Winter on the Alabama Gulf Coast

There are so many fantastic things to do year round here on the Gulf Coast.

For many people, coming to the beach during winter is unfathomable, but I’m here to tell you why it’s actually a fabulous time to visit! Monthly rentals are available at amazing rates so that you can stay an entire month and enjoy all the Holiday festivities the Gulf Coast has to offer. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Annual Lighted Boat Parade – December 12th at 5:30pm

Every December for the last 29 years, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has put on a boat parade where dozens of boats adorned with twinkling lights set sail at Lulu’s Marina headed down the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade continues all the way down the canal and finishes at Cobalt the restaurant in Orange Beach. The boats are simply beautiful and represent Christmas on the Alabama Gulf Coast perfectly. We recommend catching the parade as it makes its way past The Wharf in Orange Beach. Check out our condos at The Wharf and watch the parade from your own private balcony! 

Gulf Shores Christmas Parade and Beach Celebration – December 4th at 6:30pm

Dozens of festive floats will make their way down Highway 59 in Gulf Shores. The parade begins at Clubhouse Drive and makes its way to the public beach by The Hangout. Bands from around the county will be marching to classic Christmas tunes, your favorite holiday characters will be making an appearance and celebrity judges will decide which float went all the way out! 

The Wharf Traditions – November 23rd-January 10th

Every year The Wharf offers ice-skating through the holiday season as well as a Holiday Spectra light show, live Nativity scene experience and horse drawn carriage rides! There is no better time to experience this with a loved one or your children. Hot chocolate and coffee refreshments are available for purchase. The Wharf is lit up with Christmas cheer every year and always provides a great experience for the whole family. You don’t want to miss out on the fun! 

Reelin’ in the New Year at The Wharf – December 31st 5:00 pm until midnight

New Years Eve at The Wharf is unlike any other New Years experience you’ve had. Have dinner at one of the incredible restaurants before kicking on the festivities. Live music, ice rink, kids area, Spectra and fireworks! Watch the Marlin Drop as we ring in 2016 with a fabulous fireworks show. 

Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday, February 9th

Catch one of the many fabulous Mardi Gras parades on the Gulf Coast. If you have never experienced Mardi Gras, you are surely missing out! Wear your purple, green and gold and join us for a parade in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores. Stay tuned for a complete Mardi Gras blog post featuring the parade schedule and more!  

Published on Monday, November 30, 2015