7 Christmas Day Trips Worth Taking from Pensacola
Spectacular Christmas lights, glowing boat rides, ice skating and charming coastal towns. Your guide to the best holiday adventures on the Gulf Coast this December.
Explore Christmas Day Trips ↓Make This Christmas a Little More Magical
Christmas is in full swing along the Gulf Coast, and some of the region’s most memorable holiday experiences are just a short drive from Pensacola.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a Christmas date night or looking to start a new holiday tradition, these seven destinations are worth making the drive for this month.
Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens
Few Christmas light displays on the Gulf Coast compare to Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home.
Celebrating its 31st year, the annual event transforms the 65 acre estate into a holiday wonderland filled with illuminated pathways, handcrafted light displays and colorful Christmas scenes.
Explore the gardens, enjoy seasonal refreshments and see the historic Bellingrath Home beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Christmas at OWA & Glow Pedal Boats
Imagine cruising across a lake aboard your very own glowing pedal boat, surrounded by Christmas lights reflecting across the water.
Downtown OWA is one of the closest Christmas destinations to Pensacola, and Aura Adventures offers one of the most unique ways to experience its festive atmosphere.
Book an illuminated pedal boat or clear glow kayak and enjoy the sights of Downtown OWA from the water on select operating evenings.
More Christmas Fun at OWA
Ice Skating & Christmas Lights at Baytowne Wharf
You don’t have to travel north to experience one of winter’s most popular activities.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is home to a seasonal ice skating rink, beautifully decorated storefronts, waterfront restaurants and a full calendar of Christmas entertainment.
Baytowne on Ice offers 90 minute skating sessions for $15, with skate rentals available for an additional $3. Skating hours vary by date.
Destin’s Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
One of the most uniquely coastal Christmas traditions on the Emerald Coast takes place on the waters of Destin Harbor.
The 40th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade will feature boats decorated with colorful Christmas lights and festive displays as they make their way through the harbor.
Spectators can enjoy the procession from waterfront locations between Harry T’s and Harbor Docks.
Spend the afternoon exploring Destin, enjoy dinner overlooking the water and find your viewing spot before the parade begins.
Christmas in Fairhope & the Grand Holiday Stroll
If you’re looking for a Christmas experience that feels like something out of a holiday movie, Fairhope is hard to beat.
Downtown Fairhope’s charming streets are filled with illuminated trees, decorated storefronts, locally owned boutiques and cozy restaurants during the Christmas season.
Just a short drive south, the historic Grand Hotel offers another reason to visit the Eastern Shore during December.
The fourth annual Grand Holiday Stroll features beautifully decorated grounds, illuminated oak trees and an impressive gingerbread replica of the historic hotel.
Spend the afternoon Christmas shopping in downtown Fairhope before heading to the Grand Hotel for an evening beneath the lights.
Christmas Nights in Lights
If you love Christmas lights but would rather enjoy them from the comfort of your car, Christmas Nights in Lights in Mobile is a great option.
The attraction features approximately one million lights synchronized to Christmas music playing through your vehicle’s radio.
Bring the family, grab some hot chocolate and enjoy colorful displays and illuminated tunnels without ever leaving your vehicle.
Location: Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama.
Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival
For those willing to venture a little farther west, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival offers an unforgettable Christmas experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The annual festival transforms Jones Park into a waterfront holiday attraction filled with elaborate Christmas light displays, carnival rides and Santa’s Village.
Visitors can ride the holiday train, enjoy seasonal refreshments and explore the park’s colorful illuminated displays.
Which Christmas Day Trip Should You Take?
Glow Pedal Boats at OWA
Dinner, Christmas lights and a glowing adventure on the water.
Explore OWA →Bellingrath Gardens
An incredible illuminated garden experience worth making an entire evening out of.
Explore Bellingrath →Gulfport Harbor Lights
A holiday train, colorful lights, carnival rides and Santa Claus.
Explore Gulfport →