35 Things to do in Birmingham in December
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Are you ready for December in Birmingham? Lights are going up around town and everyone is feeling festive! Check out these 35 events (holiday and non-holiday themed) that are happening in Birmingham in December!
Is your calendar out? Better get ready, because we’re diving into all the fun events December has to offer.
December – January 6: Magic of Model Trains at McWane Science Center
The exhibit will entertain you and your family for hours as you discover over a dozen different displays with trains of every shape and size. Each track is designed to scale with meticulous detail. Discover covered bridges, downtown storefronts, and, of course, trains. Find all the info here.
December 1: #DeckTheHam Voting Event Begins (ends the 31st)
Want to vote for your favorite #DecktheHam window? Simply snap a photo and post on insta using the hashtag #DecktheHam – voting lasts through December 30th!
December 1: Bourbon Made in Bama Tasting
The ‘Bourbon Made in Bama’ tasting on Saturday, December 1 from 1 – 3pm is sure to be a treat. Whether it’s for you or for a very cool holiday gift, you can pick up a bottle of Seth Dettling’s small batch, 80 proof, farm-to-bottle whiskey. He will be at the event and ready to sign and wax-dip a bottle just for you!
December 1: Alabama Waldorf School’s Holiday Faire
Each year, on the first Saturday in December, the Alabama Waldorf School hosts its Holiday Faire from 10-3. You’ll find a lovingly decorated auditorium filled with vendors and their homemade wares. There’s food to eat, games to play, music to enjoy, and sometimes even a blacksmith on the grounds, much to the delight of all. Visit the school’s website here for a complete guide to this year’s vendors.
December 1, 8, 9, 15: Birmingham Children’s Theatre: Peter Pan
Want to start a new holiday tradition? Can you do a Peter Pan crow? The upcoming production of Peter Pan by the Birmingham Children’s Theatre is the perfect weekend holiday escape for audiences of all ages, playing this December at the BJCC.
December 1: Bham Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the AL Theatre
A holiday classic come to life! Don’t miss this beloved story played out at the historic Alabama Theatre. More info here.
December 1: Magic City Ribeye Rumble at Back Forty Beer Co.
The Magic City Ribeye Rumble will bring together competitors seeking the title of Best Steak in Birmingham. The event’s mission is to become Birmingham’s first and only steak cook-off challenge, while raising funds for The Movember Foundation. Best steak wins $500 and a trophy! More info here.
December 2: Christmas Heritage Tour of Pioneer Homes 2-4pm
Celebrate Alabama Bicentennial by visiting three authentic pioneer homes decorated for a “Rustically Regal Holiday Tour”. Visitors will be greeted by docents in period clothing and can enjoy music and refreshments while experiencing a pioneer Christmas. Find addresses for homes in the event here.
December 2: Birmingham Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
The parade will start at 4 p.m. at 14th Street South and 5th Avenue South. and end on Short 20th Street in front of City Hall at 5:30 p.m. The tree lighting will follow in front of City Hall with Mayor Randall Woodfin, Santa, food trucks and vendors. The Ramsay High School Ensemble and First Church Birmingham Choir will perform. RSVP here.
December 2: Woodlawn Street Market
Woodlawn Street Market is an urban street market, in the heart of Historic Woodlawn, conceived for those who are always searching for unique, specialty creations. Patrons can expect merchants selling produce, goods, and prepared food, along with a few home-grown restaurants and retailers. The market is located at 1 55th Place South, Birmingham.
December 2: December Jazz Brunch and Holiday Market at Ghost Train
Ghost Train has partnered with Elements Bham for this month’s jazz brunch. Hot Tag food truck will be on hand with delicious food while you listen to jazz and check things off your Christmas list. 11am-4pm at Ghost Train Brewing.
December 2: Asbury Christmas Pageant
The Kingdom Kids and the Sonshine Singers will present The Very Important Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 2nd at 5:30PM in the Sanctuary. The Cherub Choir will “open” the show. Special guest “stars” include members of the Adult and Youth ministries! Come hear the Christmas story told with humor, mystery, and awe!
December 3: Naked Art Gallery’s 1st Monday in Forest Park
Naked Art Gallery hosts “Kitschmas” each year in the weeks leading up to the holidays, and 2018 is no exception. On December 3rd, they begin extended holiday hours, with Monday openings from 10-7:30. On this first Monday in December, 10% of all sales go to support the Parkinson Association of Alabama. Kitschmas continues throghout the month of December.
December 4: ULI Hosts Anita Kramer
Urban Land Institute of Alabama (ULI) will be hosting Anita Kramer, ULI Senior Vice President at the ULI Alabama Real Estate 2019 Luncheon, Tuesday, December 4 at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 11:30 to 1:00 pm. Stop by to learn all about urban real estate trends for 2019!
December 4-6: Pepper Place Holiday Open House
The shops and restaurants of Pepper Place will be open later on these days and will have sales and specials. Check out Cantina Tortilla Grill’s Holiday specials here.
December 6: MakeBHM Holiday Open House
This is a chance to support local artists and makers and to see behind the scenes of their hard work! Studios will be open for exploration at Birmingham’s “most dynamic workplace.” Admission is free, the event is kid-friendly, and anyone who signs up for a class at the event gets 10% off. 6-9pm at 4000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham.
December 7: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Home for the Holidays Concert
The performance, which is part of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Red Diamond SuperPOPS series, takes place Friday, December 7, at 7 p.m. at the Samford University Wright Center. Tickets range from $27 to $62. Along with our amazing Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Home for the Holidays features the Birmingham-Southern College Hilltop Singers, Embellishments Handbell Ensemble and two incredible soloists: Kristen Sharp and Bethany Borg.
December 7: Art After 5: Museum Movie Merry-thon at the Birmingham Museum of Art
Take a Buddy-the-Elf inspired tour of the galleries followed by some serious paper snowflake making. Decorate an ugly Christmas sweater that would make Clark Griswold proud, and warm up with your new friends and some special holiday cocktails from Chattanooga Whiskey. Don’t stay Home Alone, come out to Art After 5! This event is FREE! Click here for a full schedule of the night.
December 8: Last Pepper Place Market Date
This is the last outdoor market date of the year! Come visit for fresh produce and check a few things off your gift list with our holiday gift guide.
December 8: 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
The 2nd annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here on Dec 8th and it’s time to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK! Participating bars: Tin Roof, Innisfree Irish Pub, SideBar, Moe’s Original BBQ (Lakeview) and Nana Funks. Registration starts at Tin Roof from 4pm to 7pm.
December 8 & 9: Holiday Art Crawl at the Village
The Birmingham Art Crawl sets up shop at the Brookwood Village shops for their holiday crawl! Don’t miss this fun event. Starts at 11 am each day.
December 8: CahaBAZAAR
Yellowhammer Creative and Cahaba Brewing Company have teamed up to present the CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market. Head out on Saturday, December 8 from 12 PM – 7 PM for a day of family fun, great local artist and makers, food and great beer and get all of your holiday shopping done in one place. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there from 2:30 – 5:00 PM to ensure you have the perfect photo for all of your holiday celebrations. There will also be a craft area for children.
December 8, 20 and 21: Donuts with Santa at Heavenly Donuts
Join Santa at The Heavenly Donut Company for Donuts with Santa on Dec 8 or join Santa and his Elves for a Pajamas party and Breakfast on Dec 20 or 21.
December 9: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at The BJCC
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Birmingham with its classic show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” Lasers, pyrotechnics, innovative sets and the finest in performance artists, TSO is a holiday treat for the whole family! Tickets to this show always move fast, so buy your tickets today!
December 11-16: Wacky Tacky Christmas Light Tour
Buy tickets for a show of the best lights in town! Shuttles run from Avondale Brewing Upstairs every 10 minutes from 6pm-7:30pm.
December 16: Asbury Cantata
From beloved carols to moving spirituals, Asbury’s Music Ministry will share sounds of the season during Sunday morning Traditions worship, Sunday, Dec. 16 at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy songs you. know and love!
December 17: It’s A Wonderful Life at Alabama Theatre
This classic Christmas movie will be showing on multiple dates at the Alabama Theatre. Some showings have already sold out, so grab your tickets fast!
December 19: Champagne Tasting at LeNell’s Beverage Boutique
Get festive for the holiday with a little champagne tasting! LeNell is sure to have a exquisite lineup of great champagnes for you to try and bring to your holiday party! The tasting begins at 4:30 and ends at 7pm. LeNell’s is located at 1208 32nd Street North in Norwood. Learn more about LeNell’s here.
December 22: “Christmas is a Drag at Saturn” Drag Show
Simply put, some of Birmingham’s finest Christmas Drag Queens will be doing their thing on the Saturn stage. They will be bringing the party and the entire night is a benefit for AIDS Alabama, so stop by for a great show and a good cause. The show starts at 8pm at Saturn, buy tickets here.
December 22: Elf at the AL Theatre
Everyone’s favorite Christmas comedy is showing at the Alabama Theatre. These tickets sell out fast! Grab yours now!
December 22: Rojo Presents Babes in Toyland: A Drag Dinner Show
Another great holiday-themed drag show! Deck the halls on Saturday December 22nd for a dinner, drinks and drag holiday spectacular that will surely be a blast! Plus, there will be a spectacular giveaway featuring amazing prizes from sponsors Aviate, Phoenix Theatres (The Edge 12 Birmingham) and Pointz. Seating starts at 7 PM. Showtime 8 PM.This event is expected to fill up quickly with reservations, so placing your RSVP in advance is highly recommended. RSVP by email to babeswhobrunchbham@gmail.com.
December 24: Christmas Eve Dinner at Rojo
Looking for somewhere to go for dinner on Christmas Eve? Neighborhood favorite Rojo is here to make sure you have some dinner and some company.
December 24: Asbury United Christmas Eve Service
Celebrate the joy of Christmas at Asbury United Methodist Church on Monday, December 24, 2018. Asbury is offering four candlelight communion services this holiday: Traditions at 4:00, 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. and The Bridge at 6:00 p.m.
December 25: Christmas Day Dinner at Rojo
Ah, Rojo. This true Birmingham community spot will be open on Christmas. Stop by for a delicious meal and some friendly faces.
December 31: ASO New Year’s Eve Concert
It’s ASO’s annual toast to a happy, healthy and musical new year, now in the sparkling acoustics of UAB’s Alys Stephens Center! Alongside favorites by Johann Strauss II, the orchestra will perform some popular hits from around the world, and a few classics from the American Songbook. The evening wouldn’t be complete without the yearly champagne toast!
