Meet Santa, watch The Nutcracker + more exciting weekend events, Dec. 16-18

How is there only one more weekend until Christmas? You better be on the hunt for that final gift to put under the tree! Read on to learn all about the festive events happening in The Magic City, December 16-18.

Bite-sized news

• Shop ’til you drop: EVEREVE, a women’s fashion brand, is coming to The Summit on Friday, December 16.
• Superstar alert: Janet Jackson performs at Legacy Arena this Spring 2023 + tickets go on sale this Friday, December 16.

10 weekend events in The Magic City

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 now-Monday, January 16 | 5-9PM
• Where: Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Cost: Prices vary on times/dates
• Buy tickets

2. 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

3. Vulcan’s Magical Nights

• Why go: You’ll be in awe when you see these beautiful lights at Bham’s spot—Vulcan Park and Museum. Plus, there’s holiday music, hot chocolate, special guest appearances + Santa, of course.
• When: Friday, December 16-Friday, December 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

4. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

• Why go: Be transported to the land of sweets as you watch the Alabama Ballet beautifully perform this Christmas classic.
• When:
  • Friday, December 16 | 7:30PM
  • Saturday, December 17 | 2:30PM + 7:30PM
  • Sunday, December 18 | 2:30PM
  • Tuesday, December 20 | 7:30PM
  • Wednesday, December 21 | 2:30PM + 7:30PM
  • Thursday, December 22 | 2:30PM
  • Friday, December 23 | 2:30PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $45-65
• Buy tickets

5. Christmas with the Clauses

• Why go: Listen to Mrs. Claus tell Christmas stories, eat cookies with Santa + make reindeer dust at this free family event.
• When: Saturday, December 17 | 10AM, 11AM & Noon
• Where: Birmingham Festival Theatre, 1901 1/2 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: Free admission
• RSVP

6. Last Chance! Holiday Market

• Why go: Wrap up the rest of your holiday shopping with a perfect gift from a local artist at this don’t-miss market.
• When: Saturday, December 17 | Noon-5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost: Free admission

7. Holidays Are Overrated: Wrapping Party

• Why go: Wrapping paper and festive bows are provided, so you can finally wrap your presents before Christmas Eve. Plus, there’s face painting, a beer flight guessing game, eggnog slushies, music + more cheer.
• When: Saturday, December 17 | 4-9PM
• Where: Monday Night Brewing, 14 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Cost: Free admission

8. Handel’s Messiah

• Why go: Listen to the iconic Hallelujah chorus and moving solos portraying one of the greatest stories ever told with Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
• When: Saturday, December 17 | 7PM
• Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• Cost: Varies by seat
• Buy tickets

9. Una Navidad Sin Ti

• Why go: Put on your ugliest sweater because it’s going down at Zydeco with a night of dancing to cumbia, EDM + reggaeton.
• When: Saturday, December 17 | 9PM
• Where: Zydeco, 2001 15th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Cost: $15
• Buy tickets

10. Sounds of the Season

• Why go: Spread cheer at this family-friendly concert that’s jam-packed with classic Christmas carols and beloved holiday songs.
• When: Sunday, December 18 | 2:30PM
• Where: Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall, 880 Montague Dr, Birmingham, AL 35229
• Cost: $25-50 | $10 for students
• Buy tickets

Looking Ahead

• New Year’s Eve: A Viennese Celebration
  • When: Saturday, December 31 | 6PM
  • Where: Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
  • Cost: Varies by seat
  • Buy tickets

Curious about what’s happening in 2023? Check out the amazing events in January in The Magic City.

Deal of the Week

Wrap the cutest gift in a bow from Kinley Rose—they have super stylish clothes and accessories. Use code kinleyrose10 for 10% off your first order.

Find more deals + to add your own to our Small Business Guide.

Curious about what’s happening in Huntsville? Check out the concerts, sports games + more festive events this weekend.

For more upcoming events around Birmingham, follow Bham Now on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok + LinkedIn.