Last updated 11/5/2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and one of the most popular times to visit Fairhope, Alabama. From twinkling tree lights in the heart of downtown to elegant resort holiday happenings, this season will have you feeling like you’re walking through a Hallmark Christmas movie. Whether this is your first visit to Fairhope or you call this charming city home, this post will walk you through the top activities and events to make sure you don’t miss a thing during the Christmas season.

For the full list of upcoming activities in Fairhope, check out our Event page.

Where can I see Santa in Fairhope?

There are many ways to see Santa in Fairhope over the Christmas season. He’ll pop up in several places throughout November and December, but you can always count on the following events (outlined in more detail below).

• Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade – If your goal is simply to see Santa, attendees can find him at the end of Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade riding a big, red fire truck.
• Santa Saturdays – For a meet-and-greet with Santa, parents and kids can stop by the Fairhope’s Museum of History for pictures.
• Breakfast with Santa – Enjoy a more formal experience at the Grand Hotel Resort, which includes professional photos.
• Breakfast at the Manger – This annual event at Fairhope United Methodist Church includes pictures with Santa and a pancake breakfast.   
• First Fairhope’s Breakfast with Santa: This free event includes breakfast for kids, crafts, and photos with Santa.    

Christmas Activities and Events in Fairhope, Alabama

There is only one way to kick off the holiday season in Fairhope! Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees is an annual event held on the third Thursday in November. With over a million twinkling lights, holiday music, hot chocolate, a snowdrop, and pictures with Mrs. Claus, this event is one of our favorite Fairhope Christmas traditions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The stage for Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees is located at the intersection of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue. It typically faces east, so the best viewing spots are in front of it (on Fairhope Avenue) or along the sides (on Section Street).
• Live holiday music plays before and after the lighting, and guests can expect holiday greetings from the mayor.
• At 6:00pm sharp, the countdown begins! Once the countdown is complete, the trees light up (not necessarily all at once) and an artificial snowfall begins at the main intersection.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Arrive early: The best views are near the main intersection.
• Expect crowds: This is a very popular event and getting in and out can be challenging. If you do not like crowds, but still want to be a part of the festivities, find a spot further down Fairhope Avenue. You’ll still see the trees light up without the crush of people. Also, while many people want to be underneath the snow the moment it starts to fall, it will go on for a while so you can wait it out. After a few minutes, the crowds will thin (some) and you will still be able to experience it.
• Parking: Finding a good parking spot during the Lighting of the Trees can be very difficult. Arriving early can help but be extra mindful of the No Parking signs that are put up throughout the downtown area. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed.
• Dress for the weather: Yes, Fairhope is in lower Alabama, and the weather can be mild, even in the winter months, but it can also get pretty chilly. It is always better to be prepared than miserable.

The holiday festivities continue the Saturday after Fairhope’s Lighting of the Trees with the annual Christmas Movie in the Street. This family-friendly event transforms the main intersection with decorations inspired by that year’s movie. Previous showings have included “The Grinch” and “The Polar Express.”

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The Christmas Movie in the Street takes place at the intersection of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue.
• Attendees should bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks.
• Kids are encouraged to wear their Christmas pajamas.
• The event typically takes place from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Arrive early: If you want the best spot, you will need to arrive early.
• Expect a crowd: This is a popular event for families with children so you can expect it to be busy, but not nearly as busy as the Lighting of the Trees.
• Check the weather: Dress warmly and monitor the City of Fairhope’s social media for weather updates or schedule changes.

The holiday weekend concludes with Fairhope’s Christmas Open House. During this annual Sunday-afternoon event, most of the downtown shops open their doors (even those normally closed on Sundays), making it a perfect time to enjoy downtown Fairhope all weekend long. Shoppers can expect festive decorations, special deals, and discounts. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• This is a great opportunity to kickstart your Christmas shopping. If you need help mapping out which stores to check out, visit our Shopping page for more information.
• Live music often adds to the festive atmosphere.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Stop by the Fairhope Welcome Center: Beautifully decorated for the season, the Fairhope Welcome Center makes a fun photo backdrop. Kids can also pick up their letters to write to Santa and drop them in the big red mailbox out front. In a couple of weeks, they can expect to receive a letter in return!
• Bring your patience: This event is busy, but not hectic. Parking can be challenging. Make sure to check the parking garage if street parking isn’t available. 

A beloved hometown tradition, Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade features over 60 local entries, including floats, bands, and of course, Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck!

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The parade begins at the intersection of Morphy and Section Street.
• Some floats will throw beads, candy, or other trinkets so a small bag can be helpful.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Arrive early: As with the Movie in the Street event, this is a popular event, but specifically for families with children. The main intersections offer the most magical views, but also draw the biggest crowds. 
• Parking: Downtown parking is always challenging, especially during events. Some churches offer parking in their lots for a small donation. Be mindful of the “No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed.
• Check for weather updates: If there is inclement weather, the city will reschedule this event. Check their social accounts on the day of for any changes to the date or time.
• No First Friday Art Walk: The monthly art walk does not occur in December due to the parade.

Looking for a free spot to take pictures with Santa? Santa Saturdays are going to be your best option! On the first and second Saturday of December, stop by the charming white house in front of the Fairhope Museum of History. Here guests can visit Santa Claus and have their pictures made.

What To Expect

• Santa Saturdays take place from 10:30am – 12:00pm.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Plan to wait: People will typically begin queuing up as early as 10:00am. Although efficiently run, this is a special time for children to ask Santa questions and tell him what they would like for Christmas so be prepared to wait. The line can get long, especially in the beginning.  
• Bring your camera: Plan to have your own camera on hand for pictures with Santa. 
• Visit the Fairhope Welcome Center: If you haven’t dropped off your official letter to Santa, this is a great time to visit the Fairhope Welcome Center (located next door to the Fairhope Museum of History). It also makes a good holiday backdrop for pictures.

Christmas at the Grand Hotel Resort and Spa

No holiday visit to the Fairhope area is complete without spending time at The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa. Hosting multiple events throughout the Christmas season, this resort that truly leans into the season with elegance, charm, and family-friendly fun. Guests should note that some dates will sell out as early as October (specifically Breakfast with Santa), so we always recommend booking your tickets early when possible.

Below is a list of the top Christmas events at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope. If you can’t attend one of the events, we still think it’s worth a visit to see it dressed up. The restaurants are open to the public and if you can go on a weeknight, you can avoid the heavier weekend crowds.

Make sure to head through the main lobby to view the extravagant gingerbread house version of the Grand Hotel, then walk the lakefront to enjoy the lights and decorations.

Create a new tradition with a visit to the Grand Hotel for their Grand Holiday Stroll. The Grand Holiday Stroll is a fantastic way to explore the grounds of the hotel with some additional Christmas magic sprinkled in. With multiple dates throughout the holiday season, this is one of the easier events to attend at the Grand Hotel.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The stroll takes place from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.  
• Enjoy a leisurely walk through the property and inside the hotel to see lights, the massive gingerbread village, and holiday décor. 
• Tickets include hot chocolate, s’mores, carolers, and pictures with Mrs. Claus.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Tickets are required: The Grand Holiday Stroll is a ticketed event and guests will need to arrive on the date of their pre-purchased ticket. Tickets are available at the door, if not sold out.
• Beat the crowds: The week after Christmas is usually quieter than the weeks leading up to it.
• Parking at the Grand Hotel: Complimentary self-parking is available. Guests may also choose to valet.  

Santa makes a special appearance at the Grand Hotel Resort and Spa for its annual Breakfast with Santa event, featuring one-on-one time with Santa and a full breakfast buffet.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The buffet is served between 7:00am – 10:30am.
• Upon arrival, guests will check-in and immediately queue to meet Santa. Professional pictures are taken by Renaissance Portrait Studio. Then, guests will proceed to breakfast.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• This event sells out quickly: Even with multiple dates and time selections, this event sells out every year. We would highly recommend booking as soon as you know which date and time you would like.
• Outside photography is not permitted: If you would like photos of the event (which most people do), you will need to book your photo session after purchasing your Breakfast with Santa tickets.  
• Parking at the Grand Hotel: Complimentary self-parking is available. Guests may also choose to valet.  
• Refund Policy: Tickets for Breakfast with Santa are non-refundable and tickets will not be available at the door.

Join the Grand Chefs for a special holiday Culinary Academy – How to Decorate a Gingerbread House. This interactive class will teach guests step-by-step how to decorate a gingerbread house.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• This event has a limited class size (recommended 1-3 guests per house).

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Tickets are required: The Culinary Academy – How to Decorate a Gingerbread House is a ticketed event.
• Purchase tickets early: This event will sell out so purchasing tickets as early as possible is necessary.  
• Parking at the Grand Hotel: Complimentary self-parking is available. Guests may also choose to valet.  

Other Noteworthy Christmas Events in Fairhope, Alabama

• St. Lawrence Christmas Bazaar: Free to the public, this annual indoor event features over 40 vendors, photos with Santa, reindeer games, an online auction, bake sale, gumbo sale, hot cocoa, Santa’s Workshop, and more, all benefiting different service groups within the church.
• Breakfast at the Manger: Fairhope United Methodist Church hosts an annual pancake breakfast celebrating the Christmas season with crafts, games, and pictures with Santa.   
• First Fairhope’s Breakfast with Santa: This free event includes breakfast for the kids, sugar cookie decorating, a Christmas craft, and pictures with Santa.    
• First Fairhope’s Celebration of Hope: Enjoy a 100-voice choir, orchestra, and children celebrating the wonder of the season and the true meaning of Christmas.
• Creative Christmas at 3 Circle Church: Come experience the joy of Christmas with music, fun, and interactive elements featuring the Ram Corps, University of Mobile’s brass and drum ensemble.
• Kids’ Christmas Experience at 3 Circle Church: Cookie decorating, photo booth, DJ, giveaways, and activities are available for kids to enjoy before one of the Christmas gatherings.  
• Eastern Shore Choral Society Christmas Concert: This annual event features an array of Christmas carols and seasonal music.
• Season of Joy at Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church: The ESPC choir, children’s choir, and instrumentalists combine Celtic music traditions and carols to celebrate Christ’s birth.  
• The Nutcracker: Bay Shore Ballet presents a traditional showing of the Christmas favorite, “The Nutcracker.”
• A Fairhope Nutcracker: Creative Outlet Dance Company puts a Fairhope twist on the classic event with their presentation of, “A Fairhope Nutcracker.”
• Christmas Tour of Homes: Tour five beautifully decorated homes in Fairhope and Point Clear, benefiting Hope Blooms.
• Drive-Thru Nativity: In past years, various churches have hosted live drive-thru nativities, some at the pier and others on church grounds..

If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway that combines southern tradition, coastal scenery and holiday sparkle, Fairhope delivers. Grab a cup of cocoa from one of the city’s cozy coffee shops and find yourself wrapped up in pure holiday joy.