Twinkling lights, Christmas trees, Santa...the holiday season is officially ON! There are so many fun events all over north Alabama to celebrate Christmas and the holidays, so check out these events and add them to your must-do list this holiday season!
Galaxy of Lights
The Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is such a magical holiday event! Here are some important dates:
Walking Nights: November 15 – December 1 (closed Thanksgiving Day and November 17); December 4-8; December 18-26 (Closed Christmas Day)
Dog Walking Nights: November 18 & 19; November 25 & 26; December 23 & 24
Driving Nights: December 9-17; December 27-31
Rocket City Trash Pandas Winter Wonderland
The Rocket City Trash Pandas have created a Winter Wonderland at Toyota Field this holiday season! There's more than a mile of Christmas lights that you can drive through. After you drive through the lights, you can walk around the different stations in the stadium and get some hot cocoa, make s'mores, and create crafts. The drive-through Light Show is open nightly from 5-9pm November 22 through December 29. (photo by Rocket City Trash Pandas)
Skating in the Park
Skating in the Park at the Huntsville Museum of Art is a fun way to get some exercise, have fun, and be outdoors! Skating in the Park is from November 27 through January 5, 2025.
Wonderland Under Warrior
Held at Rickwood Caverns State Park, Wonderland Under Warrior is a whimsical journey underground, transforming the already magnificent cave into a special holiday experience. The self-guided tour takes visitors on a journey deep into the cave through different themed rooms such as dancing lights, glacier ice caverns, elf villages and more. Visitors come to see over 100,000 twinkling lights and to walk the lighted path among the stalactite, stalagmites and other unique geological formations beautifully illuminated with twinkling lights. Plenty of photo opportunities with different characters will also be available.
Santa Claus will arrive the day after Thanksgiving and be available through Dec. 23 to welcome visitors and to pose for photos. The gift shop will be decorated for the occasion and offer unique gifts, ornaments, snacks and hot cocoa to purchase. The 110 steps at the end of the regular tour will not be included during this time which makes the walk easier for anyone with mobility issues. The walk is about a half mile underground and a half mile back out.
Hours for Wonderland Under Warrior are 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the following dates:
Nov. 23-27, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 4-8, Dec. 11-15, Dec. 18-23, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 1-5, 2025.
Santa hours are 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 4-8, Dec. 11-15 and Dec. 18-23.
General admission for Wonderland Under Warrior is $12 per person for ages 5 and up.
Forest of Lights
Take a stroll through the Christmas lights in the forest and around the farm at GoFAR USA Park on their walking nights or take a relaxing hayride and see the live nativity on Sunday nights. Hang out around the campfires, make some s'mores, climb the rock wall, shoot some paintballs, and enjoy either a Christmas movie or some live music. Decorate cookies with Mrs. Clause or visit Santa's workshop to make a Christmas Craft. November 23 through December 31 from 5-9pm.
Christmas in the Country
The annual Christmas in the Country will be held Friday and Saturday, November 22-23 at the LaGrange College Site Park. The park will be open from 10am - 4pm for the festivities.
Take a walk back in time and experience Christmas of yesteryear. Be sure to stop by the Welcome Center upon arrival. There you will find delicious baked goods for purchase at the annual bake sale. Proceeds go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the park.
Afterward, take a self-guided tour of the pioneer log cabin village. Each cabin is beautifully decorated, both inside and out. There is a period kitchen, barbershop, and chapel as well. These make great backdrops for holiday pictures of your own.
Santa will make an appearance for kids of all ages and be available for photos. There will be various vendors, arts and crafts, and concessions, as well as hayrides to the top of the mountain and the historic LaGrange Cemetery.
No admission is charged for this event, but donations are welcomed and go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities at the park. For more information: contact Louise Lenz at 256-446-9324 or louiselenz9324@gmail.com.
Location: LaGrange College Site Park, 1491 LaGrange College Road, Leighton.
Christmas at the Falls
Noccalula Falls Park is all lit up for Christmas at the Falls! Stroll through and see the park like you've never seen it before. November 23 - January 1, 2025 from 5-9pm. You must purchase tickets prior to going. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas in the Park
In celebration of the holiday season, Arab invites visitors to Christmas in the Park for a stroll through a magical wonderland filled with family photo opportunities at every turn. The event kicks off on November 29 at 6:00 p.m. with a lighting ceremony. Musical entertainment will be provided by Arab High School Jazz Band who will be playing everyone’s favorite Christmas carols and medleys.
During Christmas in the Park, the holiday lights are on from dusk until 9:30 p.m., weather-permitting, November 29 through December 31. Admission is free.
Santa in the Village adds to the holiday excitement when the Arab Historic Village, adjacent to the Arab City Park, is transformed into Santa’s village. As festivalgoers make their way around, a variety of activities will keep everyone entertained. Stop by the gristmill and pick up food for the reindeer, watch as the blacksmith makes reindeer shoes at his shop, head over to the 1890’s Farmhouse to visit with the Grinch and be sure to visit with Santa Claus before leaving. All historic buildings will be open and adorned with festive Christmas decorations. Plenty of photo opportunities will be available to capture the holiday spirit. Hours for Santa in the Village are 6 to 9 p.m. (weather-permitting) beginning November 29-30, and continuing December 6-7, December 13-14 and December 20-21. Admission for Santa in the Park is $6 per person. Children under 2 are admitted free.
Arab City Park is located at 844 Shoal Creek Trail. For more information, visit https://www.arabcity.org/events-festivals/ or call (256) 586-6793. (photo by North Alabama Ambassador Robert Posey)
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Where German tradition meets southern charm, the Cullman Christkindlmarkt features an assortment of German-themed events and attractions including the tallest Weihnachtspyramide on display, carousel rides, German food and popular holiday traditions such as ice skating, a Christmas parade and ceremonial lighting of a massive tree, plus so much more.
Highlights of the Cullman Christkindlmarkt include:
- Lighting of Christmas Pyramid (November 21, 6pm)
- Christkindlmarkt Parade (November 22, 6:30pm)
- South's largest tree lighting show with fireworks with Host James Spann, musical guest Taylor Hicks, Santa Claus, The Grinch and Buddy the Elf (November 22, 8pm)
- Ice skating in the largest outdoor ice rink in Alabama
- Christkindl Express (enchanting little train ride)
- Kinderplatz (Santa’s Village full of activities for children)
- Largest Ferris wheel in Alabama
- Old-fashioned, German-style, pop-up Christmas street market with artists, craftspersons and other makers of gift-type goods
- Authentic German flavors, from traditional sausages to sweet chimney cakes
The Cullman Christkindlmarkt will take place from November 21 to December 23, 2024, every Thursday through Sunday at Depot Park located at 304 1st Ave NE in downtown Cullman. Hours are as follows: Thursday - Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 12-8pm. Beginning December 16, 2024, it will be open seven days a week (closed on Thanksgiving Day). Admission is free.
For more information on the Cullman Christkindlmarkt, visit https://www.christmasincullman.com/ or call 256.734.9157.
Plaid Friday in Downtown Gadsden
The merchants of downtown Gadsden are getting in the holiday spirit and, as a more relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday” chaos, shoppers are invited to Plaid Friday, a nationwide initiative that encourages shopping local on the biggest day for holiday sales, November 29, 2024.
Plaid Friday is a movement that offers an alternative to the fast pace of big box shopping while showing support for local merchants. It originated in Oakland, Calif. in 2009 and the name was chosen from the idea of weaving individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates independent businesses. Plaid Friday promotes the diversity and creativity of local and independent businesses and aims to transform holiday shopping for family and friends into a more connected, pleasurable activity than Black Friday.
Huntsville Tinsel Trail
The Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Park in Huntsville is going to be bigger than ever this year! It's expanding across Church Street into Big Spring Park West. There will be pop up versions of the Downtown Craft Coffee Trail and other food trucks. November 26 through January 1. (photo by North Alabama Ambassador Robert Posey)
Christmas at Ave Maria Grotto
Christmas lights return to the Christmas at the Grotto! Come and experience the beauty of Br. Joseph's work at night surrounded by lights and music! They have expanded this unique holiday experience by adding Christmas Train rides for kids every night of the event and and have added several dates. Some weekends in December will feature musical performances, food trucks, kids' rides and horse-drawn wagon rides around St. Bernard's campus. Plus, Santa Clause will be there. Refreshments will be available every night.
Christkindlmarket at The Orion Amphitheater
Arts Huntsville and The Orion Amphitheater have teamed up again for Huntsville’s Christkindlmarket. This unique shopping experience will feature over 60 artists showcasing a variety of mediums throughout Apollo South.
Friday, December 13, 5pm - 8pm; Saturday, December 14, 11am - 5pm; Sunday, December 15, 11am - 5pm
Try a selection of German and holiday-inspired menu items from Odette, Weiner Von Braun (brats, pretzels), Nica’s Grille (German Flare), Kettle Krew (Holiday Popcorn), Fire & Spice (German Schnitzel) and Cookie Fix (holiday cookies). Plus, enjoy live performances by local musicians!
The tradition of Christmas markets stretches back to Saxony, Germany, during the Middle Ages. Throughout the centuries, the joys of these markets have spread from town to town. Fun for the whole family, the Christkindlmarket will be the ideal place to find the perfect gift for the Holidays. In addition to the juried artist market, you can enjoy holiday music from local performers and the Orion will feature a delightful blend of holiday food and drinks to enjoy.
Parking and entry to the event are free.
Christmas in Oneonta
Downtown Oneonta is set to sparkle this season as the community invites everyone to experience the holiday spirit with a host of activities. Starting on Nov. 14 and continuing through Dec. 19, 2024, the series of events will light up the city with festive cheer, holiday traditions, and fun for all ages.
Hosted by the Oneonta Business Association, A Dickens Christmas in Oneonta invites guests to enjoy a wide range of festive activities and attractions. Each event in the lineup brings something special. Below is an overview of the holiday activities planned:
Oneonta Downtown District Open House
Nov. 14, 2024 | Downtown Oneonta
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the City Christmas Market
Nov. 29, 5-8 p.m. | Gazebo area at intersection of 1st Ave. and 4th St.
Activities include shopping from a variety of unique arts and craft vendors, free horse-drawn carriages rides through the downtown area, visits with Santa Claus, beautifully decorated Christmas trees on display, holiday music, festive firetruck rides and much more.
Annual Christmas Spectacular at Palisades Park
Dec. 1 - 31, 2024 (closed Dec. 24-25), 5-9 p.m. | 1225 Palisades Parkway
Displays by local businesses, churches, civic groups, individuals and park staff for viewing.
Christmas in Oneonta
Dec. 5, 2024, 5-8 p.m. | Gazebo area at intersection of 1st Ave. and 4th St.
Activities include shopping for that perfect gift and visiting with Santa, dining in local restaurants and free horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown area.
Blount County Christmas Parade
Dec. 10, 2024, 7 p.m. | Downtown Oneonta
Christmas in Oneonta
Dec. 12 & Dec. 19, 2024, 5-8 p.m. | Gazebo area at intersection of 1st Ave. and 4th St.
Activities include an interactive live nativity scene, shopping, dining in local restaurants, visiting with Santa Claus and free horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown area. Local businesses and restaurants will be joining in the merriment with festive window displays, holiday-themed specials and extended hours, making it the perfect opportunity to support local shopping while celebrating the season. For more information including a complete schedule of holiday activities, visit https://www.oneontabusinessassociation.com/christmas.html or call 205-813-7194.
Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes
The Albany and Old Decatur Historic Districts will present their annual Historic Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 14, inviting the public to a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the enchanting beauty of beautifully decorated historic homes, each adorned with festive lights, ornaments and seasonal decorations. Fourteen tour sites consisting of homes, churches and historic places will be open for viewing as part of the self-guided tour from 2 to 7pm. Along with seeing some of Decatur’s most historic and architecturally significant dwellings, the festive event offers shopping, carriage rides and live holiday music.
This year’s tour features in the Old Decatur Historic District, homes in the Albany Historic District, and historic locations in Old Town Decatur, each beautifully decorated with luminaries, fruit, greenery and thousands of lights, four historic churches, the Historic Decatur Union Train Depot, the Scottsboro Boys Museum in Decatur, and the Judge Henry Horton House.
Tickets for the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour are $35 each and can be purchased in advance online at https://decaturchristmastour.com. Admission is free for children under the age of 12 years old.
Parade of Lights at Joe Wheeler State Park
Don't miss all the beautifully decorated boats at the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park! The parade will be begin at 6pm, so make plans to watch from Daniella's Restaurant, at the lodge, or on the balcony of your room at the lodge.
Christmas on the Square in Moulton
Beginning December 5, locals and visitors are invited to join in on the spirit of the holiday season with the annual Christmas on the Square, a magical stroll among a beautiful display of live Christmas trees trimmed in festive decorations. Due to renovation work at the Lawrence County Courthouse, the month-long event will take place this year at the Lions Club located at 455 School Street in Moulton. Admission is free.
Christmas on the Square is a display of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, sponsored and decorated by individuals, groups and businesses from Lawrence County and the surrounding area. The trail also features various photo backdrops or selfie stations to document the magical Christmas experience.
Additional free activities to add to the festive fun are planned Friday, December 13 and Friday, December 20 at 6pm and include carriage rides, a petting zoo, sipping on hot chocolate, Santa Claus, train rides, snacking on popcorn and cotton candy and face painting. Food trucks will be on hand for anyone arriving hungry and for a nominal fee, festival goers can participate in bingo.
Guntersville Museum Festival of Trees
The Guntersville Museum Festival of Trees is a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees. November 21 - January 5, 2024.
Christmas Lights at Palisades Park
See the beautiful Christmas Lights at Palisades Park in Oneonta December 1-31 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Blow Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass
Blowing Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass is such a fun event! You can choose your favorite color for your ornament, and Cal Breed will help you blow your ornament! Check their website for classes on the weekends.
North Pole Stroll
The North Pole Stroll in Downtown Athens is a celebration of beautifully decorated trees all around Big Spring Park. This year there will be horse-drawn carriage rides around the historic downtown area. December 1-31.
Candlelight Christmas Friday
Enjoy a touch of Christmas past at Burritt on the Mountain’s Kris Kringle’s Candlelight Christmas. There will be activities for the kids and music and more! You must purchase tickets in advance. December 6.
Sippin' Cider Festival
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m., everyone is invited to sip and shop in downtown Athens in celebration of the holiday season. Now in its fourteenth year, the Sippin’ Cider Festival offers an evening of shopping, singing and other fun holiday activities while sipping on winter’s favorite drink.
During the Sippin’ Cider Festival, participating merchants prepare and offer complimentary sample tastings of their favorite hot cider recipe. Cider enthusiasts will vote by ballot for their favorite, and the cider receiving the most votes wins the coveted Cider Cup and bragging rights for the year.
While sipping on cider, guests can tackle their Christmas shopping and browse for unique holiday decorations. Local businesses and restaurants will be joining in the merriment with festive window displays, holiday-themed specials and extended hours, making it the perfect opportunity to support local shopping while celebrating the season.
Sippin’ Cider is a free event hosted by Athens Main Street. For more information, visit https://athensmainstreet.org/sippin-cider/ or contact Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson at 256-232-9040.
12 Nights of Santa
The 12 Nights of Santa is set to return to EarlyWorks Children’s Museum next month, bringing with it all the magic of the holiday season. From December 12 through December 23, 2024, children are invited to visit with Santa Claus and enjoy an immersive holiday experience in downtown Huntsville.
During 12 Nights of Santa, the jolly old elf himself will be on hand each night to listen to children as they share their wish lists. Along with a visit with Santa Claus, family-friendly activities adding to the whimsical fun include nightly snowfalls, making holiday crafts, taking part in wintery science experiments in the Tinker Lab, decorating a gingerbread cookie, making an ornament and writing a letter to Santa. Kids will have plenty of room to play and enjoy the spirit of the season.
12 Nights of Santa will be held nightly beginning Thursday, December 12 through Monday, December 23 starting at 5 p.m. on weeknights, 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. on Sundays at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum located at 404 Madison Street SE in downtown Huntsville. All tickets must be pre-purchased online at www.earlyworks.com. This is a timed entry event and tickets will sell out fast. Tickets for 12 Nights of Santa are $15 per person for the general public and $13 per person for members of EarlyWorks Museums. Admission is free for children under one year old.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://earlyworks.com/12nightsofsanta/.
North Star Limited Train Ride
Take a North Star Limited Train Ride train ride with the North Alabama Railroad Museum this December! Santa will be on their viewing platform before and after each trip, and kids can get pics with Santa and give him their wish lists. Each child will receive a gift while on board. All riders will receive a drink and cookie, riders in coach 2006 will receive a hot drink, warm cookie, and souvenir mug. (photo courtesy of North Alabama Railroad Museum)
Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park
The 19th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman is November 16 through December 29. Come and see over a million lights and experience this Winter Wonderland! Returning this year, the park will have its Christmas Train, Horse and Carriage Rides, Snow Machine, Photo Booth, Hot Chocolate, and Much More! New this year is our Winter Wonderland Christmas Shop. Park and rides open weather permitting. Admission is $10 cash per vehicle.
