21 spirited events in Birmingham, Dec. 3-5—plan now

It’s the first weekend of the December and Birmingham is looking on the bright side with two luminous events—Vulcan’s Magical Nights and Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. Before the lights go out, hurry and read on to learn all about these must-attend events and much more ahead.

Have news tips or want to promote an event? Let us know at hello@bhamnow.com.

This Weekend in The Magic City

These glow sticks got an upgrade!

Looking for an event that will make you say WOW? The Birmingham Zoo has you covered. They’re giving the holidays the ultimate boost with Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. Featuring tons of larger-than-life animal light displays, this brilliant experience that will make you flash a high-wattage smile. 

Choo Choo!

Want to make lasting memories this holiday season? Look no further than the Model Trains. This is the 16th year McWane Science Center has hosted the exhibit and it’s sure to delight you and the fam. Catch it now-January 2022. Find out why it’s a must-see + check out our video. 

Tippy toe in dreamland 

The Magic City Nutcracker returns to the stage of the Lyric Theatre this December 3-5 for its 8th year. Prepare to be WOWED because this year’s show features 140 dancers from 33 dance studios across Central Alabama, including two local dance companies—Formation Dance and Samford Dance. Principal roles will be performed by guest artists, Luis Santana Gonzalez and Adriana Alvardo, from Puerto Rico. Tickets start at $25—get yours here. 

Love Etsy and Pinterest? 

Shop the real-life version during the Made Market Birmingham event on December 4 from 10AM-5PM at Haven. Not only is admission free, but with local vendors and unique handmade items, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday in The Magic City.

All the winter wonderland feels

December 3-5 kicks off opening weekend of Vulcan’s Magical Nights at Vulcan Park & Museum. From an awe-inspiring light show to food trucks and holiday shopping, be sure to grab your tickets now for this special event from 6-8PM each weekend in December. More info.

More to Do

• Now-Jan. 2022: Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center. General Business Hours. Included in regular admission. Tickets.

• Now-Jan. 2022: Beyond Van Gogh @ The BJCC. Times vary. $40+. Tickets.

• Friday-Sunday, December 3-5: Magic City Nutcracker @ The Lyric Theatre. Times vary. $25+. Tickets.

• Friday-Sunday, December 3-5: Magical Nights @ Vulcan Park & Museum. 6-8PM. $4-$6. Tickets.

• Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-19: Holiday Spectacular @ Red Mountain Theatre. 8PM + 2PM. $25+. Tickets.

• Friday, Dec. 3: Better Together Multicultural Celebration @ Boutwell Auditorium. 11AM-3PM. Free.

• Friday, Dec. 3: Holiday Film Series kicks off @ Alabama Theatre. See what’s showing.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Bluff Park 8K @ Bluff Park United Methodist Church. 7:30-10AM. $40. Sign up.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Made Market Birmingham @ Haven. 10AM-5PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Bluff Park Christmas Parade @ Shades Cliff Pool. 10AM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Mistletoe & Mimosas @ Lane Parke. 10AM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Holiday Faire @ Alabama Waldorf School. 10AM-3PM. $10. Tickets.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Local Arts & Crafts Show @ West Homewood. 11AM-3PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: 50th Annual Helena Christmas Parade @ Downtown Helena. 1PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Christmas on the Caboose @ Irondale City Hall. 1-5PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: SEC Football Championship Alabama vs Georgia @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA. 4/3PM central. Watch via CBS.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting @ Old Baker Farm. 6-9PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 4: The Pinnacle’s First Community Event – Holiday Movie on the Lawn @ The Pinnacle – Trussville. Event begins – 6PM, Movie begins – 7PM. Free.

• Sunday, Dec. 5: The 2021 Holiday Extravaganza @ Linn Park. 1-7PM. Free.

Discover more holiday parades ahead.

Looking Ahead

• Monday, Dec. 6: Holiday Wine Show @ Hop City. 4:30-6:30PM. $20. Reserve your spot in person at Hop City or by calling 205.279.2337.

• Wednesday, Dec. 8: Merry & Bright: Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert @ Riverchase Galleria. 2PM + 4PM. Free.

• Friday, Dec. 10: “Memorials for Souls Can’t Go Home” – an exhibit with Orlando Thompson @ Vinegar. 5-8PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 11: Spirits & Santa Paws benefiting Hand in Paw @ Hand in Paw. 2-4PM. $10 for pet photos with Santa | $100 Tito’s holiday cocktail kits.

• Saturday, Dec. 11: Trussville Downtown’s 3rd Annual Cookie Walk @ Various Trussville Merchants. 10AM-2PM. $25. Tickets.

• Saturday, Dec. 11: Trussville Christmas Parade @ Downtown Trussville. 3PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 11: Cahabazaar Holiday Market @ Cahaba Brewing Co. Noon-5PM. Free.

• Saturday, Dec. 11: Home for the Holidays – Super Pops! Special Event with Alabama Symphony Orchestra @ BJCC Concert Hall. 7PM. $25+. Tickets.

• Sunday, Dec. 12: DISCO Holiday Shop @ Desert Island Supply Co. Noon-4PM. Free.

Deal of the Week

Get your caffeine fix for 10% off at Magic City Coffee Co with discount code Magic10. Find more deals + add your own to our Small Business Guide. 

Have news tips or want to promote an event? Let us know at hello@bhamnow.com.

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