A Week of Holiday Events Along The Coast
Jessica Taylor • December 15, 2025
Coastal things to do this week
The holiday season is officially in full swing! Schools let out this week, and the coast is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with its salty breeze and twinkling lights. From gliding across real ice and sipping hot cocoa under the festive lights to strolling through art markets, singing carols in historic spaces, and enjoying brunch with Santa (and even the Grinch), each day offers a new reason to gather, explore, and celebrate. Whether you’re a local seeking midweek cheer or a visitor enjoying a festive getaway, here’s your guide to what’s happening along the coast this Christmas week. Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and let the magic begin!
Monday, December 15th- Take a magical stroll hand in hand or hand to rail with friends and family starting at 4 PM today, just in time for an afternoon getaway to the North Pole in the South! The ice skating rink, presented by Pepsi at the Wharf, is open and ready to withstand any storm with its indoor “real ice” skating surface. To get started early, sign an e-waiver online in advance. Then, bring your confirmation code and slide right in to find the perfect skates. Whether you’re a seasoned skater who can spin around the rink or a beginner ready to fall into the season, this is the perfect place for you! If you’re prepared to be whisked away to an icy winter wonderland filled with sweet treats and delightful hot cocoa, spend your Monday afternoon or evening at the Ice Skating Rink at the Wharf. After skating, explore onsite both new and familiar shops to check off your holiday shopping list. Don’t miss all the magical events happening at the Wharf, including a holiday special laser light show, "Jingle Your Palm Palms” at 6 & 7 PM, train rides, and of course, the Ferris wheel that lights up the night all year long. Enjoy!
The Wharf
4830 Main St
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, December 16th- The Orange Beach Garden Club is excited to announce the continuation of its annual event, "Christmas Carols at the Museum." This event celebrates the blend of cultural heritage and seasonal festivities. It will be held at the historically significant Orange Beach History Museum, providing a beautiful backdrop that reflects the spirit of holiday traditions. The event will begin at 5:30 PM, and attendees will have the chance to explore the museum's carefully curated displays of period-specific holiday decorations, evoking nostalgia for Christmases of the past. As guests walk through this immersive environment, they will be treated to performances by the Expect Excellence Music Program, which will play a selection of classic holiday melodies expertly arranged to enhance the festive atmosphere. That’s not all, enjoy complimentary Christmas cookies and hot apple cider promoting a sense of community and togetherness. Join the city of Orange Beach for an enchanting evening that celebrates both the rich historical heritage of our community and the timeless joy of traditional holiday cheer with loved ones. Hark the herald!
Orange Beach History Museum
25805 John Snook Dr.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
History Museum | Orange Beach, AL
Wednesday, December 17th- Christmas on the coast, like throughout the year, features a few consistent highlights that reflect our town's passion for the arts, music, and culinary delights. These are experiences that both locals and visitors eagerly anticipate, especially when they aren't enjoying sunny beach days or boat outings. The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance fulfills this expectation wonderfully each year with their annual Christmas Art Market & Gallery Open House. Admission is free, but be sure to bring your wallet to shop and explore the incredible displays throughout the gallery. You'll find locally made, unique handcrafted gifts perfect for the holiday season, or maybe even something special for yourself. The event begins at 10 AM and runs until 4 PM, providing ample time for everyone to stop by, appreciate the remarkable art, and enjoy live music and refreshments while they shop.
Gulf Coast Art Alliance
225 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, December 18th- The city of Foley is excited to announce a Christmas combination featuring the town's favorite Christmas Fest and the popular third Thursday event. “It’s a two-for-one holiday special, exclaims Darrelyn Dunmore, Executive Director. Expect to be dazzled by lights and festive decor adorned throughout the downtown. Participating merchants will be offering enticing specials and promotions, allowing you to snag those last-minute gifts for the ones you love, all while embracing the spirit of the season with Christmas Fest! Activities will be sprinkled throughout town for everyone. Come out from 5-7PM and enjoy a night of extraordinary shopping, treats, local business highlights, shopping specials, games, and a display of lights that will leave all who experience it in awe.
Downtown Foley
200 W Laurel St.
Foley, AL 36535
Friday, December 19th- Dancing gingerbread families, hot cocoa, cookies, and native animals to peek at create a festive atmosphere at Graham Creek Nature Preserve with a southern coastal Christmas mix. The trails are beautifully lit, and there are Christmas photo opportunities for you and your loved ones. Kids can explore and be amazed by the decorations, including the faux white snow glow bubbles and other vibrant colors that glow in the dark after dusk. Bring the whole family and immerse yourself in the season with nature, lights, and more at Graham Creek.
Graham Creek’s Christmas Trail
23030 Wolf Bay Dr.
Foley, AL 36535
Graham Creek's Annual Christmas Trail - Visit Foley
Saturday, December 20th- It's all sleigh bells and Grinch smells coming from Gulf Shores this Saturday, so buckle up for a festive breakfast and brunch celebration! They have traditional and Whoville-themed breakfasts ready for you. The Sunliner Diner is hosting an interactive Santa brunch from 9 AM to 2 PM. Families and kids will have the chance to meet, mingle, and take photos with Old Saint Nick in his sleigh. They'll be transported to a winter wonderland complete with snow machines and a little workshop where kids can play elves for the day and create festive crafts. Tickets are on sale now; check out the link below for more details, including the menu and ticket purchases. Down the street, where Highway 59 ends and the fun begins, you’ll find things getting pretty green—and dare I say, mean—at The Hangout. From 9:30 to 11 AM, breakfast will be served in an all-you-can-eat style, and the Grinch himself will be lurking around, playing tricks and getting silly with guests. The event will be filled with festive cheer and decor, and everyone is invited to come dressed in costume to fully embrace the holiday spirit. Happy eating, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for that mean old Grinch! Details in the link below.
The Christmas Season Brings Santa, Skating and Shows to the Alabama Gulf Coast
Sunday, December 21st- For over half a century and some change, the city of Foley has been delighting residents and seasonal visitors with a wonderful Christmas tradition—“Trim-a-Tree.” This arts, crafts, and gifts spectacular begins on the second Friday in November and runs until December 23rd. This year, the event will take place in Downtown Foley at the Foley Art Center. Shoppers can enjoy a festive atmosphere while browsing a selection of more than 125 works from local fine artists and artisans. You’ll find various items, including artwork, pottery, wood carvings, floral arrangements, jewelry, blown glass, textiles, soy candles, hand-carved wooden toys, recycled fused glass, needle-felted wool, ornaments, polymer clay sculptures, and much more. If you appreciate art, this is a unique opportunity to acquire exquisite pieces marked down that are often out of reach for that price at other times. So, grab your jingle bells and hop down to Foley to find a heartfelt gift made by hand. With only a couple of days left, Sunday would be a perfect day to come and take advantage of the sales while you can! Merry Christmas.
Foley Art Center
211 N McKenzie St
Foley, AL 36535
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