Vacation in Gulf Shores this New Year

Here's a resolution that's easy to keep: this year, resolve to relax and enjoy life. Kick things off with a New Year's vacation in beautiful Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, where winter brings in cool breezes, breathtaking sunsets, and weather that invites you to enjoy time away from home and off the clock all day.

Things may be slowing down where you are, but in Gulf Shores and Orange beach, the New Year is just picking up. Spend your New Year's Eve and New Year's Day among the sand, waves, and wonderful food and drink in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will help you start a promising and inspirational new year.

12th Annual Noon Year's Eve at LuLu's in Gulf Shores

Noon Year’s at LuLu’s is a fun filled day for kids and adults alike! Crafts, kid safe fireworks (bubble wrap,) and a sand castle building contest are only the tip of the iceberg. When the clock strikes NOON there will be a beach ball drop! Hundreds of colorful beach balls will flood LuLu’s beach, but the excitement doesn’t stop there. A live band, face painting, balloon animals, and more will be at LuLu’s to start your New Year’s celebration off right.

LuLu's will be closing at 3pm to allow staff to spend time with their families for New Years. We will reopen on Wednesday, January 2nd at 11am.

Sandcastle Contest

See or build a castle of sand worthy of receiving the coveted Noon Year's Eve Sandcastle Contest award. Compete with beginners and veteran sandcastle artists to see who can capture the beauty of the Alabama Gulf Coast in a picture-perfect castle made of rich Gulf Shores beach sand.

The Hangout, Last Sunset Celebration 

From 3:00-4:15 PM on December, 31 enjoy new year's resolution crafts, a family friendly toast, cookie decorating, dance-offs and fun surprises at the Hangout in Gulf Shores! It's fun for the whole family! â€‹

Reelin' in the New Year at The Wharf in Orange Beach

Looking for a high-energy way to say hello to the new year? New Year's Eve at The Wharf Orange Beach takes the carnival vibe and turns up the volume to make sure everyone enjoys a full-tilt New Year celebration.

• Activities for the kids - Your kids won't want to go back once you introduce them to the bouncy houses, mechanical bull, camel rides, rock climbing wall, face painting, and more available all over The Wharf.
• New Year soundtrack - Top DJs keep the energy at maximum with a mix of tunes that is sure please young and old as everyone welcomes the new year.
• Live music - Some of the area's most celebrated musicians provide rhythmic music that sets the tone for one of the greatest New Year celebrations in Orange Beach.
• Epic New Year celebration - Brilliant fireworks cater a feast for your eyes that kindles the magic feeling of the New Year. Don't miss the energy of the midnight Marlin Drop just as the calendar changes!

Annual Kiwanis Polar Bear Dip

The madness starts at The Hangout and takes the brave at noon on New Year's Day to the "chilly" waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Dip your feet or pull your whole body into the winter Gulf waters, then dry off and recharge with complimentary hot chocolate and chili. The Hangout hosts an after-dip party with live music, a customized New Year menu, football on the big screen, and Polar Bear Dip merchandise. Plus, The Hangout accepts charitable donations to the Gulf Shores Kiwanis Club and Alabama Special Olympics.

Flora-Bama's Non-Stop New Year

At famous oyster bar Flora-Bama, the New Year celebration moves from New Year's Eve all the way through New Year's Day!

Flora-Bama's New Year's Eve Bash

The inimitable oyster bar of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach hosts a yearly New Year's Eve Bash that includes:

• All-you-can-eat buffet
• Free breakfast sandwiches
• Free champagne to greet the New Year
• Cool party favors
• Souvenirs
• Three stages of live music

The buffet menu is chef-prepared, and the food and drinks keep coming all day and night. You'll wake up New Year's Day with a full belly and new and wonderful memories.

Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip

Start your calendar with a high noon plunge into the Gulf of Mexico on the 1st of January. Pop on a crazy costume or just dive in with your swimsuit to participate in the refreshing Polar Bear Dip. Once you're done in the sun, find some shade at Flora-Bama and feast on a unique spread of ham, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and tons of sides. Take home a Polar Bear Dip souvenir to show your pride!

Or Try a Quieter Gulf Shores & Orange Beach This New Year's Eve

If you prefer, you can simply book a lovely vacation rental, pour a glass or two of champagne, and wave goodbye to the past year in the comfort and luxury of your room. Walk on the beach, wind down early, and rest up for a fabulous New Year. Book your vacation rental in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Brett-Robinson before the New Year disappears!