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.

2nd Annual Grand Holiday Stroll

Friday, November 29th – Saturday, December 21st, 2024

Make merry memories with family and friends while exploring the Grand on our Holiday Stroll starting Friday, November 29th at 6:45 pm with the Lighting of the Grand Oak through the New Year! 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. 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 holiday 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 Fridays and Saturdays, November 29th through December 21st from 5 pm to 7 pm, take a rest and savor a Holiday Hot Chocolate and S’mores at one of our lagoon-side tables with Mrs. Claus. 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 holiday 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 hammocks 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 the Carolers in the Historic Grand Hall near Bayside Grill and Southern Roots from 5:30 pm to 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, November 29th through December 21st.

Stop into the Oak and Azalea Boutique to look for that perfect holiday gift. Purchase your gift card for your favorite loved one if you can’t find the right gift!

Share your favorite Grand Holiday Stroll pictures on Instagram with #Grand1847 for a chance to win a one-night stay in 2024. The contest runs from November 29th, 2024 until January 2nd, 2025.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, November 30th ~ December 7th ~ December 14th ~December 21st, 2024

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 30th ~ December 7th ~ December 14th ~ December 21st. The breakfast buffet will be served from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Azalea Ballroom. Santa will be visiting for professional photographs from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. each Saturday. 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, December 1st ~ December 8th ~ December 15th ~ December 22nd, 2024

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 Sunday, December 1st~December 8th~December 15th~December 22nd. 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 Event

Saturday, December 7th ~ December 14th, 2024 ~ December 21st at 10 am

This event is offered on Saturday, December 7th, 14th, & 21st. 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 supplies for one gingerbread house, including real gingerbread parts, 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