Orange Beach, AL. — (GSN) — As the holiday season approaches, The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, is transforming into a coastal winter wonderland. Featuring festive light displays, seasonal shopping, family activities, and delicious local dining, the property offers a full calendar of winter entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The Famous Ice Skating Rink Presented by Pepsi

A centerpiece of the seasonal festivities is the real-ice outdoor Skating Rink, located under the tent across from Portside at Main Street and Wharf Lane.

• Dates & Schedule: The rink opens November 13, 2026, and runs through January 18, 2027. Standard operating hours are Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., with extended hours during Thanksgiving break and holiday weeks.
• Themed Nights & Specials: Enjoy live DJ performances from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on select Friday and Saturday nights. Special theme nights include Glow Night (Dec. 4), 90's Night (Dec. 11), and Tacky Christmas (Dec. 18). On Tuesdays through December 8, visitors can participate in "Skate to Donate," benefiting Toys for Tots.

Holiday Activities & Event Dates

• Photos with Santa: Weekends from November 13 through December 24 inside the Ice Skating Rink Tent. Children can share Christmas wishlists and pose for holiday photos.
• Christmas Tree Lighting & Drone Show: Tuesday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by the City of Orange Beach on Main Street, featuring live musical performances, hot chocolate, Santa visits, and a drone show following the tree lighting.
• Jingle Bell Movie Bash: Saturday, December 12 starting at 11 a.m. at Portside on Main. Free admission includes screenings of holiday classics (Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, The Grinch, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), complimentary popcorn, Pepsi products, snow machines, and photo stations.
• Reelin’ in the New Year: Thursday, December 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight, featuring live entertainment by The Park Band, the annual marlin drop, and a fireworks finale.

The Wharf comes alive with holiday cheer, featuring sparkling lights, green garlands, and the SPECTRA Laser Light Experience running nightly from December 1 through December 31 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Main Street’s palm trees light up in sync with classic holiday tunes to create a festive coastal display.

• Holiday Retail Outlets: Main Street and Portside boutiques offer unique gifts, coastal apparel, home decor, and specialty items. Special shopping events include Black Friday (Nov. 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and last-minute Christmas Eve shopping (Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

• Dining & Drink Outlets: Take a break from the festivities to sample local flavors, including:
• Fresh seafood at Ginny Lane's Seafood.
• Tacos and coastal drinks at YoHo Rum & Tacos.
• Casual food and drinks at Dick's Last Resort or The Last Mango.
• Warm coffees and specialty beverages at The Southern Grind Coffee House.
• Ice cream and sweet treats at Kilwins.

Throughout the holiday season, residents and visitors from across the entire coastal community gather at The Wharf to experience the festivities. For many, the annual celebration has become a beloved tradition—with families booking local vacation rentals to turn their holiday shopping trips into a memorable winter getaway along the coast.