HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As the holidays approach, the Tennessee Valley is filled with family-friendly events to celebrate the season. Check out some of the top events going on this season below.
Bridge Street Town Centre is hosting its 15th annual Lights Up holiday lighting event - Celebration on Nov. 22, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., featuring live performances, holiday characters, and a special appearance by Santa Claus to light the center's 45-foot tree. The free event, benefiting local nonprofit Kids to Love, will include a holiday light show running Friday and Saturday evenings through Dec. 25, with donations accepted near Dick’s Sporting Goods and free gift wrapping available.
Galaxy of Lights - Huntsville Botanical Garden will be hosting special events for all to enjoy from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2024. Walking Nights will be held Nov. 15–Dec. 1, Dec. 4–8, and Dec. 18–26 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), while Driving Nights are scheduled for Dec. 9–17 and Dec. 27–31. Dog Nights are set for Nov. 18-19, Nov. 25-26, Dec. 23-24, with $5 admission per dog.
Tinsel Trail (Huntsville) - The Tinsel Trail, a holiday display of over 400 live Christmas trees, will light up Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville from November 29 to January 1, 2025.
Miracle at MidCity - The Camp at MidCity transforms into a holiday paradise with Miracle at MidCity, running from November 29 to December 24, featuring festive cocktails, live music, and appearances by Santa Claus. Guests can enjoy seasonal decor, fire pits, family-friendly fun, and more at The Camp.
Skating in the Park - In downtown Huntsville on Nov. 27, kicking off the annual Rockin’ Around the Rocket City celebration. The outdoor rink, presented by the Huntsville Museum of Art and Downtown Huntsville, Inc., will be open daily through Jan. 5, 2025, with skating hours and admission pricing available online.
Holiday Fireworks - At Ditto Landing, holiday fireworks will light up the sky on December 7 and 21 at 7 p.m. as part of the Christmas on the River celebration, offering a festive treat for families and visitors.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt - The holiday season arrives in Cullman with a festive celebration blending German traditions from November 21 to December 23. The event features ice skating, a towering Christmas pyramid, a parade, tree lighting ceremony, and holiday activities for the whole family, with free admission every Thursday through Sunday.
Winterville - The Holiday Market at Redstone Arsenal will feature a tree lighting ceremony, food and gluhwein, pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, winter sports, and a Kidpreneur pop-up market on Dec. 7, from 1 to 8 p.m. The free event, held at the Activity Field (Gate 10), will also offer kids' crafts, entertainment, and more.
Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade - On Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in downtown Athens, with free admission for all attendees.
Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail - Return to Big Spring Memorial Park from November 21 to December 31. The event is free and open to the public.
Reindeer Rails - Returns to Ditto Landing for select dates this December. Visitors can enjoy the festive display on various days between December 1 and December 28, with special hours listed online.
12 Nights of Santa at EarlyWorks Museum - In downtown Huntsville from December 12-23. Children can visit with Santa each night, enjoy family-friendly activities like holiday crafts, science experiments, and more. Tickets must be purchased online.
Candlelight Christmas - Celebrate a traditional Christmas at Burritt on the Mountain's annual Candlelight Christmas, featuring live music, holiday crafts, and a visit with Kris Kringle. The event, held rain or shine, takes place December 7-9 with tickets available for $55 for members and $70 for the general public (up to six people per carload).
Rocket City Christmas Light Show at Toyota Field - Starting November 22, featuring over a mile and a half of lights and a "Santa’s Beach Party" theme. The drive-through display is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 29, with $30 vehicle passes including admission to the Winter Wonderland for holiday activities and visits from Santa.
Big Spring Jingle - Huntsville Parks & Recreation will host the Big Spring Jingle on December 20 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Big Spring Park West, featuring festive lights, live music, and a special appearance by Santa. The event will also offer a relaxed experience for residents with special needs from 4 to 5 p.m., with lower sound levels and smaller crowds.
Tiny Tot Turkey Trot - Kids 5 and under can race against Tina Turkey, the giant turkey mascot, in the free Tiny Tot Turkey Trot on November 28 at 9 a.m. No sign-up is required.
First Christian Church- HSV Annual Christmasfest - Features craft stations, a hot chocolate bar, and the telling of the Christmas story, along with free professional photos with Santa. The event is free and will be held on December 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3209 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville.
Dickens Christmas Fair - Experience a Dickensian Christmas on December 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Orion Amphitheater, featuring traditional fare, festive drinks, and live holiday performances.
Deck the Docks - At Ditto Landing, Deck the Docks will have a new space available for anyone to sign up and showcase their decorated boat. The event will take place December 13-15 from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring a dazzling display of holiday lights on the water.
Christmas Card Lane Walking Nights - Christmas Card Lane returns for its third year along the Tennessee River Greenway, featuring festive 4'x8' cards created by local businesses, artists, and families. The display will be open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m. December 1 through December 31, with shuttle service available on weekends from December 6 to 21.
Christmas Light Run - Fleet Feet Huntsville will host a free Christmas Lights fun run on December 19 at 6 p.m.
Christmas Carnival - Enjoy classic carnival games and an inflatable obstacle course at The Orion Amphitheater on December 7 starting at 10 a.m. The event costs $10, with free admission for kids 4 and under.
Christmas at the Corner - The fourth season of this family-friendly Christmas event will bring festive fun to all ages with Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and more. Running from December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22, the event features a petting zoo, live music, and sleigh bell rides, with admission set at $10 per person.
Mrs. Claus’ Snow Stroll on Gas Light Alley - Every Friday and Saturday from December 6-21, featuring snow machines, holiday shopping, and a special visit from Mrs. Claus herself. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and offers holiday photo ops, hot chocolate, and gifts from local women-owned businesses.
HOWLiday PAWgeant - On December 7 to benefit Notorious D.O.G. Dog Rescue, featuring festive pups strutting their stuff in holiday costumes. The $10 registration fee supports the rescue, with prizes for the top three pups, and the event will include vendors, raffles, photos with Santa, and adoptable dogs.
