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7+ must-see holiday light displays around Birmingham, including Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
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Peering out the car window at thousands of Christmas lights on display around Birmingham can be truly magical. If you’re wondering where all the best light displays are, look no more. We’ve done the work for you and put together this handy driving guide.
Magic of Lights—Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum is a great place to go for breathtaking views of the Magic City. But this holiday season, the real view will be on Vulcan himself during the Magic of Lights.
Now until December 23, watch as colorful lights dance upon Vulcan to the beat of beloved Christmas music.
What’s especially exciting about the show is that you can view it from all different areas of town. As long as Vulcan is in your sightline, pull over and catch the show!
Shows last 15 minutes and starts at the top of the top of each hour starting at 5PM and last until 9PM.
Show Times: 5-5:15, 6-6:15, 7-7:15, 8-8:15 and 9-9:15.
Admission: $5 (Ages 13 and up); $4 (Ages 5-12); Free (Kids under 4)
Mountain Brook
It’s hard not to be charmed by Mountain Brook with its windy roads, quaint shopping centers and gorgeous foliage. But when you add in Christmas lights—gasp!—it is absolutely beautiful!
This year, there are lots of decorated homes, trees and more to see around the three Mountain Brook Villages. So be sure to check them out before the season of lights ends.
Homewood Christmas Star
For a little history and a charming view, take a drive under the Homewood Christmas Star. This large, five-pointed star hangs over 18th Street just north of Oxmoor Road.
Edged with two-tone gold foil garland, 1,200 larger bulbs and 10 strangers of small twinkling lights, the star has been lit annually since 2012.
Here are some interesting facts about it:
- It was made by Douglas McConnell for Homewood’s Christmas celebration sometime before 1951.
- It weighs 200 pounds.
- It is lit every year during the annual “Lighting of the Star” event.
- It was featured as the 2005 ornament in the Homewood historic Christmas ornament series.
More Homewood Displays
During your drive in Homewood, be sure to check out some other must-see light displays like those on Roxbury Road and in the Edgewood Neighborhood.
Linn Park
Linn Park, the municipal anchor of downtown Birmingham is always a joyous sight during the holiday season. Here you’ll find a 40 ft. tree enriched with hundreds of white lights. You can also take in the holiday-inspired red and green lights on Birmingham City Hall.
Enjoy the lights: Every day in December.
Regions Center
On the average day, Regions Center in downtown Birmingham may look like any ordinary bank building. But during the holiday season, it becomes an iconic symbol in the city with its annual Christmas light display.
This year marks the 40th year that the building’s special window display has lit up the Magic City skyline. The lights are officially turned on every year the day after Thanksgiving and remain on until midnight on December 31.
Though the light display has changed in design on some occasions, the Christmas display is most favored in the community, donning huge displays on all four sides of the building. A stocking, a Christmas tree, a wreath and a candy cane. Which is your favorite?
Enjoy the lights: Every day in December.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Touted as “the most immersive drive-thru Christmas experience on Earth”, you will roll along a 3.25-mile route while being wowed by hundreds of thousands of gorgeous lights that dance along perfectly in sync to the music tuned in on your radio. The light tour is located at the former Greyhound Race Course. The full drive lasts around 30 minutes. Please note there is a $25 per car fee.
Featuring an all-new Santa’s Mountain theme, you will even get to see Santa and his pals as you have never seen them before… on vacation!
So sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderment shining brightly outside your window.
Enjoy the lights: Daily from 6-10PM until January 3, 2019.
Entrance Fee: $25 per car
The Summit
The Summit is a favorite location for shopping and dining, but during the holiday season, it is also one of the most beautiful in Birmingham. From an enormous Christmas tree decked out in gorgeous white lights to over-sized presents and holiday décor, a drive through the Summit is sure to boost your holiday spirit.
Enjoy the lights: Daily throughout the month of December.
While You’re Out
While you’re out looking at lights, stop by Driver’s Way near Oak Mountain in Pelham, to check out their extensive inventory of high-end pre-owned vehicles. With a broad range of vehicles to choose from, you’ll find the perfect last-minute gift for someone special—like you!
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