At The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, traditions are enthusiastically celebrated year-round. Each day, the resort honors the military with a lobby procession ending in the firing of a Civil War replica cannon. Easter brings a sunrise service on Julep Point, and Thanksgiving features the Grand Turkey Buffet. However, it’s the Christmas season where The Grand truly shines: where Southern hospitality is felt in every detail, and a dedication to service exceeds expectations.

Gathering the family for the holidays is a tradition The Grand is famous for. From a 25-foot Christmas tree in the historic lobby to an intricately-decorated gingerbread replica of the hotel, the season embodies holiday magic and Christmas spirit. Discover the holiday traditions that have made The Grand Hotel a cherished destination for generations—and create your own magical memories this season.

A Coastal Holiday Wonderland

When the holiday season arrives on Mobile Bay, The Grand Hotel transforms into a wonderland unlike any other. Twinkling lights drape the sprawling Live Oaks, and the air hums with quiet excitement as decades of tradition meet unmatched hospitality and attention to detail. Christmas at The Grand isn’t just a festive display; it’s a legacy shaped by nearly two centuries of Southern charm, care, and celebration. Guests have long made their way to this iconic resort to experience a kind of magic that feels both timeless and new each year. 

“From American presidents to world leaders to stars of movies and music, to generations of patriots, the Grand will eternally be revered as a national destination, rich in history – a hotel that embodies the best traditions of this country,” says Kevin Hellmich, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Our newest tradition, The Grand Holiday Stroll, is in its third year. Guests have already been coming back each year to enjoy the stroll around our lagoon and grounds, admiring our Grand Live Oak trees draped with Spanish moss and holiday lights.”

The Grand Holiday Stroll

The Grand Holiday Stroll has quickly become one of the resort’s most beloved seasonal experiences. Beginning at dusk, guests enter through lamppost-lined gates before meandering along a dazzling path around the lagoon. Larger-than-life snow globes, gleaming arches, Santa’s Sleigh, and the resort’s famous “Bent Oak”—adorned with oversized illuminated ornaments—create idyllic photo moments at every turn.

Families can enjoy lagoon-side s’mores and hot chocolate, meet Mrs. Claus, and bask in the glow of the Grand Live Oak, dressed in over 23,700 lights. The stroll continues down to Fleischer Pier, where the waters of Mobile Bay reflect the angelic glow of the holiday displays. Inside the historic Main Building, guests are greeted by a spectacular gingerbread replica of the hotel—created by the Grand’s talented pastry team—along with festive pastries, candies, and warm drinks at the Local Market. A 15% dining discount at Bayside Grill or the Local Market adds even more cheer to the evening.

Beloved Christmas Traditions

Few traditions at The Grand are as cherished as Breakfast with Santa. Held on select Saturdays throughout December, this festive buffet invites children to enjoy waffles, omelets, “North Pole Pastries,” and, of course, personal time with Santa himself. Professional portraits are available, and the event sells out quickly each year.

For families wanting an even more intimate experience, “A Little Time with Santa” is offered on select Sundays. These private photography sessions have become heirloom moments that families return for.

On select Saturdays in December, the Grand’s culinary team leads its annual Gingerbread House Decorating classes—one of the resort’s most joy-filled hands-on experiences. Children and adults alike learn techniques from the Grand’s chefs before building their own candy-covered masterpieces. It’s a heartwarming tradition families plan their whole weekend around.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Holiday Magic

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, The Grand Hotel fills with family-friendly activities: duck feeding with Rudolph, ornament decorating, Christmas karaoke, a family black-light party, bonfires with s’mores, and a Rudolph PJ party for little ones. Christmas Eve dinner at Southern Roots and the iconic Christmas Day Brunch in the Grand Hall are long-standing traditions that generations look forward to each year.

“These traditions are for kids of all ages,” says Michael Herzog, General Manager of The Grand Hotel. “Even my kids, who are now 21 and 23, still get the twinkle in their eyes when the holiday magic begins here.”

From the towering Christmas tree in the lobby to the smiles of staff members who have been part of The Grand for decades, the resort understands that holiday memories are made from magical moments joy, wonder, and connection with loved ones. And that’s exactly what keeps families returning, year after year.

Visit The Grand Hotel’s website to learn more about the extraordinary magic they bring to the holiday season.