Christmas on the Alabama Gulf Coast just hits different, y’all. The air is cooler, the sunsets are brighter, the crowds are lighter, and the whole coast seems wrapped up like one big bow topped present. Whether you’re staying in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or down the quiet shoreline of Fort Morgan, spending Christmas week with BEACHBALL PROPERTIES is pure coastal magic.

But as any good Southerner will tell you, a holiday ain’t a holiday unless you know where you’re eating. Some spots take the day off, others deck the halls, and a select few roll out festive holiday menus. So, BEACHBALLERS, grab a mug of cocoa (or a margarita, no judgment here), and let’s dig in.

Christmas Day Meals On The Coast

Foodcraft in Gulf Shores (at The Lodge Gulf State Park)

If Christmas-on-the-water had a headquarters, it’d be Foodcraft. With stunning views of the Gulf and a menu that leans into coastal comfort, their Christmas Day service is one of the most reliable traditions in town. Expect festive dishes, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality that feels like Sunday supper with your favorite aunt.

Villaggio Grille in Orange Beach (at The Wharf)

Villaggio is hosting a curated Christmas Dinner, complete with a special holiday menu that feels classic, cozy and elegant. Located right in the heart of The Wharf, it is a perfect way to enjoy a beautiful meal before strolling through the Christmas lights or catching the last of the holiday festivities. Reservations are required, so be sure to call ahead.

Flora Bama Christmas Day Potluck

The legendary Flora Bama hosts a true Gulf Coast tradition on Christmas Day with a community style potluck inside the main bar. Guests and locals bring covered dishes, Flora Bama provides the meat, and everyone shares a holiday meal that feels like one big coastal family reunion. Live music usually keeps the atmosphere festive, and the whole experience is wonderfully laid back. BEACHBALL tip: bring a dish if you plan to join in and always double check times before you go since holiday schedules can change.

Take-Home Holiday Meals (Publix & Rouses)

Both Rouses and Publix offer full Christmas heat-and-serve meals, perfect for guests staying in a Beachball rental with a gorgeous kitchen begging to be used. From traditional ham and turkey dinners to sides your grandmama would approve of, these meals make hosting simple and stress-free.

Why it’s a win:
You get the home-cooked feel without washing a mountain of dishes. Hallelujah.

Festive Christmas Eve Eats Around The Coast

Papa Rocco’s in Gulf Shores
A longtime local favorite, Papa Rocco’s brings a fun, laid back Christmas Eve experience with pizza, oysters and live music that keeps the holiday spirit bright. It is casual, lively and perfect for families or groups who want a no fuss, good food, good vibes kind of Christmas Eve dinner. Their motto is Home of Warm Beer and Lousy Pizza, but every Beachballer knows the beer stays cold and the pizza is always a hit.

The Barometer in Orange Beach
The Barometer offers a cozy, chef driven dining experience with elevated coastal dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their Christmas Eve service often includes specials, handcrafted cocktails and the kind of hospitality that makes the evening feel festive without being crowded or rushed. It is an excellent choice for guests wanting a relaxed but memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

Jesse’s on the Bay in Fort Morgan
Jesse’s offers a special Christmas Eve menu and a stunning waterfront setting. It is upscale yet relaxed, ideal for couples or anyone looking for a holiday meal that feels a little extra without being overly formal.

Waffle House in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Waffle House is famously open on Christmas Eve, offering comfort, consistency and a no fuss holiday meal. Whether you want a warm breakfast before a day of festivities or a late night bite after Christmas Eve services, Waffle House is always ready for hungry Beachballers.

Christmas Week Coastal Fun

Christmas week on the Gulf Coast has its own kind of charm, one you simply cannot find anywhere else. The season blends classic holiday traditions with coastal beauty, mild temperatures and a relaxed pace that makes everything feel a little more magical. You still get the twinkling lights, the hearty meals and the joy of the season, but you get to enjoy them in flip flops instead of snow boots. It truly is the best of both worlds and sets the perfect stage for a holiday spent with BEACHBALL PROPERTIES.

There is no shortage of festive fun along the Alabama shoreline. Whether you prefer something active, something cozy or something downright magical, the Gulf Coast offers plenty of ways to make the season sparkle. Guests can fill their Christmas week with experiences such as:

• Ice skating at The Wharf
• Exploring Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens
• Watching a pastel winter sunset at Gulf State Park Pier
• Listening to live music at the legendary Flora Bama
• Sipping hot cocoa or grabbing a holiday treat at The Wharf before an evening stroll through the Christmas lights

BEACHBALLER Tip: The crowds thin out after sunset, so if you want quieter holiday magic, plan your Wharf or pier visits just after dark. The lights feel even brighter, and the photos turn out gorgeous.

A Coastal Christmas With Beachball Properties

Whether you’re indulging in a Christmas Eve feast, joining the Flora-Bama potluck, enjoying a classic breakfast at Waffle House or picking up a ready-to-serve meal from Publix or Rouses, the Alabama Gulf Coast makes holiday dining easy and joyful.

If you’re searching for the perfect place to celebrate the season, unwind and create new memories, BEACHBALL PROPERTIES would love to welcome you. Our Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan vacation rentals offer all the comforts of home with the magic of the coast.

Merry Christmas, BEACHBALLERS. We can’t wait to host you this holiday season!

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson