Events for November 16, 2026
STEM Wonderland
Step into a winter wonderland where festive fun meets hands-on science exploration! What to Expect: Explore our beloved model train display, glide across our sock skating rink, and discover a variety of winter-themed experiences, including interactive polar animal activities, imaginative play areas, and our Festival of Trees featuring beautifully decorated trees sponsored by local businesses. What You Will Learn: Discover how animals survive in some of the coldest environments on Earth, investigate how penguins build their nests, and explore the unique adaptations that help polar wildlife thrive in freezing temperatures. Build your own winter community in the Imagination Playground ice village, dress like an Arctic explorer, and discover what it takes to live and work in icy environments. Through hands-on activities and imaginative play, visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of winter while celebrating the magic of the holiday season! Sock Skating Rink: Slide into some winter fun on our indoor sock skating rink! Skating sessions are available in 30-minute time slots, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the final session starting at 3:30 p.m. Simply select your preferred time slot when you check in at the box office! Time slots are subject to availability.
Ice Skating Rink presented by Pepsi
Let us bring winter to you! Grab a pair of skates and glide, spin or fall into the season on real ice from November 13 - January 18. All skaters are required to complete a waiver before coasting on blades along the Gulf Coast with us. Want to give back this season? Join us for Skate to Donate on Tuesdays! Guests can lace up their skates and glide into the holiday season and make a meaningful impact while doing it. Every Tuesday through December 8, The Wharf will donate $5 to Toys for Tots for each skate purchase, matched dollar-for-dollar by Heather Loper & Associate at Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast, during the Skate to Donate initiative. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy while enjoying some time on the ice! Where Across from Portside on the corner of Main Street and Wharf Lane Date Friday, November 13 Upcoming Events Time 4 pm - 10 pm Event Schedule November 13-22: Monday-Friday: 4-10 pm Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday: Noon - 8 pm November 23-25 + 27+28 (Thanksgiving Break): 10 am – 10 pm November 26 (Thanksgiving Day): CLOSED November 29 - December 20: Monday-Friday: 4-10 pm Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday: Noon - 8 pm December 21-23: 10 am - 10 pm December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 am - 4 pm December 25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED December 26: 10 am – 10 pm December 27: Sunday: Noon - 8 pm December 28-30: 10 am - 10 pm December 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10 am – Midnight January 1+2: 10 am – 10 pm January 3: Noon - 8 pm January 4-17: Monday-Friday: 4-10 pm Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday: Noon - 8 pm January 18: 10 am - 10 pm * Select Friday + Saturday nights Live DJ @ 7-10 pm November 13, 20+21, December 4+5, 11+12, 18+19 *Special Theme Nights December 4: Glow Night December 11: 90’s December 18: Tacky Christmas Cost All major credit cards accepted. General Admission: $16 (includes skate rental) Combo Pass (Ice rink + Ferris wheel): $22 Frequent Skater Pass (10 passes): $110 Socks: $4/pair
Christmas Nights in Lights Show
Located at Dauphin Way Baptist Church for the 2026 season, come enjoy an immersive experience without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Cruise through this dazzling display of over 1 million lights synchronized to your holiday favorites right on your car radio. Buy tickets online or at drive-up.
Explore the Shore
Rediscover the beach alongside our naturalists as they share insights about the coastal plants and animals that thrive within this unique ecosystem. Explore how both natural processes and human activity shape the shoreline, and learn about the important role each plays in maintaining a healthy coastal environment. This program is great for all ages! Registration: Registration is preferred but not required. https://reserve.alapark.com/register/explore-the-shore Know Before You Go: Location: Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion, 22250 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The parking fee is $15 and is valid at all State Park paid parking areas for the remainder of the day. Overnight park guests may park for free with existing parking pass. If you have any questions, please contact the Gulf State Park Nature Center at 251-948-7275 extension 62093.
Sea Salt Bath Products
Learn to create your own vitamin SEA in this exciting Eco-Art class! We will learn about the Gulf's salinity and how to harvest your very own sea salt before using chemistry to creature all-natural, fizzy bath products. These products are a wonderful way to combine the restorative benefits of sea salt with the relaxing, soothing effects of organic aromas. Meet at the Learning Campus. All Ages REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register here: Learning Campus at Gulf State Park FEE: $16.50 per participant *tax included* For more information: 251-923-3101 or info@learningcampusgsp.com To view the precise location of this program, use this what3words link: https://w3w.co/avoid.sprouted.benches

