Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Christmas lights, shows, candlelight services + more this weekend—Dec. 23-25
Reading time: 4 minutes
‘Tis Christmas weekend in The Magic City. As you’re celebrating the season with your loved ones, stop by one of these events happening in Birmingham, December 23-25.
Bite-sized news
- Candlelight services: Celebrate the season with your family at these Christmas Eve services.
- Holiday cheer: Check out local artist Java Lewis’ festive window paintings around The Magic City.
7 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. Vulcan’s Magical Nights
- Why go: You’ll be in awe when you see these beautiful lights at Bham’s iconic Vulcan Park and Museum. Plus, there’s holiday music, hot chocolate, special guest appearances + Santa, of course.
- When: 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
3. 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 23 | 2:30PM
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $45-65
- Buy tickets
4. Black Market Xmas Bazaar
- Why go: Need a last-minute gift? This holiday market has you covered with items from local vendors, including vintage clothing, art, jewelry + more.
- When: Friday, December 23 | 5PM
- Where: Black Market Bar & Grill, 1035 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Cost: Free admission
5. Santa Shuffle for Firehouse Ministries
- Why go: Take a jog around Homewood + bring items like clothes and cleaning supplies to support Firehouse Ministries, a nonprofit that helps homeless men. After the run, sip on delicious eggnog and hang around for a few door prizes.
- When: Saturday, December 24 | 8AM
- Where: Trak Shak, 2839 18th St S, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Cost: Donations encouraged
6. Christmas Eve Bash
- Why go: Relax during the holiday rush with your pals at Cahaba Brewing. There’s live music, drinks specials, a s’mores pop-up with Deliciously + more cheer.
- When: Saturday, December 24 | 11AM-10PM
- Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Cost: Free admission
7. Christmas Eve at Asbury United Methodist Church
- Why go: With traditional and modern services, there’s something for everyone at Asbury United Methodist Church on Christmas Eve.
- When: Saturday, December 24 | 4PM, 6PM, 8PM & 11PM
- Where: 6690 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
- Cost: Free admission
Looking Ahead
- Birmingham Bowl
- When: Tuesday, December 27 | 5:45PM
- Where: Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $42
- Buy tickets
- New Year’s Eve at Bar la Fête
- When: Saturday, December 31 | 5:30PM
- Where: Bar la Fête, 2212 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: $125 for a 5-course meal (Additional $50 for wine pairings)
- Buy tickets
- 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
- New Year’s Eve at the Birmingham Museum of Art
- When: Saturday, December 31 | 8PM-12:30AM
- Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard
- Cost: $200 per person
- Buy tickets
- New Year’s Eve at the Redmont
- When: Saturday, December 31 | 9PM
- Where: The Redmont Hotel, 2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Cost: (General Admission) $100 | (New Year’s Eve Party Package) $395
- Buy tickets
Wondering what’s happening in 2023? Check out these amazing January events happening around Birmingham.
Deal of the Week
Jaws will drop when you show up to Christmas festivities with a new haircut. Save 10% on your first visit to Smoke and Mirrors Parlor when you use code 10OFF.
Find more deals + to add your own to our Small Business Guide.
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