Seasonal + Events

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores

Ring in the New Year on the Flora-Bama line! Gulf Shores, Alabama, is situated just a stone’s throw from Pensacola, Florida, and boasts some of the best NYE parties on the Gulf Coast. We’re talking daytime bubble bashes fit for the whole family alongside wild and crazy beach parties that will have you celebrating until the wee hours of 2025. For those planning to visit during the cooler months, Winter in Gulf Shores offers a variety of seasonal events and activities that will make your trip even more memorable.

Our beachfront vacation rentals offer the perfect cozy getaway where you can attend the best NYE events and then retire to the iconic white sands. Here’s what to expect when you plan a visit to Gulf Shores this New Year’s Eve.

2024 New Year’s Eve Events in Gulf Shores, AL

Photo Credit: Impact Photography

Here’s a collection of all the best New Year’s Eve events happening in and around the Gulf Shores area.

Flora-Bama’s New Year’s Eve Bash

  • Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 at 6 PM
  • Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar | 17401 Perdido Key Dr., Perdido Key, FL.
  • florabama.com/new-years-eve

This 21 and over event is the biggest party in Gulf Shores. If you’re looking for great music, a lively party, excellent food, and a large crowd to ring in the new year, this is the event for you. Tickets should be purchased in advance as they usually sell out! Your $75 ticket includes full access to the dinner buffet, three stages of live music, champagne, party favors, and, at the stroke of midnight, access to the breakfast spread as the party continues all night long.

Reelin’ In the New Year at the Wharf

  • Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, All-day
  • Main Street on the Wharf + Marlin Circle
  • alwharf.com/events

Put on by Pepsi & Miller Lite, this New Year’s Street Party is fun for the whole family. A staple of the Alabama Gulf Coast, this festival is filled with family-friendly activities in the daylight hours before shifting to a full-on White Claw-fueled party at night. Kids will love the rock climbing wall, camel rides, and a 10 AM kids confetti drop.

After dark, you can expect a full firework display, live music, and the iconic “marlin drop” that makes this unique New Year’s celebration so popular.

Lulu’s Noon Year’s Eve

Lulu’s has got you covered if you’re looking for a family-friendly countdown to New Year’s Eve celebration. There is no need to keep the kids up until midnight when the colorful beach ball drop happens here at NOON. Enjoy face painting, a sandcastle-building contest, arts and crafts, kid-safe fireworks (by which I mean bubble wrap), and more!

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

Yet another spectacular event put on by the Flora-Bama crew. This “polar plunge” isn’t exactly polar bear-level frigid, but it is undoubtedly a crisp swim meant to shock the New Year’s Eve hangover straight out of you. Come frolic in the wintertime waters of the Gulf of Mexico and hang out on the sand in fun, festive costumes or your favorite swimsuit. The event itself is totally free and is a fun tradition that many locals attend every single year. It’s also a precursor to a fun, sun-filled beach party to kick off January the right way.

OWA New Year’s Eve Weekend Extravaganza

Photo Credit: Namwlan

These are actually two events rolled into one. On Saturday night, at around 8:45 PM, the annual Sparks and Sounds kick off the NYE festivities with live bands and a spectacular fireworks show.

This lively party is for those who wish to celebrate on the weekend rather than New Year’s Day itself. Sunday is a family-friendly Bubbles and Beats street party starting at 2 PM and continuing until 5 PM. Kids will love the music and the giant bubble pools!

Other Wintertime Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

While New Year’s Eve celebrations are likely to occupy your weekend, here are a few other wintertime attractions you can enjoy throughout the duration of your stay.

Go Ice Skating at the Wharf in Orange Beach

Photo Credit: Maria Moroz

Nearby Orange Beach offers the illusion of a winter wonderland with a classic Ice rink to glide on from late November to late January. Grab your skates or rent a pair on-site at the Wharf during your next visit to Gulf Shores during the Christmas season.

Hike the Fort Morgan Road Trail

Photo Credit: GaudiLab

While the Gulf State Park and other nearby recreation areas offer plenty of bike trails and walking paths, the Fort Morgan Road Trail is often overlooked and an excellent addition to your wintertime itinerary. This 5-plus-mile coastal trail cuts through the urban territory and offers a scenic stroll through the heart of the community.

Stroll the Dunes of the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: Danny E Hooks

Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge is a lovely place to connect with nature in Gulf Shores, Alabama, even during the chilly winter months! Here, you can watch the seasonally migrating birds come in to nest or walk the scenic paths through the dunes, enjoying the natural landscapes of Alabama.

Try Some of Alabama’s Best Breweries & Restaurants

Tis’ the season for celebration! Gulf Shores has no shortage of foodie destinations to grab a comforting slice of pizza, a beer at one of the local breweries, or a platter of delicious locally sourced seafood. Whatever the mood of your crew, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Play a Round of Golf

Photo Credit: Mikael Damkier

While the sport is most popular during the balmy summer months, it’s often more enjoyable with a chilly winter breeze. There are plenty of golf courses around Gulf Shores to choose from, or you can head to the mini-golf links for some family fun.

Fish Among the World-Class Anglers

Fishing in Alabama is a year-round attraction. With a wide variety of species to catch and plenty of serious fishermen around to take you out to sea, this is a great wintertime attraction for those looking to explore the local’s favorite pastime. Book a guided fishing tour and try your hand with the world class deep sea fishing the region offers!

Enjoy the Beaches

While you might not be inclined to throw on a swimsuit this time of year, the picturesque sands of Gulf Shores are well worth a visit. You can enjoy the sunset, take a morning stroll through the silky white sand, or just sit out and enjoy the sunshine.

These are some of our favorite Gulf Shores beaches:

Packing for Your New Years Getaway

The Gulf Coast is blessed with a mild winter season. No snow to worry about here! But the otherwise balmy hot temperatures do drop a little this time of year. In fact, you can expect daytime temperatures to sit in the mid-50s. Here are a few essentials that you should be sure to pack with you before heading to the Gulf Coast for New Year’s.

  • Sunglasses
  • Warm Layers
  • Gloves and close-toed shoes
  • A cozy sweater
  • Festive costumes or NYE outfits fitting the party of your choice

Ring in the New Year at a Classy Beachfront Rental

Whether you choose the boozy late-night bashes of the Flora-Bama Bar or the chilled-out, kid-friendly daytime activities, Gulf Shores has plenty of events to help you ring in the new year right.

Our vacation rentals perched on the silky white sands of the Gulf Coast offer the best night’s sleep in the area. This will allow you to recuperate from the late-night festivities and enjoy all the other lovely wintertime attractions on offer in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

Book your holiday stay today!

A Visitor’s Guide to Christmas in Gulf Shores

Towering Christmas tree palms decked out in twinkling lights, sand-man contests, and Santa Claus has even traded in his heavy velvet suit for a breezy floral shirt—welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast version of a “white” Christmas, where silky white sand just might be confused for snow. Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a popular destination for families, couples, and friends all year round, but the shores bring a little extra magic come Christmas time.

With most visitors looking to escape the seasonal frigid chill, our beachfront vacation rentals with panoramic ocean views become extra enticing this time of year. Here, you can spend the holiday season connecting with family and creating lasting memories you’ll cherish for decades. If you’re sticking around for the holidays, New Year’s Eve in Gulf Shores is the perfect way to ring in 2025 with spectacular beach parties and fun events to celebrate the end of the year.

This guide will help you fill your Christmas vacation with seasonal events and activities that guarantee this spectacular beach town feels like Christmas, even at 60 degrees!

2024 Christmas Events

Here’s a small collection of local events in and around the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area. Many are free to attend, but you should check the events calendar in advance to confirm.

Attend the White Tie Rock Ensemble (November 16 to 18, 2024)

Photo Credit: Bruce Alan Bennett

Ring in the holiday season with your favorite hits from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This is one of the year’s first “Christmas” events and easily a local favorite. Grab your tickets here.

Attend the Infamous Santa Drop (December 7, 2024)

It’s like the New Year’s Eve Ball drop with a little Christmas cheer and adrenaline sports thrown in. Every year at the Flora Bama Bar, Santa does a sky-high jump over the stark white sand and kicks off a fun day of kid’s games, crafts, live music, and celebration. This bar is an absolute staple of the community and well worth a visit regardless of the season.

Enjoy the Christmas Night Market (December 5, 2024)

Photo Credit: Laura Battiato

In Europe, Christmas Markets are a staple of the holiday season. This festive market is hosted at the Coastal Alabama Market and offers a similar ambiance for those looking to embrace the Christmas spirit. Here, you can purchase all your locally crafted gifts and try some tasty homemade Christmas treats.

Flora-Bama Christmas Potluck (December 25, 2024)

This beach bar isn’t just dropping Santa. It’s also cooking up one of the best Christmas day dinners in town. But this isn’t your average sit-down dinner. This is a full potluck with the community. Flora-Bama provides the Ham and Turkey, but each family should bring a side dish to share with their fellow diners.

Lulu’s Lighted Boat Parade (December 14, 2024)

Photo Credit: Cynthia Liang

Rather than hitting the streets searching for the best Christmas lights, gather your loved ones and let the lights come to you! Station yourself by the Intracoastal Waterway on Canal Street to see a boat parade and the city’s best light displays float by.

Flora-Bama Make It To The Line Run (December 28, 2024)

Is your family the kind that loves a 5k after Thanksgiving? Why not make it the 4-mile Flora-Bama Make It To The Line Run after Christmas, then? Participants receive free food and drinks after the event. Even better, some of the proceeds from the run go to benefit the local Secret Santa program that gives to families in need. So you can feel doubly good about your morning run.

Solve a Ho Ho Homicide at a Murder Mystery Dinner Show (December 5 & 6, 2024)

Set at the Brandon Styles Live Theatre, this themed murder mystery plated dinner is sure to intrigue and entertain. While not family-friendly, this is a unique way to get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy a spectacular meal with an up-close interactive show.

Other Christmas Time Things to Do in Gulf Shores

While there are plenty of single-day events, the month of December hosts a variety of activities for those not keen to book ahead or plan on specific dates. Here are some of our favorite things to do for the whole family.

Get Photos With Santa at the Wharf

Photo Credit: Ground Picture

Everyone gets a photo of Santa Claus in a red suit. But only the chosen few who vacation to Gulf Shores get to nab a family photo with a bearded Hawaiian shirt-clad Santa. Enjoy the unique vacation Santa this season down at the Wharf.

While You’re There…Grab the Perfect Gift

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images

Known as Holly Days on Main, the gift shops and stores of Gulf Shores are bursting with goods this time of year. While the Wharf offers excellent shopping throughout the season, December 9 and 10 offers live music and a Santa-themed pub crawl for those 21+ visitors on the Wharf.

Still need help finding the perfect gift for your special someone? Make it yourself. The Clay Studio and The Hot Shop allow you to try your hand at pottery and glass blowing. Your friends and family will appreciate it even more as it’s homemade.

Carve it Up at the Ice Skating Rink

Christmas fun is synonymous with ice skating. You don’t have to be a professional on the ice to have some fun. This family-friendly activity is a great way to bond with the kids. The Wharf floods the rink every winter, and visitors enjoy beachfront skating for $15 a person. Buy a package ticket, and you can even throw in a ride on the sky-high Ferris Wheel.

Watch the Best Christmas Pageant Ever

This annual Christmas pageant is held at the South Baldwin Community Theatre for early visitors to Gulf Shores. Known to be comical and light-hearted, it’s a beautiful night of laughter and fun for theatre lovers.

Stroll Through Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights

Lit from late November through early January, the stunning Bellingrath Gardens will be luminescent with millions of lights. You can walk through the 16 Christmas scenes and get in the holiday spirit. Outside of the Christmas Season, you can also visit the gardens for a more traditional floral display that’s equally impressive.

Visit the Gulf State Park and Snaps Some Photos of Christmas Card Lane

Photo Credit: kjungmann

From December 4 to the 31st, you can head to the Lake Shelby Picnic area to see some of the best-lighted displays on the Gulf Coast. Pack up the car, grab a thermos of Hot Cocoa, and make an evening of it. Your stunning photos of Christmas Card Lane might make your Christmas card next year.

Packing for Your Christmas Gulf Shores Getaway

Gulf Shores in December is chilly—for Alabama’s beaches, that is, not for the average US town in winter. One of the main reasons people love to visit the Gulf in the wintertime is the comfortable temperatures and the lack of crowds.

Daytime temperatures range between 55 and 60 degrees, with nighttime lows around 45. This means you’ll want to pack at least a few Christmas sweaters in lieu of bathing suits. Here are a few other items besides your regular Gulf Shores packing list you should remember to throw in the suitcase for the holidays.

  • SPF 50 Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  • Beach towel
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes/Sandals
  • Christmas Sweaters
  • High-quality beach bag or Daypack

Book Your Gulf Shores Holiday

For those not looking to savor the snow this holiday season, you can get outside and enjoy a beach vacation at Gulf Shores, Alabama.

With incredible beaches, delicious eats, and lots of family-friendly attractions, this is the perfect family vacation destination this December. Our luxurious beach houses allow you to revel in the natural beauty of the Gulf while still maintaining an easy distance from all the amenities and attractions that will bring you to the oceanside town in the first place.

With no shortage of holiday events to fill your time with, you’ll soak in the sea AND the holiday spirit of a coastal Christmas this year. Make this a holiday tradition to remember!

A Traveler’s Guide to Fall in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores, Alabama, saw one of its hottest summers on record this year. While the scorching sun is a plus for your tan and a welcome break from colder weather, you might crave a less sweaty vacation with fewer crowds. That’s why we at Harris Vacations invite you to consider a vacation in Gulf Shores in the fall months.

Take the regular tourism numbers and cut them in half during October and November. You’ll still enjoy coastal views of the Alabama Gulf Coast and smiling sunshine but without the intense heat or crowds.

But what can you expect from your fall getaway in Gulf Shores? Our founder and team have spent a lifetime in the region. We’ll walk you through weather details, fall festivals, and other exciting activities to enjoy during fall in Gulf Shores.

Fall Weather in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

Photo Credit: Cavan-Images

Fall is the perfect time to visit Gulf Shores for your beach vacation, whether you’re on a romantic getaway or enjoying precious quality time with your family. Keep in mind that the City of Gulf Shores employs lifeguards on all its eight beaches from March all the way to October. So, if you come for a September or October vacation, you can still enjoy a relatively warm and safe swim.

The same goes for Orange Beach, a short 13-minute drive from Gulf Shores. In October, the water is still warm and swimmable. However, visitors in November might find the beach and water too chilly for a proper beach day.

Here are some average temperatures to expect in Gulf Shores during the fall season:

September

  • Water temperature: 81°
  • Average temperature: 78.6°
  • Daily high: 85.4°
  • Daily low: 73.8°

October

  • Water temperature: 74°
  • Average temperature: 71.2°
  • Daily high: 77.5°
  • Daily low: 64.8°

November

  • Water temperature: 65°
  • Average temperature: 62.5°
  • Daily high: 69.1°
  • Daily low: 55.8°

3 Best Things to Do in the Fall in Gulf Shores

Who says you can’t enjoy the beach or nature in the fall? If anything, some of our favorite outdoor activities in Gulf Shores are more relaxing when the heat isn’t so sweltering. Here are our favorite things to do during the fall season in Gulf Shores.

1. Enjoy a Gulf Shores Beach Day

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images

Water temperatures stay pretty warm throughout September and a good chunk of October, meaning you can still bust out that bikini and enjoy Gulf Shores’ infamous beaches. You might bring a picnic basket with some goodies from one of the town’s fabulous seafood restaurants or enjoy some water sports like jet skiing or kayaking.

And even if it’s too cold to go swimming? The beach still welcomes you with its gorgeous sunset views and sugar-white sands. Take a romantic stroll or enjoy a picnic with a beautiful backdrop.

Our favorite Gulf Shores beaches:

2. Get Your Hike On

Photo Credit: Maridav

Who wants to go hiking when you’re sweating buckets from the heat? Not many — that’s why summer isn’t necessarily the best time for hiking in our view. But fall weather plus nature and exciting wildlife trails? Sounds like the perfect combination.

Gulf Shores’ temperatures range from 75 to 80 degrees in fall months (except November which gets a bit chillier), which makes it a great time to enjoy nature. All you need is a light jacket, and even during daily highs you could get away with a t-shirt. Our town’s hiking trails gift trekkers with ample views of birds and wildlife like raccoons and, if you’re lucky, alligators!

Our favorite places to hike in Gulf Shores:

3. Spend Time on the Water on Fishing Charters and Dolphin Cruises

Photo Credit: Nigel Jarvis

We’d recommend this one closer to the beginning of fall so you don’t feel too cold on the boat — but either way, a windbreaker, and layers will still keep you cozy on the ocean in October and November! Gulf Shores has abundant options for boat experiences, but our favorite has to be the fishing charter. Don’t you want to see where your favorite Gulf Coast seafood comes from?

One we’d really recommend is from Easy Living Charters, a company that offers both charters to fish speckled and white trout, flounder, King Mackerel, and more, along with dolphin cruises that will have kids and adults alike marveling in wonder.

Fall Events in Gulf Shores

Craving live music, stellar cuisine, and a little bit of culture on your fall getaway? Check out these fall events in Gulf Shores. Just make sure you double-check each event’s website to confirm dates and times as well.

1. Annual National Shrimp Festival

Photo Credit: tairome

Craving a shrimp po’boy? How about gumbo or simply buttery garlic boiled shrimp? No matter your shrimp palate, you’ll find a ton of Gulf Shores seafood at the annual National Shrimp Festival.

The sidewalks touching the beaches fill up with endless food vendor stands selling shrimp in 100 different ways for you to enjoy in the sunshine. In the background, you’ll hear live music ranging from Motown and jazz to classical rock and country.

2. Alabama Coastal BirdFest

Photo Credit: pongsatorn imudom

This October event will take you about an hour away from Gulf Shores to Spanish Fort, Alabama — but if you’re a bird lover? You can’t miss the breathtaking sights of over 300 species of birds flying south from Canada during the fall season. Hummingbirds, herons, and plovers are just a few examples.

The festival has a few events within its three days for you to pick from, from bird-spotting walks to kayak trips and workshops on specific birds or watching techniques.

3. Orange Beach Freedom Fest

Photo Credit: Jorge A. Russell

Feeling patriotic? Then you can’t miss Freedom Fest, a four-time running festival that highlights pride for the USA. You’ll find various booths from the US forces, a collectibles firearm show, and even a First Responders’ demonstration from the Orange Beach fire and police departments.

There’s no shortage of food vendors for your favorite American and Southern fare, like cheeseburgers, barbecue, and much more. Freedom Fest is extremely family-friendly, with bouncing castles, live music sponsored by Flora-Bama, and a classic car show to stroll through with the whole family.

What to Pack for Fall in Gulf Shores

Photo Credit: Inara Prusakova

While September and October are still fairly warm in Gulf Shores, November brings a pleasant dip in temperatures and sometimes breezy weather! Here is how you can prepare when packing essentials.

  • Lightweight Clothing: Layers are ideal; pack t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan to enjoy the beach or a pool.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Bring sandals for the beach and sturdy shoes for exploring local trails and attractions.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun, even in autumn, with a high SPF sunscreen.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: For additional sun protection and comfort.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring the beautiful outdoors.
  • Beach Towels: Perfect for lounging on the sand or drying off after a swim.
  • Camera or Smartphone: Capture the stunning landscapes and special moments during your trip.
  • Bug Spray: Autumn can still bring pesky insects, so pack some for outdoor activities.

Book Your Fall Getaway at Gulf Shores with Harris Vacations!

Fall is a lovely season to visit the Alabama coast for its milder weather (without sacrificing sunshine), fewer crowds, and variety of exciting events. But you can’t enjoy Gulf Shores any season without a comfortable place to stay.

Whether you want an Orange Beach condo along the coast or a Gulf Shores villa for your extended family, Harris Vacations has you covered. We’ve been in the vacation rental business for over ten years and have hundreds of happy clients who rely on us every year for their Gulf Shores vacation.

Find your Gulf Shores vacation rental today!

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