What Do Christmas Trees, Surf Boards And Skydiving Santa Have In Common
Jessica Taylor • December 1, 2025
This week is packed with holiday events
As December arrives on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the shoreline communities and beyond slip effortlessly into the magic of the season, blending small-town charm with coastal sparkle. This week’s lineup ushers in Christmas cheer from every corner–whether its festive flavors at local eateries, hometown tree lightings, surfboards that slay, snowy surprises in parks, or even Santa himself parachuting onto the beach. From Orange Beach to Foley, Gulf Shores to Perdido Key, residents and visitors alike will find a full slate of holiday traditions, family fun, and uniquely coastal celebrations that make this stretch of the Gulf Coast come alive in December. Here’s your day-by-day guide to a week where community, Christmas and coastal culture collide to shine brightly together this holiday season.
Monday, December 1st- 'Twas the first day of Christmas, and my true love gave to me a merry little local grub hub to satisfy my post-Thanksgiving meal cravings with some much-needed kitchen relief. Luna’s Eat and Drink offers a year-round menu that caters to everyone’s palate, but have you checked out what’s new this season? Their winter, lunch, and happy hour menus are sure to delight! Explore the cozy new offerings, including tiramisu matcha lattes and peppermint white mochas, along with many more delicious options. Pop in for lunch with the “meat and three” menu highlights available from 11 AM to 4 PM, featuring choice proteins like catfish, Nashville hot chicken, or hamburger steak, paired with savory Southern sides like smoked cheddar grits, fried okra, and good old mac and cheese. You can’t go wrong this season with Luna’s delightful seasonal menus. Choose what you love this Christmas; it’s sure to bring mouthwatering meals that soothe and comfort, making convenience feel absolutely festive and right.
Luna’s Eat and Drink
25753 Canal Rd Suite A
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday, December 2nd- The much-anticipated Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and the first-ever drone show by Sky Elements, (known for their appearances on America’s Got Talent) will take place this Tuesday evening at the Wharf, promising an enchanting experience for all. The holiday spirit is alive, sleigh bells are ringing, and word on Main Street is that Santa Claus is coming to town to hear wish lists and take Christmas photos. This cherished community event inspires hope each year and has all the elements of a classic Hallmark movie. The festivities will begin at 5:30 PM with dazzling holiday performances by local acts, dancers, and students from Orange Beach City School, and a word from local leaders, along with warm, chocolaty cocoa. There will be stations set up for kids to make cookies or explore the safe and open grounds around them, plus families can peek over to Port Side for some games, beverages, and grub. This is one spectacular island tradition you won’t want to miss! So, tell your friends and invite someone new this year—it’s sure to be a joyful and bright event!
The Wharf
23201 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Read more about new DRONE SHOW
Wednesday, December 3rd- This holiday season, elevate your gift-giving game at Tambos Surf and Skate Shop in Gulf Shores. This premier retail destination offers a curated selection of high-performance surf and skate gear, perfect for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills, or beginners ready to take on the waves and bowls. Not only does Tambos provide top-tier merchandise, but it also features an in-house coffee bar, allowing customers to refuel while they browse through an extensive inventory. Explore an array of equipment, including premium and custom surfboards, skateboards, apparel, stickers, and accessories tailored to meet the specific needs of both novice and experienced riders. Consider purchasing gift cards that can be applied towards individual lessons, specialized camps, or merchandise, and let them return to select precisely what they need to advance their passion and drive their skills right to the top. Whether you’re looking to buy a new board, spice up an existing one, or simply spur creativity with a gift card, barrel into Tambo's to discover the dynamic offerings at your local surf shop this holiday season. No splash about it, this local hot spot is making waves this Christmas with their out of the box gifts that keep on giving, so why not ride out, sleigh bells are ringing.
Tambos Surf and Skate Shop
3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, December 4th- Gulf Shores Annual Snow Ball Drop is at Johnnie Sims Park on Thursday, starting at 5:30 PM. This festive event is the perfect way to celebrate the first week of December community specials in our coastal towns, where friends are like family and newcomers are warmly welcomed. Get ready for a snow-dropping experience unlike any other, in true beach town style – instead of traditional snowfall. Prepare to be amazed as Santa drops 8,000 ping pong balls for this 10th annual artificial blizzard. A crisp snow-stopping spectacle that showcases local businesses, where some lucky ping pong ball winners who catch the lucky numbers can find exciting gifts to correspond. The winners will be directed to the prize center, where they can meet their generous sponsors and collect their Christmas loot. Admission is free, so bring the whole family out to kick off the season with holiday delights, photos with Santa, crafts, and “snow” a lot of fun! Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to relax and enjoy the local Christmas week spark off to the season of festivities. Discover more details, learn about the event sponsors that make this magical event possible, and look ahead to a list of preferred food and beverage vendors, as well as other details, through the link below.
Sims Park
2008 W 3rd St
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Friday, December 5th- It’s the most magical time of the year, and Heritage Park in Foley is lighting up the season with a weekend full of excitement, entertainment, and engaging contests. Kicking off the festivities on Friday night is "Christmas In The Park" from 6-9PM in Downtown Foley. Join the town for the highlight of the event: the lighting of the Christmas tree! Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks, listen to carols, and take a visit with Santa. Guests are encouraged to stroll through the brightly lit Christmas lane displays and stick around for the awards ceremony of the Christmas Tree Decorating Contest—perhaps your favorite tree will win the big prize! Gather your friends and family for this wonderful community celebration to start the season off jolly and bright. And don’t forget to return to Foley early on Saturday for "Let It Snow," where flurries of snow will fill the park for a full day of snow-themed fun, complete with cookies, games, and more activities for everyone!
Heritage Park
125 E Laurel Ave
Foley, AL 36535
Saturday, December 6th- Is it really Christmas at the beach without Jolly Old St. Nick skydiving over the salty Gulf waters and landing on the white sandy shores in front of Flora-Bama? This unique island event is a beloved tradition that many look forward to all year long. Families often dress up, with some even wearing matching pajamas, as they line up to gather on the beach and wait for the arrival of the man in red. From 11 AM to 2 PM, live music and holiday tunes will fill the air, while kids can enjoy free craft tables, and games, plus face painting for a partridge and a small fee. Sweet treats and juice will also be available. Santa is scheduled to arrive around 12:30 PM and will be available for photos in the tent until 2 PM. Plan to arrive early and stay late—this is one Christmas beach experience you won’t want to miss! Toys for Tots will be on-site, collecting new, unwrapped toys for those who wish to make a donation. For each donation, you will receive one free drink card that can be redeemed inside. Come and experience the holiday season in a uniquely island style—unlike any other festive Santa landing you’ll find! Afterward, scoot down past the line on the Bama side for ‘A Very CoastAL Christmas’ completing your day with a full Christmas at the beach experience.
Flora-Bama
17401 Perdido Key Dr
Pensacola, FL 32507
Sunday, December 7th- Get ready for some festive fun! Who's that calling from the Gulf State Park? It's none other than the cheerful residents of Whoville, that's who—the merry Grinchmas crew! They've packed up the whole town and brought it right to the park for two weekends only just for you! Come join the fun and stroll through Whoville in the Park—it's an adventure you won't want to miss! Each weekend features free opportunities for guests to come to Whoville, send Santa Grinch a letter at the Whoville Post Office, make ornaments and other crafts, get a “Who” do at the beauty parlor, check out your favorite book at the Whoville library, feature photo ops, plus have a chance to end your trail walk with a fire and roasted marshmallows at Woodside Restaurant after decorating some cookies. The town opens for strollers at 5PM and stays open through 8PM.
Gulf State Park
20249 A State Park Rd
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
A Very Merry Coastal Grinchmas
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