8 Ways to Shell-ebrate the Holidays on Alabama’s Beaches

Travelers and turtles agree – there’s no better place to shell-ebrate the holidays than Alabama’s beautiful beaches. Our stretch of paradise is a perfect setting for celebrating the season in coastal style, from a beachfront Thanksgiving to a true white-sand Christmas. Mild temps and sunny skies are sure to keep you feeling merry and bright, and there are plenty of local events and festive activities to put you in a holly, jolly spirit. 

From Turkey Day to Christmas Eve and all the way to the New Year, here are the best ways to celebrate the holiday season on the Alabama Gulf Coast. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Lunch at Coast Restaurant

November 24, 2022
Seating Times: 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm

Enjoy a cook-free Thanksgiving feast at Coast Restaurant, a first-class waterfront venue at the beautiful Beach Club Resort. Chef John Hamme will prepare three delicious entree options, including a traditional roasted turkey with cornbread stuffing and all the trimmings. The cost is $45 per adult and $15 per child (kids under 3 eat free!). Reservations are required. 

Turkey Day Delivery by The Beach Moms 

Prefer to dine-in? The Beach Moms will deliver a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (including pumpkin pie!) right to your rental for an easy and intimate holiday meal. Pre-ordered meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 23rd, and include chef-provided directions. Orders must be received by Wednesday, November 16th. 

The Coastal Half Marathon, 5K, and 1-mile Run

November 26, 2022
8am

On Saturday, shed those lingering Thanksgiving calories with a friendly turkey trot! This fun family race is held on the scenic paths of Gulf State Park and is a local holiday tradition. 

Christmas

The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Saturday, December 10th
From 5pm (Dusk)

Parades are a traditional holiday event, and ours are filled with unique coastal flair. Attend a local favorite at LuLu’s with the Annual Lighted Boat Parade, where brightly decorated boats will travel to The Wharf on the Intracoastal Waterway Canal. 

Flora-Bama’s Annual Santa Drop

December 10, 2022
11am to 2pm

Santa doesn’t arrive in our area on a sleigh – he skydives onto the white sandy beaches at the iconic Flora-Bama! This fun family event includes kids crafts, games, live music, holiday treats, and pics with Santa after the show. 

Ice Skating at The Wharf

November 11-16, 2022
Monday-Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm

Glide, spin, or fall across a winter wonderland at The Wharf’s annual Ice Skating Rink. Tickets are $15 per person and include your skate rental and unlimited time on the ice. 

New Years Eve

Noon Years Eve at LuLu’s

December 31, 2022
10am to 3pm

Tiny revelers can get in on the NYE fun at LuLu’s annual event. Beginning at 10am, families can enjoy crafts, kids-safe fireworks (bubble wrap), a sandcastle building contest, face painting, and more. When the clock strikes noon, hundreds of colorful beach balls will flood LuLu’s Beach for an early celebration of 2023! 

Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf

December 31, 2022
5pm to 12am

The Wharf’s NYE event is a fun family street party that features a full evening of live bands, games, activities, and a midnight marlin drop with a fireworks finale. Kids activities include inflatables, face painting, camel rides, and more. Admission is free, though some kids activities cost $5-10. 

However you choose to celebrate the holiday season, Spectrum Resorts is your perfect homebase for festivities and fun. Let our award-winning team deliver the ultimate holiday experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast.