Waves crashing onto the shore of Gulf Shores beach

How to Spend 12 Days of Christmas

in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

November 4, 2024

Give your family holiday to remember with a getaway to Alabama's Beaches. While the chances of seeing snow are slim, you can experience the Alabama Gulf Coast's version of a white Christmas, complete with white sand, coastal cocktails, and comfortable weather. Enjoy 12 days of Christmas in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with these ideas to help you count down the days until December 25.

A plate of a dozen chargrilled oysters at Flora-Bama

12 Oysters to Indulge In

You can’t pass up fresh seafood when on our shores. Order a dozen oysters at one of the dozen seafood spots in the area and savor the delicious taste of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

A family taking a selfie in front the mural at The Wharf

11 Spots to Snap a Photo

Freshen up your feed with vacation pics at one of these Instagramable spots on Alabama’s Beaches.

a basket of shrimp tacos at The Gulf beachfront restaurant in Orange Beach

10 food trails to try

Bring your appetite to the beach and satisfy your tastebuds with 10 different food and drink trails highlighting the exquisite cuisine of our shores.

Family sightseeing on the trails in Gulf State Park

9 ecosystems in Gulf State Park

Walk, run, or bike through the 28 miles of paved trails of Gulf State Park. Along the way, you’ll experience 9 distinct ecosystems abounding with local flora and fauna.

Chocolate bushwacker cocktail at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

8 ingredients for the perfect bushwacker

Two liqueurs, two different rums, ice cream, cream of coconut, ice, and chocolate syrup are all you need to make the delicious drink of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Band performing on a stage at Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar

7 days a week of live music

Sit back and listen to the tunes of local musicians every day of the week at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar.

Go-karts racing at The Track Family Fun Park in Gulf Shores

6 go-kart courses to race on

On your marks. Get set. Go! Race around the six thrilling go-kart courses at The Track Family Fun Park.

Men playing golf at Peninsula Racquet & Golf Club in Gulf Shores

5 golf courses to play

Bring your clubs and play a few rounds on the five pristine courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

a flight of local beers at Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores

4 brews in a flight

Order a flight at Big Beach Brewing and try four of the delicious, locally brewed beers made in-house.

Drone shot of people walking and relaxing on the beaches of Gulf Shores

3 beach towns to discover

Discover the charm of each of the three beach towns that make up Alabama’s Beaches: Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan.

Couple dining outside at sunset at Jesse's on the Bay waterfront restaurant

Dinner for 2

Book a dinner for two at any of the fabulous restaurants in the area. Whether you dine under the stars, by the water, or in the sand, a meal on Alabama’s Beaches is one to remember.

Family walking on a boardwalk at Beach Village Resort

1 unforgettable vacation

Fall in love with Alabama’s Beaches and cherish the memories you make during your vacation! Experience all these things and more in one incredible destination.