Christmas in Alabama is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, festive events, and heartwarming traditions. From city celebrations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, to celebrations in the charming small towns in between, there are plenty of ways to experience the holiday spirit in your own backyard. Gather your family in the car, pack some cookies and hot chocolate, and follow the “snow” flurries to discover your new favorite Alabama holiday tradition!
Here are some of the best around in our state to celebrate the season (visit website links for more information):
- Galaxy of Lights – Botanical Gardens, Huntsville
Through December 31
Walk or drive through the magical lights and beautiful gardens. With immersive displays throughout the gardens, there’s something to delight everyone. Enjoy laser lights, light shows, faux snow, and other special effects. Tickets required.
- Winter Wonderland – Sportsman Lake Park, Cullman
Through December 23
The 21st annual Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park features more than a million lights! Ride the Christmas train or horse & carriage, play in the snow, enjoy a photo booth, hot chocolate, and more. A new feature this year will be a Winter Wonderland Christmas Shop.
- Christmas at the Falls – Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden
Through December 31 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Beautiful Noccalula Falls is the setting for millions of holiday lights winding throughout the park with displays and decorations. Enjoy the lights from anywhere in the park or from a seat on the train ride. Santa and food vendors will be on hand, too. Tickets required and must be purchased online in advance.
- Magic Christmas in Lights – Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore
Through January 3 (except Christmas Day and New Years Day)
Historic Bellingrath Gardens hosts its 28th annual Festival of Holiday Lights. Guests are welcome to tour the Bellingrath home (Santa may be there for photos from 5:30-9:30 p.m.) and enjoy the light show spread over the estate’s 65 acres. Snacks and hot chocolate are available for purchase on Live Oak Plaza at the midway point of the walking tour. Tickets required.
- Safari of Lights – Alabama Safari Park, Hope Hull
Through December 24th
Alabama Safari Park glows at night as you drive through thousands of sparkling lights around its 350 acres. After your drive, walk through the Candy Cane Forest and visit with all the farm animals in the petting area. Santa will drop by on select days with the perfect opportunity for snapping a photo with the jolly old elf. Tickets required.
- Christmas Lights Festival – Montgomery Zoo
December 2-25
The Montgomery Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at its annual Christmas Lights Festival. Stroll through the park, enjoy a brisk train ride, or ride the Zoofari Skylift Adventure. Visit Santa and the Christmas Tree Village at the Mann Museum and enjoy the live entertainment at the Overlook Café. Hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies from the Overlook Café make a warm holiday treat. Tickets required.
- Christmas in Candyland – Downtown Court Square and Springdale Village, Andalusia
Through December 30th (See calendar for specific dates)
Enjoy imaginative play cottages for kids, train rides, snow tubing, winter skating, Christmas lights and decorations, and more every weekend at this holiday event in two locations. Attractions include Alabama’s largest snow tubing hill, a winter skating rink, train rides on The Springdale Express, imaginative play at the themed Candyland Cottages, hot cocoa and characters, visits with Santa in the Candyland Sleigh, and the Arctic Trek – Polar Bear Maze. Free Admission.
- It’s a Dickens Christmas Y’all – Downtown Tuscumbia
December 9th
Enjoy a festive setting reminiscent of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” as the streets of downtown Tuscumbia feature horse-drawn carriage rides, “snow,” music, and food. Warm up at a holiday high tea. Admission charged for some events.
- The Living Christmas Tree – First Baptist Church, Montgomery
December 8-10
Since 1981, The Living Christmas Tree has celebrated the gospel message of Christmas through the First Baptist Church Montgomery choir and orchestra. The performance features a 150-voice choir, full orchestra, and a 31.6 foot Christmas tree illuminated with thousands of lights. Tickets required.
- Christkindlmarkt – Downtown Cullman
Thursdays-Sundays through December 23rd
This unique annual celebration draws inspiration from Germany’s historic Christmas markets. Explore the market, savor seasonal delights, and discover handcrafted treasures. You also can enjoy ice skating, a Christmas carousel, Santa’s village, and Christkindl Express. Admission to the market is free. There are charges for some activities.
