Gulf Shores Christmas Events 2026: Community Christmas, Baldwin Pops and More

GULF SHORES, Ala. — December in Gulf Shores will be packed with holiday cheer. The city has released its lineup of Gulf Shores Christmas events for 2026, headlined by a brand-new Community Christmas celebration on Thursday, Dec. 3, and a free Baldwin Pops concert in a new home on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with storytimes, crafts and a Polar Express night filling in the weeks between.

Gulf Shores Christmas Events at a Glance

Here is the full city calendar in date order:

• Thursday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.: Ornament Making with Mrs. Claus Storytime, Gulf Shores Public Library
• Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.: Community Christmas at multiple city facilities, with the library tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.: Ramble On: Christmas Edition, meeting at the Cultural Center (pre-registration required)
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.: Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert, Gulf Shores High School Performing Arts Center (doors at 5:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m.: Visit from Santa Storytime, Gulf Shores Public Library
• Friday, Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.: Polar Express Night, Cultural Center (pre-registration required)
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m.: Cookie Decorating with the Elves, Gulf Shores Public Library
• Thursday, Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m.: Craftmas, Gulf Shores Activity Center (pre-registration required)

A New Way to Kick Off the Season

The city is introducing a fresh format this year called Community Christmas. Rather than centering everything in one spot, the festivities will spread across several city facilities beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Families can expect photos with Santa, rides in horse-drawn carriages, seasonal treats, and crafts and activities set up by local businesses and community organizations. The high point of the evening comes at 5:45 p.m., when the Christmas tree at the Gulf Shores Public Library is lit.

The city is also extending an invitation to community partners who would like to take part by hosting activities during the celebration. Businesses and groups interested in participating can reach out to the City of Gulf Shores.

Holiday Music From the Baldwin Pops

The Baldwin Pops will return for its yearly Christmas concert on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., this time at a different venue: the Gulf Shores High School Performing Arts Center, 21656 Coastal Gateway Boulevard. The group is made up of volunteer musicians committed to bringing live concert band music to the community, and the evening will feature familiar holiday favorites.

Admission is free, and no ticket is needed. Seating is first come, first served, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., so those hoping for a good seat may want to arrive early.

The concert also doubles as a chance to give. Baldwin Pops Concerts serves as a collection site for Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program that gathers new toys for children in need during the holidays. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate.

Storytimes for Little Ones at the Library

The Gulf Shores Public Library has scheduled three holiday-themed morning storytimes, each starting at 10:30 a.m.:

• Dec. 3: Children can make ornaments with Mrs. Claus.
• Dec. 10: Santa stops by for a special storytime visit.
• Dec. 17: Young guests can decorate cookies with the elves.

These programs are a natural fit for parents, grandparents and caregivers of young children looking for festive weekday activities.

Recreation Department Programs Require Sign-Up

The Gulf Shores Recreation Department is adding three seasonal programs of its own, and each one requires registration in advance:

• Ramble On: Christmas Edition on Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m., with participants meeting at the Cultural Center.
• Polar Express Night on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center.
• Craftmas on Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gulf Shores Activity Center.

Because space may be limited, residents interested in these programs should register early through the city.

How to Plan Your Holiday Calendar

Of the full lineup, only the three recreation programs are marked as requiring advance sign-up; the library storytimes, Community Christmas and the Baldwin Pops concert carry no such requirement on the city schedule. Details, registration information and updates are available through the City of Gulf Shores website.

For more seasonal happenings along the coast, follow our Gulf Shores news and Things to Do coverage.