North Alabama holiday events guide
Check out our list of family-friendly activities across the Tennessee Valley.
Looking for some family fun in Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, Florence, and beyond this holiday season? Take a look at some of the ongoing and upcoming events and check back for new listings.
Huntsville Holiday events
Huntsville:
Walking Nights:
November 11 – 28 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Time of last admission)
Dog Walking Nights: Every Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights (November 15, 16, 22, and 23)
Driving Nights:
December 2 – January 1 (Closed Christmas Day)
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Time of last admission)
November 26, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Tinsel Trail is a display of live Christmas trees in Downtown Huntsville's Big Spring Park. Over 300 trees will decorate the park for the holiday season.
Nights of Santa will be returning to EarlyWorks Children’s Museum December 13-23, 2021.
Skating in the Park:
November 19, 2021 - January 17, 2022
Regular Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Friday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission & Rental Pricing:
- $15 Ages 10 & up
- $10 Ages 9 and under
- $13 Groups of 10 or more
- $5 Scooter rental
- $5 Discount if you bring your own skates
- 10% Discount at the Museum Store when you show your skating wristband
Letters to Santa at Bridge Street Town Center:
November 26: Looking for a direct connection to the North Pole? Drop your holiday wish list in Santa’s Mailbox in front of the Bridge Street management office, near Red Robin.
Santa’s helpers will collect these letters and ensure a personalized letter from Santa himself! No postage required, just remember to include a return address.
Village of Providence Annual Tree Lighting:
Start the holiday season at the Village of Providence Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Come have fun at the park with different activities for kids and free picture with Santa. Event is from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Chanukah Celebration at Bridge Street:
November 28 @ 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
From Chabad of Huntsville:
Chabad of Huntsville is hosting a 2021 Chanukah celebration at Bridge Street and you are invited! Come join in our holiday celebrations. We will light the first candle on a giant menorah together with special guests and entertainment. This year’s lighting is going to take place outside the Apple Store and will feature music, street performers, and kids’ crafts, as well as foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and fresh donuts.
Refreshments will be served with health precautions in mind. If you aren’t feeling well, or are displaying symptoms, kindly stay home and guard your health and that of others.
Chanukah 2021 begins on the eve of November 28th, and concludes on December 6th.
Chanukah – the eight day festival of light that begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev — celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materialism.
Huntsville’s Chanukah Menorah Parade:
Chabad of Huntsville will be coordinating its annual Car Menorah Parade through the streets of Huntsville again in 2021! A truly social distancing event, families interested in participating register their car for a cost of $45 and then join the line of parade participants with lighted menorahs attached to the roof of their cars. The parade, which is in its third year, travels around Huntsville to shine light upon the city!
The route starts at Huntsville Middle School, with the lineup starting at 4:30 PM.
City of Madison Holiday events
Madison:
Winter Wonderland at Toyota Field features a drive-thru light show and a Winter Wonderland with holiday activities like ornament decorating and character visits. The event runs through January 2.
Christmas Card Lane:
Starts Dec. 1. Christmas Card Lane is an outdoor, life-size card exhibit located in the heart of Madison, AL. You’ll find whimsical, traditional, and religious themes amongst the more than thirty designs on display.
Visitors are invited to drive along Church and Front Street, in Madison’s historic downtown neighborhood, to enjoy this visual holiday delight! The cards will be illuminated until 9PM each night in the month of December. During the day, you may park on Main Street and stroll the sidewalks to admire the details of each design.
Inaugural Wassail Fest:
In conjunction with the Madison Station Polar Express and Christmas on Main tree lighting, downtown Madison merchants will be open providing samples of their best Wassail (hot spiced cider) recipe and door prizes. Come out to sample, shop and be festive! We hope to provide Madison and surrounding areas with a festive evening to kick-off the holiday season!
Decatur/Morgan County Holiday events
Decatur:
Decatur Christmas Parade Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m.
At this year’s Christmas parade, we’re going to be celebrating your float favorites Decatur attraction, Christmas style! So grab your friends, and holiday spirit, and Dec’ the Halls for Decatur this Christmas!
Marshall County Holiday events
Marshall County:
Arab City Park is a must-see during the holiday season. Featuring more than 1 million lights, the park will be ablaze with the magic and beauty of Christmas. The 27th Annual Christmas in the Park “Lighting Ceremony” begins at exactly 6 pm on November 26th.
Park is open dusk through 9 p.m. through Dec. 31
Location: Arab Historic Village (map)
Cost: Park admission is free, Santa in the Village is $6 ages 2+
Athens/Limestone County Holiday events
Athens:
Athens-Limestone County Tourism is proud to host the return of their grand Christmas fundraiser with the help of our community sponsors. As whispers of Winter's chill fill the air, Big Spring Memorial Park in the Historic Beaty District of Athens Alabama is filled with cheer and whimsy as area organizations, churches, schools, businesses, non-profits, and individuals decorate trees.
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