By Amanda E.H. Pritchard
If you’re looking to make your spirits merry and bright…Alabama’s got you covered! From fantastically festive light spectaculars to historic home tours to parking your sleigh for a drive-in Christmas movie, these events/activities will help you get that holiday feeling!
Arab
- Christmas in the Park
Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
6pm – 9pm
Free
northalabama.org/event/christmas-in-the-park-arab/160/
Birmingham
- Arlington Historic House and Gardens
Christmas at Arlington Tours
Every Monday – Saturday in December
10am – 2pm
arlingtonantebellumhomeandgardens.com
- Birmingham Zoo
Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration
Nov. 17 – Jan. 17, 2022
Select nights 5pm – 9pm
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Prices vary. To secure tickets log onto: birminghamzoo.com/events/glowwild/
- George Ward Park
Check to Protect Drive-In Holiday Movie Experience
Movie: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Dec. 19
4pm – 8m
Free
*Upon arrival the staff will check your license plate or VIN number to see if your car has vehicle safety recalls. If recalls exist, you’ll be provided with information on how to get these free repairs done before you take to the roads to visit family and friends this holiday season.
To register log onto: eventbrite.com, then click Browse Events.
- Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan’s Magical Nights
Dec. 17 - 23
6pm – 8pm each night
Tickets: Seniors - $5, Adults - $6, Child - $4
Adult Members – Free
visitvulcan.com/event/magical-nights-vulcans-holiday-experience
- Wacky Tacky Light Tour
Fundraiser for Fresh Air Family’s Gross Out Camp Scholarship Fund
December 14, 15, 16 & 21 6pm – 9:45pm
$45 +fees
wackytacky.org
Calera
- Corbin Farms Winery
Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner
Dec. 19
5pm – 8pm
Tickets $60 per person
*21 & up event
Includes: Murder Mystery Theater, 3 Course Dinner, 1 Glass of Wine of your choice and gratuity.
*Tacky Christmas Sweater attire is suggested, but not required.
corbinfarmswinery.com
Childersburg
- Desoto Caverns
Christmas at the Cave
Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21
5pm – 9pm
Prices vary
desotocavernspark.com/Christmas-at-the-cave
Clanton
- Christmas Wonderland
Walk through installation located at:
309 Studdard Drive
Select nights 5pm – 10pm
Facebook for all details.
Gadsden
- Christmas at the Falls at Noccalula Falls Park
Nov. 25 – Jan. 1, 2022
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Tickets: Monday – Thursday $8 + tax
Friday – Sunday $10 + tax
Children 3 & under – Free and do not require a ticket
noccalulafallspark.com/events/christmas-at-the-falls/
Huntsville
- Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Galaxy of Lights
Dec. 11 – Jan. 1, 2022
Prices vary. To secure your tickets log onto:
hsvbg.org/galaxy/
- Big Spring Park
Tinsel Trail – Over 300 trees decorated for the season.
Nov. 26 – Jan. 2, 2022
Open 24/7 – Trees may not be lit during severe weather.
Free
tinseltrail.com
Montgomery
- Governor’s Mansion Christmas Candlelight Tours
Mondays, Dec. 6, 13 & 20
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Free self-guided tour that requires a ticket to enter.
Tickets available at mansion gift shop or the Sweet Home Alabama gift shop located at 401 Adams Avenue.
Email: [email protected] or
Call: 334-834-3022
governor.alabama.gov/governor/mansion/tours
- Montgomery Zoo
Christmas Lights Festival
Dec. 3– 25
5:30pm-9pm
Tickets $10 general admission ages 3 & up.
Train rides $3
Santa photo $5 per picture
montgomeryzoo.com
- Harriott II Riverboat
Holiday Dinner Cruise
Dec. 11, 17-18
Board at 6:30pm for 7pm cruise
Leaves from dock near the Riverwalk Amphitheater located at 255 Commerce Street.
Tickets $48 adults, $38 kids, $1 infants (ride only).
FuninMontgomery.com
Mobile
- Bellingrath Gardens and Home – Theodore, AL
Magic Christmas in Lights
Nov. 26 – Jan. 5, 2022
Nightly 5pm – 9pm
Closed Christmas & New Year’s Day
Tickets: Adult - $16 + service fees
Children 5 & up - $8
Children 4 & under - Free
www.bellingrath.org
- Hank Aaron Stadium
Christmas Nights of Lights
Nov. 12 – Jan. 7, 2022
Drive – thru
Synchronized holiday extravaganza light show!
Open nightly rain or shine
Tickets: $8 per person (includes sales tax),
4 and under are Free
mobileseg.com/events/christmas-nights-of-lights
Opelika
- Collinwood Luminaries
Dec. 17
5pm – 9pm
Neighborhood event with live nativity characters and animals showing the path to Christ.
Drive-thru
55th Anniversary of this family-friendly event!
Free
aotourism.com/Event/43055/Collinwood-Luminaries/
Orange Beach
- Winter at the Wharf
Dec. 12 - 31
Prices and activities vary.
alwharf.com/events
Oxford
- Festival of Lights Choccolocco Park – Drive Thru
Nov. 20 – Dec. 24
5pm – 10pm nightly
Prices vary depending on days and vehicle
oxfordfestivaloflights.com
Pell City
- Lakeside Park
Lights in the Park – Drive through light spectacular
Over 70 displays
Dec. 1 – Dec. 31
Nightly Sunset – 9pm
Free
Visitstclair.com/events/lights-in-the-park-at-pell-city-lakeside-park/
Pinson
- Bama Lights
Drive through experience located at:
8333 West Hill Road
Thanksgiving Night – Christmas Night
5pm – 9:30pm
Free, but accepting donations for Magic Moments
Prattville
- Skating at Heritage Park
Dec. 2 – 30
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Monday – Thursday 5pm-9pm
Friday 5pm – 10pm
Saturday 1pm – 10pm
Sunday 1pm – 9pm
$5 per person for 30-minute skating session
Fee includes skate rental
Must be 5-years-old & over
prattvilleal.gov/special-events/Christmas-ice-skating-rink.html
Tuscaloosa
- Holidays on the Plaza
Open now – Jan. 17, 2022
10am – 10pm
Prices vary
holidaysontheplaza.com
Warrior
- Wonderland Under Warrior at Rickwood Caverns State Park
Now – Jan. 2, 2022
2pm – 8pm
Reservations recommended
$12 per person ages 5 & up
alapark.com/parks/rickwood-caverns-state-park/wonderland-under-warrior
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