Gulf Shores is the perfect Christmas or New Year's escape. It's less crowded than the spring and summer high season, and the weather is consistently mild and quite pleasant. In December, average temperatures are 66° F with only about 8 days of rain The lack of other tourists ensures a relaxing, quiet and crowd-free experience. Traffic and grocery store lines are non-existant, and securing restaurant reservations at that popular seafood spot is no problem. Plus, you'll save significant mullah on your Gulf Shores vacation rental during the winter months.
So, now that you're convinced, read our local Gulf Shores holiday guide to experience the best of the season.
Get Free Nights on Your Christmas Vacation Rental with Winter-Long Deals
Now through February, Gulf Shores Rentals is offering two free nights for reservations of seven nights or one free night for reservations of three nights. You can put those savings in the bank or splurge on presents under the tree or next to the menorah for your loved ones. Learn more about how to recieve free nights.
Check out the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade & other Holiday Events
Holiday traditions are strong in the Gulf Shores area. From the Lighted Christmas Parade along the Public Beach and Sims Park to the annual tree lighting ceremony on The Wharf, Gulf Shores is the perfect place for seaside seasonal celebrations. However, the one event you don't want to miss is the Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Every mid December for over 30 years, nearly 50 boats decorated with festive lights cruise down the Intercoastal Waterway Canal. For more details on this "don't-miss" event and insider tips for the best spots to watch the beautiful spectacle, check out the event page.
Treat Yourself to a Seafood Feast on Christmas
Gulf Shore Rentals offer plenty of homes and condos with fully equipped kitchens, but you're on vacation after all so you may not want to cook a huge Christmas meal. Here are some popular spots that are open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or both.
Gulf Shores Restaurants Open on Christmas Day:
- Anchor Bar & Grill, open Christmas Eve, 4575 S. Wilson, 251-200-0250
- Barefoot Island Grill, open Christmas Eve, 27370 Canal Rd., 251-256-0055
- Bayes Southern Bar & Grill, open Christmas Eve, 4673 Wharf Pkwy., Ste. B, 251-240-0411
- Blue Water BBQ Company, open Christmas Eve, 4780 Wharf Pkwy., F101, 251-256-0081
- Brick & Spoon, open Christmas Eve, 24705 Canal Rd., 251-981-7772
- Bubbas Seafood, open Christmas Eve & Day, 24621 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-974-1800
- China Dragon Chinese Restaurant, open Christmas Eve, 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. 19, 251-981-5855
- China King, open Christmas Day, 25637 Canal Rd., Ste. G, 251-224-1888
- Chronic Tacos, open Christmas Day, 25755 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. A, 251-981-0040
- Doc's Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar, open Christmas Eve & Day, 26029 Canal Rd., 251-981-6999
- Duck's Diner, open Christmas Eve, 4560 Easy St., 251-948-9191
- Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, open Christmas Day & Eve, 17401 Perdido Key Dr., (850) 492-0611
- Franco's Casual Italian Restaurant, open Christmas Eve, 25241 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-981-9800
- Gilbey's Seafood & Steak, open Christmas Eve, 25775 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-981-2988
- Ginny Lane Bar & Grill at The Warf, open Christmas Eve, 4851 Wharf Pkwy., Ste. D106, 251-224-6500
- Hurrican Grill & Wings, open Christmas Day & Eve, 25755 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. E 251-981-3041
- Island Wing Company, open Christmas Day & Eve, 3947 AL-59 Suite 100, (251) 970-1337
- Louisiana Lagniappe at Sanroc Cay, open Christmas Eve, 27267 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. 302 251-981-2258
- Master Joe's, open Christmas Eve, 27121 Canal Rd., 251-981-8889
- Mexico Lindo, open Christmas Day & Eve, 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd., St. 25, 251-974-2777
- Moe's Original BBQ, open Christmas Eve at 4 p.m., 25603 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-981-7427
- Rafters Restaurant & Sports Bar, open Christmas Day, 3800 Gulf Shores Pkwy #370, 251-968-3000
- Rotolo's Pizzeria, open Christmas Eve, 25755 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. F-1 251-981-8891
- Shrimp Basket of Orange Beach, open Christmas Eve, 26651 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-974-1833
- Snapper's Lounge, open Christmas Day & Eve, 25637 Canal Rd., 251-981-4699
- Sol Y Mar Mexican Grill & Cantina, open Christmas Eve, 4725 Main St., Ste. F-123, 251-271-0800
- Tacky Jacks - Orange Beach, open Christmas Eve, 27206 Safe Harbor Dr., 251-981-4144
- The Flying Harpoo 2, open Christmas Day & Eve, 23479 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-981-8100
- The Gulf, open Christmas Eve, 27500 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-424-1800
- The Keg Lounge & Grill, open Christmas Eve & Day, 26796 Canal Rd., 251-981-9462
- The Ruby Slipper Cafe, open Christmas Eve, 24151 Perdido Beach Blvd., 251-800-7470
- The Southern Gring at Indigo, open Christmas Eve, 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd., Ste. A 251-923-3265
- The Undertow Bar & Grill, open Christmas Day & Eve, 25025 Canal Rd., 251-981-3331
- Villaggio Grille at The Warf, open Christmas Eve, 4790 Wharf Pkwy., Ste. 108B, 251-224-6510
- Waffe House, open Christmas Day & Eve, 382 E Beach Blvd, (251) 948-5901
Reserve Your Holiday Vacation Home
Don't wait until it's too late - reserve your vacation home for the holiday now! We offer gulf-front rentals, pet-friendly rentals and more.