The holiday season is in full swing along the Gulf Coast, and there’s no shortage of festive fun for families, friends and furry companions.
From colorful light displays and cookie sales …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
The holiday season is in full swing along the Gulf Coast, and there’s no shortage of festive fun for families, friends and furry companions.
From colorful light displays and cookie sales to spirited pub crawls and Santa meet-and-greets, the region is brimming with ways to celebrate the season and make lasting memories. Whether you want to stroll a Christmas trail, snap photos with Santa, or join a friendly 5K, there’s something for everyone.
Get ready to don your tackiest holiday sweater, enjoy live music, or test your skills at a pinball tournament. Local favorites like Eastern Shore Centre, Pirates Cove and Tacky Jacks Orange Beach are hosting events that combine community cheer with holiday traditions. Many opportunities also support charitable causes, including Toys for Tots, so you can spread joy while joining the festivities.
From family-friendly strolls through twinkling lights to lively evening celebrations for adults, the Gulf Coast is the place to be this season. Bring your loved ones, your holiday spirit and, in some cases, your four-legged friends, and make the most of a December full of fun, laughter and festive magic.
Find details on a wide range of upcoming events below, and for more town and city holiday happenings be sure to check out www.GulfCoastMedia.com.
If you know of an event coming up that deserves a spot here, send it my way. I'll do my best to share it on these pages. Email me at whisper@gulfcoastmedia.com. You can also add it to our online calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar.
What: Graham Creek Nature Preserve is hosting a magical holiday walk with festive lights, meet the Snow Princesses from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and visit Santa from 6-8 p.m. each night. Children 2 and under are free. Pets are not allowed.
When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-14 and 19-21, 5-8 p.m. nightly
Where: Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23030 Wolf Bay Dr., Foley
Price: $5 per person
What: Captain Crazy's Paradise will host an IFPA pinball tournament. Players pay a $10 tournament fee plus $20 for all-day play on pinball and arcade machines with a $1 IFPA fee included. Bar snacks and pizza are available. Prizes from Stern, Marco Pinball and Captain Crazy’s Paradise will be awarded. All ages and skill levels welcome.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Captain Crazy's Paradise, 2139 South McKenzie St., Foley
Price: $10 tourney fee plus $20 all-day play
What: Tacky Jacks Orange Beach will host a Tacky Sweater Party featuring live music by Gringo Fife, an Ugly Sweater Contest at 8 p.m. and festive holiday fun. Contest prizes include $100 cash and trophy for first place, $50 and $25 Tacky Tokens for second and third place. Contact Tara McMeans at tackytara@tackyjacks.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/share/17fgyVbyJ3/.
When: Friday, Dec. 12, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Tacky Jacks Orange Beach, 27206 Safe Harbor Dr., Orange Beach
Price: Free
What: The Orange Beach Church is hosting its annual Cookie and Craft Sale featuring festive cookies baked by the Martha Missions circle and friends along with Christmas craft items for decorating and gifts. Proceeds benefit local charitable organizations supported by Martha Missions.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-noon
Where: The Orange Beach Church, 28751 Canal Rd., Orange Beach
Price: Free, purchases available
What: Alabama’s oldest writers group, The Pensters, is celebrating its 60th year with readings, birthday cake and light refreshments. The group meets monthly at the Fairhope Public Library to discuss writing techniques, host contests and offer mentorship. Meetings are free and open to the public. Annual membership is $30. More information is available at www.pensterswritinggroup.com.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope
Price: Free
What: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will host holiday photos with Santa in the giraffe pavilion. Regular zoo admission applies. Members are free. Photos will move indoors if weather is inclement.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, 20499 Oak Road E, Gulf Shores
Price: Regular zoo admission
What: Eastern Shore Centre will host its second annual All is Bright celebration. The evening begins with The City of Spanish Fort parade at 6 p.m. followed by a tree lighting ceremony on The Green. Families can enjoy live performances, kids activities, pop-up vendors, hot chocolate, free swag from Thomas Hospital and seasonal snow. For more information, contact Sidney Carol Barnhardt at scbarnhardt@crawfordsq.com or visit www.easternshorecentre.com.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Eastern Shore Centre, The Green near California Dreaming, Spanish Fort
Price: Free
What: Pirates Cove will host its annual Christmas Party with holiday lights, a festive atmosphere and opportunities to bring a dish to share. Attendees are encouraged to donate a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Where: Pirates Cove, 6664 CR-95, Elberta
Price: Free, donations encouraged
What: Rescheduled from Dec. 6, the Lower Alabama Young Professionals will host the annual Santa Pub Crawl at The Wharf. Guests 21 and older are encouraged to wear festive attire and enjoy holiday drink specials. Proceeds and toy donations benefit Toys for Tots. Entry includes one raffle ticket with additional tickets available for purchase. Prizes will be awarded during a 9:30 p.m. ceremony. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/y67rbxkr.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd., Orange Beach
Price: $10 or a new unwrapped toy
What: This annual 5K and fun run is a festive event that brings families together to create lasting memories, stay active and support the community. Attendees can stroll through the vendor village featuring health, wellness and Christmas vendors or join one of the free mini workouts and workshops led by local fitness partners. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive attire for a chance to win prizes and holiday recognition. To register for the Fun Run/5K and receive a sweatshirt, visit https://register.chronotrack.com/r/87772. For more information, contact Under His Wings Gulf Coast, Genesis Bateman, genesis@underhiswingsgulfcoast.org or visit https://www.underhiswingsgulfcoast.org/candy-cane-dash.
When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 7-10:30 a.m.
Where: Loxley Municipal Park, N Hickory St., Loxley
Price: Free, register online for Fun Run/5K
What: Flora-Vama Lounge & Package will host a Locals Appreciation Membership Launch Party. Complimentary food is provided and local residents with ID can receive a free 2026 membership card. Discounted offers are available in-store through Dec. 21. Visit the website for details on which zipcodes apply.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 3-6 p.m.
Where: Flora-Vama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Pensacola
Price: Free
What: Downtown OWA will host Santa Paws, a festive event for dogs with holiday photos with Santa and seasonal activities. For details, visit https://visitowa.com/santa-paws/.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 1-7 p.m.
Where: Downtown OWA, Foley
Price: Free
What: The Original Oyster House restaurants are official drop sites for Toys for Tots, the nation’s flagship children’s Christmas charity. Guests can drop off unwrapped toys, gift cards or donate by check while enjoying lunch or dinner. On Sunday, Dec. 14, local US Marines will be at the Mobile Causeway location from 6-8 p.m. in dress blues to pick up donations, take photos with families and spread holiday cheer. Donations will be distributed locally. For more information, visit toysfortots.org or www.originaloysterhouse.com or call (251) 928-2620.
When: Sunday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Original Oyster House, 3733 Battleship Parkway, Mobile and 701 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores
Price: Free, donations encouraged
