Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in December 2023

From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in December 2023 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following seven festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast.

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.

Most of the following Gulf Coast December events, however, are not holiday-specific and include food, music, and outdoor themes.

See Florida Gulf Coast Holiday Events guide for Christmas, lights, holiday boat parades, and New Year’s Eve events and my collection of fun tropical Christmas decorations in Florida.

Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in December.

funky Gulf Coast style Christmas tree is fun things to do on us gulf coast in December

Coast is Clear, Key West, Nov 30 – Dec 3, 2023

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. Experience end of the road charm at this year’s Coast is Clear Festival.

Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Key West Tips.

Key West Southernmost Point
visit Key West Southernmost Point

A Very Merry Main Street Market, Beaumont TX, Nov 30 – Dec 2, 2023

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. The 2023 theme is Tannenbaums and Tinsel.

Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Beaumont Things to Do.

Beaumont street mural

Gulf Coast Seafood Gala, Dauphin Island AL, Dec 2, 2023

Enjoy the freshest possible Alabama Gulf seafood at the Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The 7th annual gala fundraiser will also feature desserts, live entertainment, silent auction, and cash bar.

Proceeds from the Gulf Coast Seafood Gala benefit the Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council.

Visit the gala website for tickets and information. While in the area, visit favorite Mobile Alabama Restaurants and Restaurants in Orange Beach Alabama

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Gala, Pensacola FL, Dec 2, 2023

Break out your finest formal wear and channel your inner Officer and a Gentleman vibe at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Enjoy cocktails, three-course dinner, live entertainment, live auctions and silent auctions,

All proceeds support the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity mission to build local homes and communities.

Visit the event website for information. Also see favorite Florida Panhandle Beaches.

beautiful beach sand dunes iof Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast
Gulf Islands National Seashore, one of the best Pensacola beaches

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, Coastal Mississippi, Dec 9 -10, 2023

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 favorite Coastal Mississippi Hidden Gems.

Welcome to Mississippi Gulf Coast sign on beach

The Grand Finale, Houma LA, Dec 8 – 10, 2023

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 favorite Things to Do in Houma.

ReliaQuest Bowl Beach Day, Clearwater Beach FL, Dec 30, 2023

In addition to Christmas, New Years Eve, and other holidays, December is prime time for college football bowl games. The ReliaQuest Bowl 2024 (the game is on January 1, 2024) 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 favorite Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach.

sunset at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
sunset from Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in December. Or any month!

See also Gulf Coast events in November and January Gulf Coast events.

See Florida Gulf Coast Holiday Events guide for Christmas, lights, holiday boat parades, and New Year’s Eve events and my collection of fun tropical Christmas decorations in Florida.

Sharing is caring!