch from different viewpoints.
The event is free. I recommend arriving early, especially if you want a waterfront table at LuLu’s. Typically, the event starts around dusk. Bring a jacket for the cooler breezes!
2. Check Out The OWA Holiday Events
In Foley, just north of Alabama Beaches, OWA is a family-friendly entertainment destination with a downtown area, amusement park, and waterpark. During the holidays, they offer events from November through New Year’s. It starts with the lighting of the Christmas tree and a fireworks show. The large, illuminated modern tree is the central focal point that kicks off the festivities.
Other events include Santa Paws, where dogs dress up in festive gear for a parade, and the Elf Academy, which offers Christmas activities for kids. Breakfast with Santa is the perfect way to begin your day at OWA. Lastly, don’t miss the weekly Tree Show, featuring choreographed lights.
3. Shop and Savor The Holidays at The Wharf
The Wharf is a premier lifestyle destination that’s perfect for bringing yuletide cheer, with shopping and dining. From boats decorated with twinkling lights to hot cocoa and sightings of the big guy himself, The Wharf packs in fun for the holiday season.
Beach destinations and ice don’t usually mix, but The Wharf makes magic happen with a seasonal ice skating rink. Photos with Santa are near the ice rink, and The Wharf restaurants offer limited-time seasonal food and beverage items. It’s the perfect afternoon holiday outing!
Plus, The Wharf ushers in the holiday season with a special tree lighting and drone show. Check out The Wharf event calendar for yearly holiday dates.
4. Shop Local Treasures at Coastal Holiday Markets
Celebrate the season by shopping local at Alabama’s coastal holiday markets. From the Coastal Christmas Market in Orange Beach to the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Christmas Art Market in Gulf Shores, you’ll find handmade art, beach-inspired gifts, and festive décor. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs or thoughtful gifts, these markets make holiday shopping a joyful part of the holidays in Alabama beaches.
5. Kiss the Year Goodbye with Fireworks
A spectacular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The night culminates in fireworks over the Gulf. The festivities begin in the early evening with live music, family-friendly activities, and a lively street-party atmosphere. At midnight, a unique “marlin drop” replaces a traditional ball drop for a coastal twist.
Arrive early for a prime fireworks spot and make a reservation for dining at one of The Wharf restaurants. It’s a fun family-friendly way to kiss the year goodbye.
6. Ring in the New Year with the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
The Flora‑Bama Lounge & Package Store is an iconic dive bar that sits on the border of Florida and Alabama, near Orange Beach. Flora-Bama is the perfect celebratory spot for New Year’s Eve, but showing up on New Year’s Day for the Polar Bear Dip takes it to a new level.
Every year, the Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip happens at high noon. Groups and families gather in costumes, swimsuits, and some even in wetsuits to feel the brisk saltwater on their faces. It’s a symbolic way of washing away the old year. After the dip, there’s a hearty Southern-style lunch: ham, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread (plus a free draft beer for adults who fully submerge).
The event is free and it’s family-friendly. Why not dress up and take the plunge? It’s an unorthodox way of celebrating New Year’s Day, and I love the creativity.
Tips For Planning Your Holidays in Alabama Beaches
Make the most of your holidays in Alabama beaches with a little planning ahead. Book your stay early because events in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fill up fast. Check local calendars for updated schedules.
Fortunately, it’s one of the best times to visit Alabama Beaches because the rates are so low. Pack layers for cool coastal evenings and comfortable shoes for exploring markets and parades. Most festivities are free and family-friendly, so plan to enjoy more than one. From fireworks over the Gulf to twinkling lights by the water, a well-planned trip ensures your coastal holiday is merry, bright, and beautifully beachy.