Holiday Season

It is time to start making your holiday plans Grand. From family gatherings on Thanksgiving to holiday stress escapes, to ringing in the New Year, experts at the Grand Hotel are prepared to help make the holidays magical. From Christmas shopping in Fairhope’s boutiques to spectacular holiday décor revealed the day after Thanksgiving, plans this year at the Grand Hotel are better than ever. Enjoy the massive oaks with twinkling lights, a magnificent gingerbread display featuring a massive replica of the Grand Hotel Historic Main Building, wreaths, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus himself this holiday season. Or relax and recharge from holiday stress with world-class treatments in the spa. Here are some of the Grand options available to our guests this holiday season.

3nd Annual Grand Holiday Stroll

Saturday, November 29; Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 6; Friday, December 12; Saturday, December 13; Friday, December 19; Saturday, December 20; Sunday, December 21; Monday, December 22; Tuesday, December 23; Friday, December 26; Saturday, December 27; Tuesday, December 30;  January 1, 2026

Make merry memories with family and friends while exploring the Grand on our Holiday Stroll starting Saturday, November 29th at 5:00pm! As you enter the gates of the resort, adorned lampposts light your way along the main drive. On the left, snuggled in southern foliage, you will find one of Santa’s Workshops and with a little luck, you may even spot an elf or two taking a break from this year’s toy making.

Take a turn around the lagoon along our brick pathway lit with gleaming arches and discover our larger-than-life Snow Globe! Along the way is Santa’s Sleigh nestled in a picturesque setting as our three fountains glisten in the background amidst the thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. As you meander along the serene path underneath the canopies of the sprawling oaks, Spanish moss, and evergreen shrubs you’ll find our “Bent Oak”, one of the resort’s many hundred-year oaks. Donned with dozens of larger-than-life illuminated ornaments and a natural “seat”, this magical location provides the perfect backdrop for family photos. On each day of the stroll, November 29th through December 31st from 5:00pm to 8pm, take a rest and savor a Hot Chocolate and S’mores at one of our lagoon-side tables, take pictures with Mrs. Claus, and more! As the path loops around, look for the giant red sparkling bow peeking above the treetops, garnishing the front of the historic main building.

Before crossing under the Porte-Cochere for a bay-side stroll, witness the spectacular sight of our signature Grand Live Oak draped in over 23,700 Christmas lights, twinkling in the crispness of the evening air. On the south side of the resort, you will find Fleischer Pier illuminated in an angelic glow above the waters of the Mobile Bay. Making your way north along the boardwalk, relax in one of our resort swings or gliders and listen to the waves lap against the bulkhead creating fond memories that will live in your dreams long after returning to the realities of daily life.

As you enter the Main Building, witness the Gingerbread Display of Grand proportion, created by our talented pastry team. Yummy treats await you in the Local Market. Enjoy fresh pastries, Christmas candies, and gourmet hot beverages fireside in the historic lobby beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Enjoy dinner at Bayside Grill and Southern Roots, or a drink and a bite to eat at our iconic Bucky's Lounge. There's no better way to end, or begin, your stroll. Each ticket includes a coupon for 15% off food in our restaurants (some restrictions apply).

Stop into the Oak and Azalea Boutique to look for that perfect Christmas gift. You can always purchase a gift card for your favorite loved one if you can’t decide on the right gift..

Renaissance Photography will be available in the Lobby for professional photos. Visit Renaissance Portrait Studio or call 251.928.5944 to book your photo session and pay photo deposit after you have purchased your Holiday Stroll tickets.

Share your favorite Grand Holiday Stroll pictures on Instagram with @grandhotelresort for a chance to win a one night stay in 2025. Contest runs from November 29th, 2025 until January 1st, 2026.   Purchase your tickets by visiting https://grandhotelpointclearal.eventbrite.com/.  
Save $5 by purchasing your tickets in advanced! All tickets at the door will be $20 plus applicable taxes.

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa

Saturday, November 29 ~ December 6 ~ December 13 ~December 20, 2025

Santa is coming to the Grand Hotel! Watch your children’s eyes light up with the magic of the season. Children of all ages will enjoy this wonderfully festive event. Please bring your appetite, your Christmas wish list, and your holiday spirit, because Santa is looking forward to seeing you. Come enjoy a full breakfast buffet, including favorites like the Grand omelet, waffle station, and freshly baked North Pole Pastries. Breakfast with Santa will be on Saturday, November 29th ~ December 6th ~ December 13th ~ December 20th. The breakfast buffet will be served from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Azalea Ballroom. Santa will be available each Saturday for professional photographs from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. ** Separate Photo Session Reservation Required. Please contact Renaissance Portrait Studio at (251) 928.5944 to reserve your photo session with Santa after purchasing your Breakfast tickets. . Advanced ticket purchase required. This very popular holiday tradition sells out fast so encourage guests to visit Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa - Breakfast with Santa to purchase their tickets 

Breakfast with Santa Buffet

A Little Time with Santa

Sunday, November 30 - December 7 - December 14 - December 21, 2025

Guests will also have “A Little Time with Santa” available to them for those looking for an extra special private photography session with Santa on November 30th~December 7th~December 14th~December 21st. Guests usually dine for Brunch on that day as well, but it is not included, and reservations for both are made separately. To schedule an extra special Santa Experience, please contact the Elf Hotline at (251) 928.5944. Appointments are available between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Portrait packages are purchased through Renaissance Portrait Studio.

Gingerbread House Decorating – Culinary Academy

Saturday, December 6 ~ December 13, ~ December 20, 2025 at 10 am

This event is offered on Saturday, December 6th, 13th, & 20th. Get in the holiday spirit and leave with a gingerbread house creation of your own. Enjoy this fun and interactive class while creating lasting memories with your family. Learn step-by-step how to decorate your own gingerbread house. Taught by our talented Grand chefs, this class has become an annual tradition for many, so get your tickets today! The class size is limited, and the cost is $75+ tax and a transaction fee per gingerbread house decorated. Register online using the link to reservations through Eventbrite. Each ticket includes one gingerbread house, icing from the Grand Hotel culinary team, and Christmas candy decorations. During the ticket purchasing process guests will be asked to confirm the number of guests that will be attending with their party, we recommend one house for every 1 to 3 people.

Culinary Academy - How to Decorate a Gingerbread House Tickets