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!
Light Up Your Holidays at the Galaxy of Lights
Step into a winter wonderland at Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden - Huntsville’s beloved holiday tradition where the Huntsville Botanical Garden is transformed into a dazzling display of millions of sparkling lights and whimsical holiday scenes. Now celebrating its 30th year, this magical event offers something for everyone whether you prefer a leisurely walk beneath twinkling arches, a ride on the Evergreen Express tram, or the comfort of a drive-through night surrounded by festive displays. Bundle up, bring the family, and make unforgettable memories under the glow of holiday lights. November 13 – December 31, 2026.
Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show at Toyota Field
Get ready for a brand-new holiday tradition! The Rocket City Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show is coming to Toyota Field, November 20–December 27, and this year the magic moves inside the ballpark. Enjoy a dazzling walkthrough experience as the concourse and field are transformed with sparkling lights and festive displays.
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 20 through January 3, 2027.
Wonderland Under Warrior at Rickwood Caverns State Park
Who says Christmas lights have to be above ground? 🎄✨ Head underground at Rickwood Caverns State Park for Wonderland Under Warrior, where more than 100,000 twinkling lights transform the cave into a magical holiday wonderland! Follow the self-guided trail through festive displays featuring dancing lights, glacier ice caverns, elf villages and beautifully illuminated rock formations. Along the way, you'll find plenty of fun photo opportunities, and Santa will be making appearances from November 27 through December 23!
The experience is open on select dates from 2–8pm, and tickets are $12 per person ages 5 and up. The walk is approximately one mile round-trip, and the 110 steps normally included at the end of the cave tour are eliminated for this special event, making the experience easier for visitors with mobility challenges.
Reservations are highly recommended, so plan ahead for this one-of-a-kind North Alabama Christmas adventure!
🗓️ Select dates November 21–December 30, 2026 & January 1-3, 2027 | ⏰ 2–8 pm | 💲 Admission charged
Forest of Lights at GoFAR USA Park
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. Claus or visit Santa's workshop to make a Christmas Craft. Begins in December from 5-9pm.
Christmas in the Country at LaGrange College Site Park
The annual Christmas in the Country will be held Friday and Saturday, November 20-21, 2026 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 20, 2026 - January 2, 2027 from 5-9pm. You must purchase tickets prior to going. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas in the Park
The City of Arab and Arab Parks & Recreation are kicking off the holiday season with the return of Christmas in the Park, a beloved tradition now in its 32nd year! Beginning November 27 through December 31, 2026, Arab City Park will sparkle with over two million lights, festive displays, and endless photo opportunities for the whole family.
The celebration begins November 27 at 5:15pm with a lighting ceremony in the Historic Village, featuring holiday tunes from the Arab Jazz Band. The park will glow nightly from dusk until 9:30pm (weather permitting), and admission is free.
✨ Don’t miss Santa in the Village, where the Arab Historic Village transforms into Santa’s Village on November 27, December 5, 12, and 19 from 5:30–9pm. Visit Santa, meet the Grinch, see the blacksmith at work, and enjoy the charming 1890’s farmhouse all decked out for the holidays.
📍 Arab City Park – 844 Shoal Creek Trail | Free Admission
Enter the park for Santa in the Village at 863 Fry Gap Road.
Bundle up, bring the family, and make magical memories this holiday season in Arab!
(photo by North Alabama Ambassador Robert Posey)
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Get ready for a little German Christmas magic right here in North Alabama! 🎄 The award-winning Cullman Christkindlmarkt returns November 19 through December 23, bringing old-world holiday traditions and Southern charm to downtown Cullman. Named the Alabama Tourism Department's 2026 Event of the Year, the market features nearly 80 vendors, authentic German food, ice skating, alpine tubing, a 108-foot Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel and plenty of holiday fun for the whole family.
Don't miss North America's tallest Christmas pyramid, standing more than 40 feet tall, or the world's largest walk-on Christmas arch! Kids will love Santa's Village, the Christkindl Express train ride and the life-sized Advent calendar. Opening festivities include the Christmas pyramid lighting on November 19, followed by the Christmas parade, tree lighting and drone show on November 20.
The market takes place at Depot Park in downtown Cullman, with free admission and parking. It's open Thursday through Sunday initially, expanding to daily hours beginning December 10, and is closed Thanksgiving Day.
For hours, the full schedule and more information, visit www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com.
Plaid Friday in Downtown Gadsden
Skip the Black Friday rush and enjoy a fun, festive way to shop local! Downtown Gadsden merchants are celebrating Plaid Friday on November 27, 2026, inviting shoppers to embrace the holiday spirit while supporting locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries. Wear your favorite plaid and explore special promotions, refreshments, and door prizes throughout the day—plus a visit from Santa Claus between noon and 3pm!
Plaid Friday celebrates the creativity and community spirit of small businesses, offering a more meaningful holiday shopping experience. Don’t forget to share your day using #PlaidFriday, #ShopLocal, and #DineLocal.
Plan your visit and see participating merchants at downtowngadsden.com.
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 27 through December 31. (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.
November 19–22, November 27–29, December 3–6, December 10–23, and December 26–27, 2026
Special Weekend: December 11–12, 2026 (features extra activities like Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and food trucks)
Hours: Monday–Saturday from 9am-9pm Sunday from 12pm-9pm
Christmas in Oneonta
The magic of the holidays comes alive as the Oneonta Business Association presents Christmas in Toyland, a month-long celebration filled with festive cheer from November 27–December 31, 2026.
The fun begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and City Christmas Market on November 27 (5–8pm) at the Oneonta Depot, featuring arts and craft vendors, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa visits, holiday music, a live nativity, festive firetruck rides, and more!
Continue the holiday magic with the Annual Christmas Spectacular at Palisades Park, open December 1–31 (closed Dec. 24–25) from 5–9pm, showcasing dazzling light displays by local businesses, churches, and community groups.
Don’t miss Christmas in Oneonta on December 5 (5–8pm) for shopping, dining, free crafts in Santa’s Toy Shop, and carriage rides, plus the Blount County Christmas Parade on December 8 at 7pm through downtown.
✨ Stroll, shop, dine, and celebrate the joy of the season in Oneonta’s Christmas in Toyland!
📍 Event details at oneontabusinessassociation.com
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 12, 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 2-7pm. Along with seeing some of Decatur’s most historic and architecturally significant dwellings, the festive event offers shopping, carriage rides and live holiday music. Tickets for the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour are $35 each and can be purchased in advance online at https://decaturchristmastour.com.
Parade of Lights at Joe Wheeler State Park
Don't miss all the beautifully decorated boats at the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park on Saturday, December 12! 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 4, 2026, 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.
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 11 and Friday, December 18 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.
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 at Burritt on the Mountain
December 4-5, 2026 | 5–9 p.m.
Tickets: $55–$70 | Burritt on the Mountain, Huntsville, AL
As the holiday season arrives, Burritt on the Mountain transforms into a glowing, nostalgic wonderland for its beloved Candlelight Christmas celebration. On Friday and Saturday, December 4-5, 2026, guests are invited to step back in time and experience the magic, warmth, and traditions of Christmas Past—all set against the breathtaking views atop Monte Sano.
The moment you arrive, the mountain sparkles with the soft flicker of candlelight, creating a scene straight out of a classic Christmas story. It’s the kind of evening that slows the season down, invites you to breathe in the chill of winter, and immerses you in simple, beautiful holiday traditions.
Candlelight Christmas is filled with opportunities to experience the holidays the way generations before us did. Throughout the evening, you can:
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Roast chestnuts over an open fire
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String popcorn and cranberries as old-fashioned tree garland
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Visit friendly farm animals in the historic park
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Taste figgy pudding—yes, the one from the song!
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Hear captivating holiday stories shared by costumed interpreters
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Create your own handmade ornament to take home
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Visit Kris Kringle, the traditional German gift-bringer
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Enjoy the sounds of traditional Christmas music drifting through the park
It’s a charming blend of history, hands-on fun, and heartwarming nostalgia.
Whether you’re sipping warm cider by the fire, wandering through historic cabins glowing with candlelight, or watching your children delight in simple seasonal crafts, Candlelight Christmas offers something truly special. It’s a chance to step away from the rush of the modern season and enjoy an evening rich with heritage and holiday cheer.
Mark your calendar for December 4 & 5, gather your loved ones, and celebrate the season with an enchanting night at one of Huntsville’s most beloved holiday events.
Sippin' Cider Festival
On Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 4-8pm, 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 at EarlyWorks
The most wonderful time of the year is back! From December 11–23, 2026, families are invited to downtown Huntsville to celebrate the holiday season at 12 Nights of Santa. Kids can share their wish lists with Santa himself, enjoy nightly snowfalls, decorate gingerbread cookies, make ornaments, write letters to Santa, and play to their heart’s content.
Events start at 5pm on weeknights and 3pm on weekends, with all activities at EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, 404 Madison Street SE. Tickets are $15 per person ($13 for members), and children under one are free. Pre-purchase your timed-entry tickets now—they’ll sell out fast!
🎟️ Get yours at 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 24th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman is November 27-29, December 2-6, 9-23, 26-27, 2026. 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.
