8 holiday events in Birmingham to make your season bright

Santa and Homewood Star in Homewood, Christmas parades in Homewood
Santa + the Homewood Star = Perfect Sunday. Photo via Homewood Chamber of Commerce

Hear that? It’s the sound of all of us counting down to the holidays! If you’re ready to get in a festive mood too, don’t miss these 8 Christmas parades and holiday events in Birmingham.

Stay safe this holiday season

Just because Christmas break is on its way doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything you can to stay safe from COVID-19

  • Practice social distancing. When you’re heading to any holiday events, make sure to stay at least six feet apart from others. Plus, stay outside when possible. Thank goodness for heat lamps. 
  • Wear your mask. Whether you’re looking at a Christmas tree lighting or enjoying holiday music, make sure you stay masked up.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick or if you’ve been exposed. If you think you might have COVID-19 or you’ve come in contact with someone who has, settle in and turn on your favorite Christmas movie.

The City of Birmingham will not have a Christmas parade, but there are other ways to celebrate.

We love the sights of the Christmas tree lit up in downtown Birmingham—even though there won’t be a Christmas parade or lighting, the tree will be lit throughout the season.

Ready to make holiday plans? Here are 7 Christmas parades and holiday events to add to your list.

1. Deck the Heights 

Cahaba Heights bright red trolley - Christmas parades in Birmingham
Next stop: all of your Christmas shopping done. Photo via Shop Cahaba Heights

Get a head start on your holiday shopping with Deck the Heights in Cahaba Heights. The Heights Express will take shoppers to local favorites, including Cahaba Cycles, Leaf & Petal, The Blue Willow, and more. 

Masks are required for guests aged six and up.

  • When: Saturday, November 21, 2 – 8 PM
  • Where: Cahaba Heights Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
  • Learn more 

2. POSE at the Summit

POSE at the Summit
2020 is topsy-turvy, so your Christmas cards should be too, right? Photo via the Summit Birmingham

Do you love the thrill of sending holiday cards every year? This year, switch it up with photos at a brand new Birmingham pop-up: POSE at the Summit.

Head to this photo-ready location with different rooms designed by Birmingham artists, including an upside-down Christmas setup and a 90s themed room. Masks are required unless you’re taking your photos.

3. Vulcan Holiday Market

Vulcan at nighttime - Vulcan Holiday Market, holiday events in Birmingham
A view like this, live music, and Christmas shopping? Sign me up. Photo via Vulcan Park and Museum on Facebook

Christmas shopping? Check. Food trucks? Check. Live music? Check. Enjoy everything you need for a great Sunday in the holiday season by heading to the Vulcan Holiday Market.

  • When: Sunday, November 21, 1 – 5 PM
  • Where: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209
  • Get all the details

4. Gardendale Christmas Parade

Parade float - Gardendale Christmas Parade
Get ready for Christmas parade floats that are as cute as they are creative. Photo via Gardendale Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

With a theme of the “Island of Misfit Toys”, you know that the Gardendale Christmas Parade will be perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit. Pick up hot chocolate or cider, don your holiday-themed mask, and enjoy watching the parade.  

5. Christmas at the Caboose is just one of the holiday events in Birmingham this season

Christmas decorations - Irondale holiday events in Birmingham
Cheers to Christmas parades and fun plans all month long. Photo via Greater Irondale Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Enjoy a night full of music, food trucks, Santa, and tons of fun at Christmas at the Caboose in Irondale.

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 4 – 7 PM
  • Where: 1912 1st Avenue S., Irondale, AL
  • Register

6. Lighting of the Star and Homewood Christmas Parade

Homewood star lit up in the night sky - Christmas parade in downtown Homewood and star lighting, holiday events in Birmingham
No need for stargazing with a star this bright. Photo via Homewood Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

We could all use a little light this year. Head to Downtown Homewood to watch as they light the historic Homewood Star.

For extra precautions, this will be a parade with a twist—spectators will drive through and view stationery floats.

  • When: Sunday, December 6, 6:30 PM
  • Where: 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209, United States
  • Learn more

7. CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market

Cahabazaar - Cahaba Brewing one of the holiday events in Birmingham
Don’t worry—there won’t be crowds like this in 2020. But doesn’t this photo from the 2019 Cahabazaar make you so excited for everything they’re offering? Photo via Cahaba Brewing Company

The sixth annual CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market will be your one-stop-shop for local goods, food trucks, live music, and more. With over 70 local vendors, a free hot chocolate bar, and an appearance by Santa, you’ll have a blast.

Wear your mask correctly unless seated and eating, use contactless payment options when possible, and follow vendors’ rules with guest limits.

  • When: Saturday, December 12 – 5 PM 
  • Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL, 35222
  • See the vendors

8. Grand Menorah Lighting at The Summit is one of the holiday events in Birmingham

grandmenorahlighting 8 holiday events in Birmingham to make your season bright
Holiday celebrations might look different this year, but we know everyone’s smiles will still be this big. Photo via Facebook

If you’re looking for a fun, socially distanced way to celebrate Hannukah, you won’t want to miss the Grand Menorah Lighting at The Summit. From the trunk of your car, you can enjoy music, balloons, jugglers, latkes, and more. 

To see even more Christmas parades in Birmingham, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and sign up for our FREE newsletter in your inboxes.

Cecilia Wood
Cecilia Wood
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