What’s better than Christmas at the beach? Not much really! There’s always something going on in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Here’s just a few things you won’t want to miss on your Christmas vacation.
33rd Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 8, 2018,
From: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Coastal Alabama Chamber of Commerce lighted boat parade takes off at about 5 p.m. from LuLu’s at Homeport Marina and finishes at Flora-Bama. More than 45 decorated vessels, including sailboats, charters and even a kayak or two, make this boat parade one of the largest in the Southeast. There are great viewing sites all along the Intracoastal Waterway, but for groups the best spot is The Wharf at Orange Beach, adjacent to the convention center.
http://www.mygulfcoastchamber.com
Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home
Nov 23, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is celebrating the 23rd year of Magic Christmas in Lights in 2018. In this Gulf Coast holiday tradition, guests stroll through a dazzling light display that features more than 1,100 set pieces, three million lights and 15 scenes throughout the 65-acre garden estate. In addition, the Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and enhanced with beautiful poinsettias.
Ice Skating Rink
Now through January 13, 2019
The Wharf in Orange Beach, 4830 Main St. Orange Beach, AL 36561
Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin, or fall into the season. Share this unique experience with family and friends. Plan a date night! Whatever the occasion, coast on blades with us along the coast. Nov. 16 - Jan. 13, Regular hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck
Dec 25, 2018; 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Join the family and break bread together at Flora-Bama for our Christmas Potluck. Flora-Bama provides the main dish and we encourage everyone else to bring a covered side dish or dessert. There will be live music playing and plenty of friendly people to enjoy the holiday with. Live music starts at 11 a.m. and food is served at 1 p.m.
Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
Jan 1, 2019, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, 17401 Perdido Key Dr. Perdido Key, FL
Come ring in the New Year by taking a dip into the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Dippers and other participants dress up or just show up for this special day. The Flora-Bama provides a traditional feast with black-eyed peas, cornbread, ham and more for those who take the plunge.
http://www.florabama.com/annual-events.html
8th Annual Kiwanis Polar Bear Dip
Jan 1, 2019, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Beach access and parking lot
240 W. Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Locals, snowbirds, and visitors are invited to join us for this uniquely coastal beach party featuring entertainment by DJ Chuck-E-Chill, free chili and hot chocolate, and fire pits on the beach. The event is totally free. Souvenir t-shirts and koozies will be available and donations are encouraged with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Alabama Special Olympics and the Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores. https://www.facebook.com/events/347310545635370