8 Things to Do in Fairhope in December

December in Fairhope is such a special time-- truly magical. The downtown trees are covered with tiny white Christmas lights and will stay lit until around Easter, creating a sparkling winter wonderland in this warm Southern town. Jim and I love the season, and we try to get to as many holiday events as we can.  We also love the fact that Fairhope closes the downtown streets at least once a month for a party! 

We've compiled a list of some of our favorite holiday events for December, based on available public information. If you're planning to attend any of these fun events during the holiday season, be sure to double-check the times and locations. We'll see you there!

Holiday events start with a bang at the Lighting of the Trees celebration on the 3rd Thursday in November. It's one of our favorite events of the year. Families gather at the intersection of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue for a short program that usually includes a visit from the mayor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and local musicians. At the appropriate time, everyone joins in a countdown (10, 9, 8, etc.), and with a flip of the switch, the streets come alive with thousands of tiny white lights. At the same moment, artificial snow flutters down from someplace on high, and the town is transformed. The evening isn't over until the children write letters to Santa and deposit them in a special mailbox. Don't miss this!

The City usually follows the Lighting of the Trees celebration with a free movie night two days later on Saturday. This is a popular family event offering a chance to create wonderful holiday memories together. The weather is usually quite warm and comfortable, which makes it a good night for the kids to show off their Christmas PJs while eating popcorn provided by the City. The movie choice varies, but it is always a popular family Christmas movie shown on a huge screen set up on Fairhope Avenue at Section Street. Be sure to bring folding chairs and blankets, and prepare to enjoy this relaxing and fun evening with your children.

The very next day—Sunday—marks the traditional date for the annual Downtown Fairhope Christmas Open House. Since most Fairhope stores are typically closed on Sundays, this event is truly a special occasion. Visitors can expect festive decorations and treats like Christmas cookies, hot cider, exclusive promotions, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit and get a head start on your Christmas shopping in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.

Usually held on the first Thursday in December, this wonderful annual event features more than 60 parade units, including high school bands, festive floats from local organizations, and plenty of lively music. It's the perfect excuse to gather the family and head downtown for a night of wholesome holiday fun. Don’t forget to bring bags to collect the many “throws”—a joyful tradition carried over from our Mardi Gras celebrations. With twinkling lights lining the streets and holiday cheer in the air, it’s a night you won’t want to miss. Be sure to plan ahead—many streets will be closed, and parking can fill up quickly.

For another favorite annual highlight, be sure to bring your children to visit Santa in front of the Fairhope History Museum, located on North Section Street in the heart of downtown. Santa will be there on at least a couple of Saturday mornings during the holiday season, ready to greet little ones with a smile and pose for festive photos. It’s a magical experience for your child and a great opportunity for parents to capture those special holiday memories.

Make a day of it! After you visit with Santa, take time to explore the beautifully decorated downtown area. Enjoy lunch at one of Fairhope’s many charming local restaurants, stroll through the unique shops and boutiques, and soak in the small-town holiday spirit that makes this season in Fairhope so special.

Celebrate the season and support our local talent as Bay Shore Ballet presents the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at the Fairhope Civic Center. This beloved tradition—performed annually for over 25 years—features elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and a cast of more than 60 dancers from across the area. Performances are typically held at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., offering families flexibility to enjoy the show at a time that works best for them.

For many in the community, The Nutcracker is more than just a performance—it’s a cherished rite of passage. Imagine being a parent in the audience, watching your child take the stage, while reminiscing about your own time dancing in this very production.

Performance dates and ticket information will be available on the Bay Shore Ballet website. Click here for more details.

Downtown Fairhope offers one final street party on the last night of the year, with a family-friendly way to welcome the New Year. The streets in the downtown area will be closed to traffic, making it a walkable and safe environment for families and visitors. It’s a nice opportunity to enjoy a casual night out, see familiar faces, and mark the occasion together. Start the evening with dinner at one of Fairhope’s local restaurants—reservations are highly recommended, as it can be a busy night. The music begins around 8:30 pm with a live party band at the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street. A ball drop takes place at midnight, and the event wraps up around 12:30 a.m. Bring the kids and dance in the streets!

   No visit to Fairhope is complete without a visit to the Fairhope Pier at sunset. Known as our unofficial town square, you never know who or what you'll see there. It's always entertaining! Whether you walk, drive your car, bike, or take your golf cart to the Pier, you'll most likely be rewarded with one of the most gorgeous sunsets of your life. Especially in December, the cooler and drier weather seems to produce one spectacular show after another. Don't miss it!

If you're planning a visit to Fairhope during the holiday season, we invite you to make your stay truly special in one of our nine beautifully appointed suites. Perched on the bluff overlooking scenic Mobile Bay, our property offers a front-row seat to Fairhope’s famous sunsets, and many of our spacious, family-friendly suites include a private patio or balcony, perfect for taking in the view.

As a proud Select Registry property, we’re committed to delivering a five-star experience marked by authentic Southern hospitality, thoughtful details, and personalized service. During the holidays, our guests often gather around the firepit in the evening for a quiet sunset celebration—an ideal way to unwind after a day of festive events in town.

From Santa visits and Christmas open houses to the annual Nutcracker ballet and New Year’s Eve in the streets, Fairhope truly shines this time of year. We’d love to host you and your family during your next visit and help make your holiday getaway both memorable and relaxing.

Dana and Jim Maloney, Resident Hosts and Owners