Top 3 spots in Birmingham to check out holiday lights 

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Birmingham, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, Birmingham Race Course, lights, Christmas lights, holiday lights
Oh, wow! Photo via Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland on Facebook

Birmingham is alive with the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for those magical feels from behind the wheel, I suggest going on an adventure of lights! Where can you find the most brilliant Christmas lights in town? Read on to find out. 

1. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

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Experience hundreds of thousands of lights. Photo via Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland on Facebook

Tired of bracing the cold weather just for some holiday fun? Then this light show is bound to put a smile on your face. Why? Because you don’t even have to get out of the car!

So snuggle up in those festive holiday jammies and head on over to the Birmingham Race Course for Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland.

As the dark of night descends, hundreds of thousands of lights blink to life creating one of the most electrifying holiday shows in Birmingham. 

Bonus: the lights are perfectly timed to blink and twinkle in beat to all your fave holiday songs. 

Weekends are busy times for this holiday light show. To avoid extended wait times, check it out Monday-Thursdays.

Birmingham, Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, Birmingham Race Course, lights, Christmas lights, holiday lights
Cool lighting displays at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. Photo via Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland on Facebook

Where: Birmingham Race Course. 1000 John Rogers Dr., Birmingham, AL 35210
When: Now-January 5, 2020
Hours: Daily, 6-10PM
Prices:
Cars or Family Vans (8 passengers or less) – $25
Activity van, limo, mini/half bus – $50
Tour bus/School bus – $100
Tickets: Purchase online or on-site

2. ZooLight Safari

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Dazzling trees filled with lights. Photo via The Birmingham Zoo on Facebook

If there’s one light show in Birmingham that’s always guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit, it’s ZooLight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo. 

Held on 19 select days during the month of December, this will be the 26th year this magical event has captivated guests of all ages. 

Birmingham, Birmingham Zoo, ZooLight Safari, Christmas lights, holiday lights
Peacock in lights. Photo via The Birmingham Zoo on Facebook

While there:

  • Discover thousands of colorful lights and lighting displays
  • Ride the Candy Cane Train and the Jingle Bell Carousel
  • Swoosh down the Polar Plunge Slide
  • Sip hot cocoa
  • Purchase fun souvenirs
  • Play games like Reindeer Ring Toss and Snowball Toss
  • And more!

To plan your visit ahead of time, map it out.

Birmingham, Birmingham Zoo, ZooLight Safari, Christmas lights, holiday lights, trains, holiday trains, Candy Cane Train
All aboard the Candy Cane train! Photo via The Birmingham Zoo on Facebook

Where: Birmingham Zoo. 2630 Cahaba Rd,, Birmingham, AL 35223
When: December 26-30
Time: 5-9PM
Price: 
Members: FREE (Members will need to register or sign-in at the top of the ticketing page to redeem the Member Free Admission Ticket.)
Non-Members: $10 – Admission Only, $20 – Admission + Rides 
Tickets

3. Magic of Lights: Vulcan’s Holiday Light Experience

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Photo by Joshua Moman via Vulcan Park and Museum on Facebook

If you’re seeking an exciting light show this December, head to Vulcan Park and Museum for the annual Magic of Lights: Vulcan’s Holiday Light Experience.

At the top of each hour, for 15 glorious minutes, Vulcan will shine in brilliant colors during a lively array of dancing lights choreographed to holiday music. 

While you’re there, be sure to visit The Anvil—Vulcan Park and Museum’s gift shop—for that last-minute, unique-to-Birmingham holiday shopping.

Where: Vulcan Park and Museum. 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209
When: Daily, December 8-23
Hours: 6-9PM
Price: $6 (Ages 13+), $4 (Ages 6-9), FREE (Ages 4 and under)
Tickets

Wait—There’s More!

We’ve covered the main hot spots to check out holiday lights around Birmingham, but here are a few more to consider:

  • Homewood Star: 18th St. S., Homewood, AL 35209
  • Linn Park: 710 20th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Regions Center: 1900 5th Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35203
  • The Summit: 214 Summit Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35243

Before You Head Out On an Adventure of Lights

Birmingham, Vulcan Park and Museum
Glorious lights. Photo via Vulcan Park and Museum on Facebook

Be sure you have a reliable vehicle. We suggest checking out Driver’s Way for all your car needs. Find them in Pelham and off Highway 280 in front of Lee Branch shopping center.

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