Christmas at the Beach: Spending the Holidays in Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan

Christmas at the beach sounds a little strange until you've done it. Then it becomes the tradition everybody asks about next year. No snow to shovel, a sunrise walk on Christmas morning, and a house big enough that the whole family is actually together. December is one of the quietest months out here, and it's a lovely one.

New to the area? Our complete Fort Morgan guide covers the basics.

What December is like

Mild and mostly sunny, with highs in the low 60s and cool nights. It's not swimming weather (the Gulf is around 60 degrees), but it's great for beach walks, fishing, and sitting by the fire pit. Pack layers. Some days you'll be in a T-shirt, and some mornings you'll want a real jacket. Our weather guide has the details.

Holiday things worth the drive

The Wharf in Orange Beach goes all out for winter, usually with an ice skating rink, carriage rides, the Ferris wheel, and a big light show around the Christmas tree. It's about 30 minutes from us and an easy evening out.

The Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on the Intracoastal Waterway is usually on a Saturday in mid-December. LuLu's in Gulf Shores and The Wharf are both good places to watch.

Bellingrath Gardens' Magic Christmas in Lights is a bigger trip, but it's worth it. The 65-acre gardens near Mobile are covered in lights, and you can walk the grounds with hot chocolate. From Fort Morgan, you can drive around the bay or take the ferry across to Dauphin Island and drive up from there. (Check the ferry schedule first, since it doesn't run in rough weather.) More in our ferry guide.

And for something only-on-the-coast, the Flora-Bama's Santa Drop in early December has Santa parachuting onto the beach. Kids tend to remember that one.

Christmas Day at the house

This is where a big house makes the holiday. At The Beach Bayou there's room for 14, seating for 14 at dinner, a full kitchen for the big meal, and a fire pit and private hot tub for Christmas night. The kids get the bunk room, the grandparents get the first-floor king suite, and everybody gets a little space when they need it.

A couple of practical tips: do your big grocery run a few days early, since stores close or run short hours on Christmas Day. Our grocery guide has the stops. The historic fort closes on Christmas and New Year's Day. And bring the stockings. They fit on a beach house just fine.

Why December is a smart booking

December rates are some of the lowest of the year (outside the holiday week itself), the beach is close to empty, and you can come down for a quiet week before the holidays get busy. If you book with us directly, you skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees, get complimentary early check-in and late checkout when the calendar allows, and pet fees are 20% off. The dog deserves a beach Christmas too.

A few quick questions we get

Is Gulf Shores worth visiting at Christmas?

Yes, if you like quiet. December is mild and uncrowded, and there's plenty going on for the holidays, from The Wharf's winter events to the lighted boat parade and Bellingrath's Christmas lights.

What's the weather like in Gulf Shores in December?

Mild and mostly sunny, with highs in the low 60s and the water around 60 degrees. Bring layers for cool mornings and evenings.

What is there to do in Gulf Shores in December?

Ice skating and lights at The Wharf, the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, Bellingrath Gardens' Magic Christmas in Lights near Mobile, the Flora-Bama Santa Drop, and quiet beach days.

Start a new holiday tradition. Check dates and book direct at The Beach Bayou →

Book with us directly and you’ll skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees (save $), get complimentary early check-in and late checkout when the calendar allows, and take 20% off pet fees.