12 festive weekend events in The Magic City—Dec. 2-4

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Vulcan Park & Museum
We love these festive lights at this iconic Birmingham spot. (Vulcan Park & Museum)

Birmingham, can you believe it’s the first day of December? ‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, sweaters and festive events. Read on to find out about the exciting happenings in The Magic City, December 2-4.

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Teaspoon
Matcha fans are winning big at this spot. (Teaspoon / Facebook)

12 weekend events in The Magic City

Birmingham Bulls
Hockey fans, we’ll catch you at the game on Friday. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

1. Glow Wild

  • Why go: Take the whole family on a stroll around the zoo to look at jaw-dropping wild animal and sea life lantern creations light up the night.
  • When: Select nights from Wednesday, November 16-Monday, January 16 | 5-9PM
  • Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
  • Cost: Prices vary on times/dates
  • Buy tickets

2. ¡HICA! Tamales Sale

  • Why go: Not only are these tamales absolutely scrumptious, but they are also a Latin Christmas tradition that goes back for centuries. All proceeds help ¡HICA!’s mission of empowering Latinos within Alabama.  
  • When: Online order Saturday, November 26-Sunday, December 11 | Pick up Wednesday, December 14-Thursday, December 15, 8AM-6PM
  • Where: ¡HICA!, 117 Southcrest Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
  • Order

3. Amahl and the Night Visitors

  • Why go: With beautiful music, this joyful holiday opera shares the story of three wisemen visiting Amahl and his mother on their way to Bethlehem.
  • When: Thursday, December 1-Friday, December 2, 7:30-9PM | Saturday, December 3, 2:30-4PM + 7:30-9PM | Sunday, December 4, 2:30-4PM
  • Where: Harrison Theatre, 800 Lakeshore Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
  • Cost: Varies by seat
  • Buy tickets

4. Holiday Spectacular

  • Why go: Hearts will be full and glowing while listening to festive music performed by Birmingham’s best talent and Red Mountain Theatre’s Youth Ensembles.
  • When: Thursday, December 1-Sunday, December 18 | Weeknights: 7:30PM | Weekends: 2:30PM + 7:30PM
  • Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Cost: Varies by seat
  • Buy tickets

5. Vulcan’s Magical Nights

  • Why go: You’ll be in awe when you see these beautiful lights at this iconic Bham spot. Plus, there’s holiday music, hot chocolate, special guest appearances and, of course, Santa.
  • When: December 2-4, 9-11, 16-23 | 6-8PM
  • Where: Vulcan Park and Museum, 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
  • Cost: $6 for adults | $5 for seniors | $4 for kids ages 5-12 | Kids 4 and under are free
  • Buy tickets

6. Art After 5: Stranger Things

  • Why go: Are you brave enough to travel to the Upside Down? With art, music, makers activities + more Stranger Things fun, you’ll feel like you’re back in the ’80s. I’m hoping to see Steve Harrington.
  • When: Friday, December 2 | 5-9PM
  • Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Cost: Free admission
  • RSVP

7. The Blackest Friday

  • Why go: This is the perfect chance to get your holiday shopping done + support Black vendors. Plus, this cheerful event will have kid’s activities, gift wrapping, Santa, live music + more.
  • When: Friday, December 2 | 5-9PM
  • Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Cost: Free admission
  • RSVP

8. Birmingham Bulls Teddy Bear Toss & Ugly Sweater Night

  • Why go: Throw on an ugly sweater and cheer on the Bulls. Don’t forget to bring a stuffed animal to throw in the ice when they score their first goal—it’s an annual tradition and you’re gonna love it!
  • When: Friday, December 2 | 7PM
  • Where: Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
  • Cost: Varies by seat
  • Buy tickets

9. CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market

  • Why go: Snap a picture with Santa, grab a delicious bite from a food truck, sip on hot chocolate and craft beer, shop from local vendors + groove to live music.
  • When: Saturday, December 3 | Noon-5PM
  • Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Cost: Free admission

10. Taylor Swift Inspired Dance Party

  • Why go: Swifties, it’s time to dress as your favorite Taylor Swift era for a night of trivia, photo walls and, of course, music + dancing. I’m hoping to hear Sparks Fly + Karma.
  • When: Saturday, December 3 | 8PM
  • Where: Iron City, 513 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Cost: $22
  • Buy tickets

11. A Not-So-Silent Night

12. Experience Christmas

  • Why go: You can watch a live nativity to experience the Christmas story like never before + make your own holiday ornaments, snack on delicious cookies and sip on hot cocoa.
  • When: Sunday, December 4 | 4-8PM
  • Where: Asbury United Methodist Church, 6690 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
  • Cost: Free admission

Looking Ahead

Dave & Buster's
You + your pals can show off your trivia knowledge at Dave & Buster’s. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

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Selah Vetter
Selah Vetter
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