ORANGE BEACH, AL - Throughout the holiday season, The Wharf in Orange Beach hosts several Christmas events and activities for the whole family. Whether you're getting a photo with Santa, catching the holiday light show or taking part in another seasonal activity, there is so much to do to get into the holiday spirit.

A returning favorite to The Wharf this year is the ice skating rink.

“The Ice Skating Rink is usually a favorite among locals and visitors,” Sheena Mizell, Marketing Manager for The Wharf, said. “It is a unique opportunity to be able to ice skate in coastal Alabama. The ice rink has become an annual attraction at The Wharf that features real ice and keeps skating fans coming back year after year.”

Along with the ice skating rink, there will be a Santa's Village with live animals and the opportunity to have your photo taken with St. Nick himself.

There are a few new additions to this year’s events.

“This year will offer a few new shopping perks,” Mizell said. “The Wharf will host a Gift Wrapping Headquarters that will benefit Orange Beach Elementary School. Come out and shop and have your gifts wrapped all in one stop.”

This year The Wharf will also host 12 Days of Christmas. Each day between Dec. 13 and 24, organizers will announce a new very special deal at a Wharf retailer or restaurant.

“The Wharf is a perfect location to spend the holidays with your family as there are activities for all ages and interests,” Mizell said. “In addition to the holiday activities, the property offers over a dozen restaurants, over 30 retail options, a 15-screen movie theater, arcade, 112-foot tall Ferris wheel, marina and much more.”

Ice Rink

Through Jan. 14, front entrance parking lot

Skate on real ice Monday through Friday from 4-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and enjoy Christmas Break (Dec. 17 to Jan. 3) hours from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission to the rink is $10 and $13 for the skating and Ferris wheel package. This year, you can purchase a frequent skater pass for $80, which includes 10 skate entries.

Santa’s Village

Photos with Santa

Weekends through Dec.23, front entrance parking lot

Santa Claus will visit The Wharf every weekend including Fridays from 3-7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays from noon-6 p.m. Various portrait packages will be available for purchase onsite.

Live Animals

Through Dec. 31, front entrance parking lot

Inside Santa’s Village, guests can pet zoo animals, jump in bouncy houses and climb aboard a camel or pony. Each activity is $5 or a combo ticket can be purchased for $12.

Holiday SPECTRA

Through Jan. 14, Main Street

A special production of the SPECTRA sound & light spectacular will be performed each night at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. down Main Street.