From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in December 2022 we narrowed our suggestions down to the following seven festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast and brought to you by US Gulf Coast Travel.
The following Gulf Coast December events, however, are mostly not holiday-specific and include food, music, and outdoor themes.
December on the US Gulf Coast means tropical themed year-end holidays, fun festive lighted boat parades, outdoor Christmas markets, festive New Years Eve celebrations, and so much more.
Please see our Festive Florida Holiday Events on the Gulf Coast guide for Christmas, lights, holiday boat parades, and New Years Eve events and our collection of fun tropical Christmas decorations in Florida.
Enjoy our Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in December and do let us know of other fun and cool events this month.
Coast is Clear, Key West, Dec 1 – 4, 2022
The Coast is Clear Music & Arts Festival is an annual event in Key West to celebrate the end of the hurricane season. Coast is Clear features a dozen live concert performances, film screenings, and much more Conch Republic funness.
Sunset Stage at Fort East Martello Parade Grounds is the main Coast is Clear venue but Green Parrot, Blue Heaven, and other local favorite spots also host events.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Key West Tips.
A Very Merry Main Street Market, Beaumont TX, Dec 1 – 3, 2022
Complete your holiday shopping in one place while supporting a great cause and enjoying live entertainment and fun. A Very Merry Main Street Market at the Beaumont Civic Center features 100 jewelry, gourmet food, clothing, and other vendors from around Southeast Texas and the entire US.
Proceeds ($10 admission) benefit the Junior League of Beaumont.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Beaumont Texas.
Gulf Seafood Gala, Dauphin Island AL, Dec 3, 2022
The 6th Annual Gulf Seafood Gala at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is the major annual fundraiser for Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council. Enjoy amazing Gulf seafood, live entertainment, a silent auction, and friendly people.
The Gulf Seafood Gala usually sells out so buy your ticket before heading out to the island event.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Mobile Alabama.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, Coastal Mississippi, Dec 10 -11, 2022
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon weekend (with several races and events) is one of the most popular annual Coastal Mississippi events. Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier and the course is along the magnificent scenic coastal highway between Pass Christian and Biloxi.
Races in addition to the marathon include a 1-mile kid’s marathon, 5K, and half marathon. And the Finish Fest at MGM Park is open to everyone and provides local seafood, craft beer, and music.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.
The Grand Finale, Houma LA, Dec 9 – 11, 2022
The hot rod, truck, and bike show is the focus of The Grand Finale but there is a lot more funness to experience there. Take a break from the holiday mayhem and head to the Houma Civic Center to see the cool vehicles and check out the chili cookout, ugly sweater contest, and corn hole tournament.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Houma.
Ho Ho Hustle, Pensacola FL, Dec 10, 2022
The annual Ho Ho Hustle is a holiday-themed family-friendly party and 5K race in Pensacola Florida. Top 3 race finishers in several categories earn prizes.
After the race, join the Ho Ho Hustle party featuring hot chocolate, holiday treats, and photo opps with Santa.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Florida Panhandle Beaches.
ReliaQuest Bowl Beach Day, Clearwater Beach FL, Dec 30, 2022
In addition to Christmas, New Years Eve, and other holidays, December is prime time for college football bowl games. The ReliaQuest Bowl 2023 (the game is on January 2, 2023) will likely feature teams from Big 10 and SEC (TBD) and there are several area events leading up to the game.
One fun ReliaQuest Bowl event is the all-day beach day at Clearwater Beach Pier 60. The teams, cheerleaders, and marching bands will be on hand, along with live musicians and sky divers. Check out the tug-of-war and other fun contests and events and stay for the magnificent US Gulf Coast sunset.
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach.
Please let us know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in December. Or any month!