Mobile, Alabama
A Coastal Christmas
As winter settles in, Mobile comes alive. Southern culture and holiday cheer combine here to create a rich holiday experience. Sounds of jazz and blues shift to holiday favorites and resonate through the vibrant downtown, inviting locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season. Come take a tour of this historic city and see why Mobile will be your new favorite holiday getaway.
Find the Perfect Gift
Do Goods Mercantile: When you step into Do Goods Mercantile, you're not just shopping; you're making a positive impact. This store features a curated collection of ethically-sourced, artisanal gifts that support local and global causes, like hoop earrings and bracelets handcrafted in India that support fair wages through Tara Projects. Find the perfect present that not only warms hearts but also makes a difference in the world.
Urban Emporium: Urban Emporium is a delightful showcase of local talent. Here, you'll discover a wide array of unique, handcrafted gifts from local merchants and artisans—like locally inspired designs by Nutra Rodeo. From jewelry to home decor, you're sure to find something that captures the essence of Mobile's creative community.
Lupercalia Art Society: If you have an appreciation for art, Lupercalia Art Society is a must-visit. This gallery offers a curated selection of art pieces created by local talents. It's an ideal spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts that will impress art enthusiasts on your holiday shopping list.
The Haunted Book Shop: For the book lover on your list, you'll be hard pressed to not find that gift at The Haunted Book Shop. While this shop is known for being haunted, they offer much more than spooky literature. They often host local authors for readings and book signings. Spice up your yearly reading goals with some locally inspired tales.
Red or White: This specialty shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of fine wines, gourmet foods, and artisanal cheeses. They also have wine accessories, tools, and trinkets for the wine connoisseur. Create a personalized gift basket or select from their pre-packaged options for a tasteful present.
Drinks and Dinner
The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar: This culinary gem is guided by the talented Chef Jim Smith, known for his culinary prowess showcased on Top Chef. Chef Smith has created a dining experience unlike any other in Mobile. Opened in January of 2020, the restaurant combines Southern-inspired, upscale cuisine with an inviting ambiance. The Hummingbird Way celebrates the best of Gulf seafood, placing a special focus on its raw bar with oysters from around the country. It’s a dining experience that you don’t want to skip.
Debris Po-Boys and Drinks: You can’t go wrong with Debris’ savory po-boys and classic sides. If you're a fan of holiday leftovers, Thanksgiving Every Day is a must-try po-boy featuring house-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Another great option is the Debris Po-Boy, with braised beef shoulder and short rib served with Au Jus—their signature dish. This is your spot for comfort food at its finest.
Trellis Room in the Battlehouse Hotel: The Trellis Room in the Battlehouse Hotel is renowned for its inspired Italian menu, catering to travelers and locals alike. During the holidays, however, there’s a different ambiance—you’ll be seated with a stunning view of the hotel’s iconic 25 foot tall Christmas tree. Enjoy seasonal dishes, hand-made pasta, and scratch-made sauces when you are home away from home.
Noja: For an upscale holiday dining experience, look no further than Noja. This award-winning restaurant offers a sophisticated seasonal menu featuring Mediterranean and Asian influences. They serve a prix fixe menu during the holidays that you won’t want to miss!
Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe: Even in winter, ice cream brings joy. Open since 1969, Cammie's Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe serves up delicious, hand-crafted ice cream creations that make for a delightful post-dinner treat or a fun outing with family and friends. They have 47 homemade flavors, and their seasonal peppermint is a local favorite this time of year.
Holiday Treats
Three George's Candy: Serving customers since 1917, Three George’s Candy has 106 years of serving up sweet treats. Styled in a traditional soda-pop, ice cream, and malt shop, Three George's is a must stop for soothing that sweet tooth. Don't forget to grab some fresh pralines for the perfect stocking stuffer.
Knucklebones: With a modern industrial style interior, Knucklebones serves more than just coffee. Enjoy seasonally-themed coffee and espresso drinks with unique housemade syrups. Take in local art and ambiance as you relax and recharge from your holiday festivities.
Guncles: This is one of just two dedicated gluten-free bakeries in Alabama, so everyone can get their fix of holiday desserts. When sampling their gingerbread cookies, beautifully decorated cupcakes, or bread pudding with praline sauce, your taste buds are in for a treat. And yes, they do make gluten-free king cakes!
Holiday Activities
The Richards DAR House Museum & the Holiday Homes Tour: Take a step into a bygone era with a visit to The Richards DAR House Museum. Every year, this 1860 Italianate style home is dressed in holiday decor sure to lift your spirits, with each room beautifully trimmed in lush garlands, intricate ornaments, and classic holiday finery. And if historic homes are your thing, be sure to hop on the Holiday Homes Tour, which gives you a look into the lavish holiday decor of the 19th century.
Lighting of the Tree: Witness the magic of the holiday season as Mobile's majestic 40 foot tree is lit up in a dazzling display of lights. The event features a performance by the Mobile Ballet, an opportunity to snap a photo with Santa, a chance to meet holiday princesses, and music by both a live DJ and a choir. It’s impossible not to feel the holiday cheer! The Lighting of the Tree ceremony is a cherished tradition that brings the community together, and after the Christmas season, the tree comes back to life in a Mardi Gras theme.
Magic Christmas in Lights – Bellingrath Gardens: The 65 acre gardens are a must see year round. Beginning in November, the grounds are taken over by the nation's largest outdoor cascade chrysanthemums show. The Fall Outdoor Cascading Chrysanthemums display is a sight to behold—bright yellow, red, and lavender florals draped over bridges and balconies. The gardens truly capture the holiday spirit during Magic Christmas in Lights. Sip on hot cocoa, meet Santa, and marvel at the three million lights shaped in holiday themes.
MoonPie Over Mobile: Celebrate New Year's Eve with Mobile's famous MoonPie Drop. The festivities start at 11 a.m. in the Kids Zone in Mardi Gras Park. With bounce houses, crafts, and a Second Line for their own noon MoonPoe Drop, it’s endless fun for the little ones. Make sure to stop by the Renaissance Riverview Hotel Plaza Courtyard to write on the Resolution Wall, and bring your best decorated Mardi Gras umbrella for a chance to lead the Second Line parade. Snack on the world’s largest MoonPie as you listen to The Port City Secondliners featuring the Jukebox Brass Band and get ready for the main event. This year’s musical lineup celebrates 50 years of hip hop, featuring Yo-Yo, Dana Dane, Big Daddy Cane, Slick Rick, and Rob Base. They’ll be keeping the beats coming throughout the night until the MoonPie drops at midnight.