Holiday Events on the Island

There are few things more thrilling than a high-flying parasail ride, but the magic of Christmas on the Gulf Coast is one competitor we’re happy to celebrate. As cooler weather and calmer crowds fall on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the island comes alive with holiday events that put the ho-ho-ho in our holly, jolly season. From traditional tree lightings and local gift markets to Santa visits and holiday parades with a beachy twist, we’ve gathered up the best holiday events on the Alabama Gulf Coast to put some beachfront sparkle in your holiday spirit.

OWA’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 23, 2024 | 4:30pm-7:30pm
Downtown OWA

OWA’s 8th annual Tree Lighting will be hosted by American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks and promises to welcome in the holiday season with all the magic of a coastal Christmas. Enjoy a day of live music and theater performances, stories with Santa and Ms. Claus, and a festive countdown to the lighting of OWA’s 36-foot Christmas tree. The night will end with a fireworks display and synchronized tree light show you won’t want to miss!

Coastal Christmas Market

November 23-24, 2024
Orange Beach Event Center

Kick off the holiday shopping season at the 2024 Coastal Christmas Market on November 23rd and 24th. For two holly jolly days, the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf will be filled with vendors showcasing a variety of handmade crafts, fine arts, local goods, home decor and more – all available for purchase and perfect for Christmas presents galore! Admission is free and the market will be open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Flora-Bama’s Annual Santa Drop

December 7, 2024 | 11am-2pm
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

Christmas on the Gulf Coast doesn’t really begin until Santa makes his yearly debut at the Flora-Bama – where he trades his sleigh for a thrilling sky-dive onto the sand! Bring the whole family to our iconic dive bar for a day full of kids crafts and games, live music, face painting, and other festive activities. Santa arrives at 12:30pm and will offer free pictures and wish list requests under the big beach tent. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Breakfast with Santa in Gulf Shores

December 14, 2024 | 8am
Erie Meyer Civic Center

Don’t miss out on your last chance to chat with Santa in coastal style – with a big southern breakfast and a side of holiday cheer, of course! Starting at 8am, families can enjoy a wholesome breakfast with the big man, complete with bacon, eggs, sausage and pancakes for just $5 per person (kids 3 and under eat free.)

The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

December 14, 2024 | 4pm
LuLu’s

Experience one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions at LuLu’s Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on December 14th. As the sun sets, decorated boats will fill the Waterway Village with festive lights, holiday costumes, cheerful carols and a parade through paradise. Arrive early if you want a table and stick around for the festivities.

Celebrate the holidays in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to put some coastal style in your Christmas spirit. As you soak in the holiday magic, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for flying sleighs and parasail flights over the beach! And if you really want to see how Santa does it, book your own adventure with Parasail Sky Surfer for a magical glide over the Gulf that may not deliver presents to all, but will certainly feel like a gift for yourself. Happy Holidays!