HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The holidays are approaching and there are plenty family friendly events happening throughout the end of the year. We have a list below of some that are taking place across the Tennessee Valley.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center - The U.S. Space & Rocket Center's special planetarium show, Star of Bethlehem, only has a few showings left and is selling out fast. The show "balances science and religion to explore theories on what celestial phenomenon may have led the Magi to the Nativity more than 2,000 years ago." Remaining shows are on Dec 21, 7:00 pm, Dec 22, 7:00 pm, Dec 23, 7:00 pm, and Dec 30, 4:00 pm. Admission is charged.
Galaxy of Lights - A regional holiday tradition that takes place every November and December at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is back. For over 25 years, the family-friendly event has lights displayed just in time for the holiday season.
- Walking Nights: November 17- 26, 29, 30 (Closed Thanksgiving Day) & December 1 – 3, 16 – 24
- Dog Walking Nights: Every Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights (November 20 & 21 and December 18 & 19 )
- Driving Nights: December 4 – 15 & 26 – 31
Rocket City Trash Pandas Christmas Light Show - The light show begins this Friday, November 17 through December 31. This will be the fourth straight year that Toyota Field will have a the musically synchronized, drive-through Christmas light show. This year’s theme will “Santa’s Favorite Tales” with a nod to St. Nick’s favorite tales & nursery rhymes like the Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks, Humpty Dumpty, Snow White, and many more. For more details on this event you can visit here.
Bridge Street Town Centre is hosting its 14th annual Lights Up holiday lighting event - The annual kick-off of the holiday season, Lights Up! Lights Up will feature live music by Big Daddy Kingfish and local choir groups, giveaways, holiday characters and more. Santa will join at the end of the ceremony to light up the 45-foot Christmas tree for the very first time this year and launch the holiday light show, that will continue on Friday and Saturday evenings leading up to Christmas. Full details are available here.
Holiday on the Farm - Happening on November 18 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Haven Farms families can enjoy food trucks, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and the Critter Express. All the details can be found on their website.
Friendsgiving Family Swim Event - Happening on November 19th from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Goldfish Swim School.
One Table Huntsville - The Huntsville Community is invited to share a free meal with your neighbors on Monday, November 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Big Spring Park. Food is provided free of charge and there is no requirements to attend.
Skating in the Park - Happening from November 17 – January 7, 2024. People can enjoy of ice skating, festive tunes, and a special visit from Santa. For details you can visit here.
28th Annual Thanksgiving Day Hike - Get ready for your feast with a morning hike on Monte Sano Nature Preserve led by Land Trust volunteers and staff. Hiking will start at the Bankhead Trailhead and go down the mountain to Three Caves. It happens on Thursday, November 23 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration can be found on their website.
Christkindlmarkt Cullman - Get ready for a “Journey to Christmas Wonder!” with activities including ice skating, Santa’s workshop, train rides and a carousel for the entire family. The market runs from November 24 through December 24 at Cullman Depot Park.
Miracle at MidCity - Anyone can hang out at The Camp and enjoy holiday decorations with live music every weekend. The event runs from November 24 - December 24 at 2 - 6 p.m.
Holiday Homecoming - Happening at the Orion, the Holiday Homecoming weekend is kicking off the holidays. There will be local DJs, roller derby matches, tailgates and local live music. It all begins November 24 from 4 - 9 p.m. through November 25 from 12 - 9 p.m. and finishes on November 26 from 12 - 6 p.m.
Tinsel Trail in Huntsville - A full display of live Christmas trees will be in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. Guests can see over 400 trees decorated for the holiday season. The event starts November 24 at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the Mayor’s Tinsel Trail Tree.
Christkindlmarket Huntsville - A community event that combines German and European tradition is coming back to Huntsville just in time for the holidays. The market happens at The Orion Amphitheater on December 8, 9 and 10. Full details can be found here.
5th Annual Pups & Peeps - Bring your dogs and your family get free photos with Santa on November 28 from 4 - 7 p.m. All the details can be found here.
Winter Park - Located throughout Apollo South, Jeff & Blues, and The Orion Amphitheater, Winter Park is cheering in the holiday. Celebrating its second year, the event will feature a variety of seasonal activities including an ice-skating rink, meet and greets with Santa Claus in his workshop, curling under The Dome, festive performances, train rides, holiday movies and carolers. Details on the event can be found on their website.
NEACA Christmas 2023 Craft Show - Happening at the Von Braun Center South Hall in Huntsville on December 1 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., December 2 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and December 3 from Noon – 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy this free event with over 125 crafters with items ranging from jewelry, pottery, home decor, outdoor decor, dolls, clothing, food and much more.
Light Up the Cove - This family-friendly event offers a festive atmosphere where guests can enjoy live music, sweet treats, crafts and a story for the kids. The event will conclude by gathering to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree on December 3 from 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Huntsville Christmas Parade - Happening on December 5 at 6 p.m. the 2023 Huntsville Christmas Parade will take place. The theme this year will be 'Christmas Through the Decades.'
Madison Community Band Annual Concert - Enjoy a live concert band performance filled with wonder, good cheer, and the songs, hymns, and carols of the season. The 30th anniversary season kicks off on December 5 at 7 p.m.
Madison Christmas Parade - Happening on December 9 at 5 p.m. families can enjoy the 2023 Madison Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop.
Nerdy Noel - This indoor event is free and will feature dozens of regional artists and vendors, rescue rabbits, geeky music, prizes and more. It will take place on December 10 at 11 a.m. More details can be found here.
Tuscumbia Christmas Parade - Happens on Tuesday, November 28 at 6 p.m. in downtown, Tuscumbia.
Muscle Shoals Christmas Parade - On Thursday, November 30 at 7 p.m. on Avalon Avenue.
Leighton Christmas Parade - Happening on Main Street on Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m.
Sheffield Christmas Parade - Taking place on Tuesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. in downtown, Sheffield.
Cherokee Christmas Parade - On Thursday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown, Cherokee.
Decatur Christmas Parade - On Saturday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. The parade will begin on Grant Street, move down to Lee Street, and continue on Bank Street before ending on Church Street.
Turkey Bowl - 104.3 WZYP will host a night of friendly competition on the ice on Tuesday, December 19th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Big Spring Park. The ice rink will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sensory Inclusive Santa - Will be held downtown on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration opens up on Black Friday and is a free experience for 200 children.
Sand Mountain Skate - The 5,000 square feet ice skating rink is back at the Sand Mountain Amphitheater. It is located in Albertville and will be open until January 13. More details can be found here.
Big Spring Jingle - On Friday, Dec 8 from 5 - 8 p.m. Big Spring Park West will transform into a winter wonderland with special holiday lighting, music, a dance floor, prizes and giveaways. Guests with special needs or who have sensory disorders family members are invited to attend from 4 - 5 p.m. to enjoy the same event, but with lower sound volumes, smaller crowds and no line to visit Santa.
