Orange Beach In December - Things To Do For The Holidays


If you’re looking for a way to have a holly jolly good time this December, then The Wharf’s Christmas and New Year’s celebrations should be added to your itinerary.

From boats decorated with twinkling lights to hot cocoa and sightings of the big guy himself, we definitely know how to celebrate the holidays in Orange Beach, so load up the kids and head to The Wharf!


Christmas Tree Lighting

When? 12.03.19 at 5:30 pm

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Wharf! Usher in the holiday season with bulbs, garland and glee. The annual tree lighting hosted by the City of Orange Beach is the perfect ceremony to inspire the Yuletide spirit. Enjoy special festive musical performances, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, cups of toasty hot chocolate, and much more. Stay and shimmy along with the Holiday SPECTRA Sound & Light Spectacular to conclude the event.


Jingle Jubilee Kids Craft Day

When? 12.07.19 from 12:00-4:00 pm

It’s true that your kiddos are the original masterpieces, but now we wanna see you make a few to display for the holidays! Come DIY at The Wharf during our 2nd annual Jingle Jubilee Kids Craft Day. It will be any budding artist’s playground. There will be crafting stations at various stores and restaurants, a Coastal Christmas Art Contest exhibition, and much more. Don’t worry about bringing anything – your imagination should be more than enough!


Yo Ho Ho & a Bottle of Rum 5k & Fun Run

When? 12.07.19

The Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores is hosting the Inaugural Yo Ho Ho 5K at The Wharf. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best Christmas attire (pets and children are welcome to join). Register for this year’s event here.


Photos with Santa

When? 11.15.19-12.24.19

Ho Ho Holiday photo time in Santa’s Village at The Wharf. Sit with jolly Claus and capture the moment forever! He has checked his list, twice actually, so make sure you are on your best behavior when you snap a frame-worthy picture.


Ice Skating at The Wharf

When? 11.15.19-01.12.19

Ice Skating at the beach? Anything is possible when The Wharf is involved! $12 includes your time on the rink as well as skate rental. For details on skate & Ferris Wheel combo passes or 10 Skate special pass, plus a full list of hours of operation, head to ALWharf.com.

*Ice Skating Rink will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.


Lighted Boat Parade

When? 12.14.19

Want a front row seat for all the illuminated action? The Wharf is the place to be! Watch as boats, large and small, glide through the Intracoastal Waterway in all their festive glory. Head down early to enjoy the festivities and grab a bite to eat! Of course, there is plenty of shopping at The Wharf as well. Shopping and celebrating…count us in!

Where: Passes the Wharf Marina


Kids Confetti Drop

When? 12.31.19

Kids whose bedtime comes well before midnight will get to ring in the New Year hours early at the Kids Confetti Drop celebration. Confetti of all colors will rain over Main Street at noon.

Activities include a mechanical bull, rock wall, bouncy house, surf simulator, trampoline jumpee ($5), face painting ($5, $7, $10), camel rides ($5), fire truck, poodle shows, and more.


Reelin' In The New Year

When? 12.31.19

2020 is on the hook! Reel in this upcoming year with us at The Wharf for our annual New Year’s Eve Street Party. Live bands, family-friendly and adult-centered fun all rounding off at midnight with the marlin drop and fireworks.

Ready to celebrate the holidays in Orange Beach? We’ve got a room (or two or three) ready for you at The Wharf Condos! Start your search here.