20 holiday events around Birmingham you don’t want to miss

As you can probably expect, The Magic City is not short of exciting events happening this season. If you’re looking for ways to spend your holidays around Birmingham, look no further.

Spend the holidays around Birmingham

‘Tis the season for live music, local markets and classic Christmas movies! For all the details on how to support local talent this holiday season, check out these stories:

• Alabama Theatre holiday movie line-up.
• Live holiday events coming to the BJCC.
• 15 holiday markets + open houses.

Want to head to North Alabama for the day? We’ve got you covered for that, too:

• 10 holiday classes to try in the Huntsville area
• 15 Holiday activities happening around Huntsville
• Have you seen the viral Taylor Swift Christmas tree?
• Spend the holidays in Athens
• The ultimate Christmas-filled day in Huntsville

1. Christmas on the Mountain

• What: Celebrate the holidays at Heardmont Park at the annual Christmas on the Mountain event. Expect a vendor fair, tree lighting + more.
• When: Thursday, November 30, 5:30-9PM
• Where: Heardmont Park, 5458 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, Al

2. Red Mountain Theatre Holiday Spectacular

• What: Top singers, dancers + musicians want to celebrate the best time of the year with you. From heartwarming moments to hilarious comedy, this show is jam-packed with holiday cheer and perfect for the whole family.
• When: November 30-December 17
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus, 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Tickets

3. Art After 5: The Grinch!

• What: The Birmingham Museum of Art is bringing the wonder of Dr. Seuss’ classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas to Birmingham with Art After 5. Expect seasonal cocktails, art + the Grinch himself. Plus, there’s a costume contest!
• When: Friday, December 1, 5-9PM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Register for free

4. The Magic City Nutcracker

• What: See The Magic City Nutcracker for its 10th annual production with Magic City Performing Arts, a community-based production of the classic Nutcracker ballet.
• When: December 1-December 3
• Where: The Lyric Theatre, 1800 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Showtimes + ticket information

5. Holidays on Highland Avenue, Virginia Samford Theatre

• What: A tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa Claus and holiday productions of The Man Who Came to Dinner, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus and It’s A Wonderful Life: Live!, you’re sure to have a blast at the VST this holiday season.
• When: Tree lighting Friday, December 1, 5:30PM
• Where: Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Shows + ticket information

6. The Elf Experience

• What: Embark on a magical journey with mischievous elves. You can meet Santa’s little helpers, eat brunch with Elf Eli, write a postcard to Santa + more.
• When: Saturday, December 2, 12-2PM
• Where: 633 11th Avenue Southwest Alabaster, AL 35007
• Reserve your spot for free

7. Mountain Brook Village Holiday Parade

• What: Mountain Brook High School Marching Band, creative floats, a fire truck carrying Santa Claus and more will fill the streets of Mountain Brook Village. More info on Birmingham Moms Collective.
• When: Sunday, December 3, 3PM
• Where: Mountain Brook Village

8. Experience Christmas, Asbury United Methodist

• What: Travel back in time to Bethlehem, visit Santa and have great fun at the 2nd annual Experience Christmas event.
• When: Sunday, December 3, 5-7PM
• Where: Asbury United Methodist Church, 6690 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
• More information

9. American Village Colonial Christmas Lunch + Tour

• What: Enjoy a catered lunch hosted by Eliza Hamilton and get a tour of the American Village decorated for Christmas. You will be treated to several scenes by the staff of historical interpreters.
• When: December 4-December 8
• Where: The American Village, 3727 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
• Tickets: $40

10. Homewood Christmas Parade + Lighting of the star

• What: The parade will begin at Homewood Public Library, travel on Oxmoor Road and end past Homewood City Hall on 28th Avenue. You won’t want to miss this merry + bright parade!
• When: Tuesday, December 5, 6:30PM
• Where: Parade begins at Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209

11. Soul Food: ‘Tis The Season, Again

• What: With new music, characters + soundtrack, this holiday comedy is back by popular demand. Marc Raby’s Soul Food: ‘Tis The Season, Again! contains humor, drama + betrayal. Get your tickets now.
• When: December 7-10
• Where: Encore Theatre and Gallery, 213 Gadsden Hwy Suite 108 Birmingham, AL 35235
• Tickets: $25-$40

12. Christmas Paint and Sip, Cahaba Brewing

• What: Indulge in a couple of hours of fun and paint a pre-sketched ornament of the Grinch, eat yummy food at the Current and wear your best Grinch-themed or Christmas attire. The $25 ticket gets you paint supplies and your first drink.
• When: Saturday, December 9, 2-4PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Tickets: $25

13. The Grinch’s Jingle Bell Party, McWane Science Center

• What: Help McWane Science Center grow the Grinch’s heart three sizes! There will be dancing, crafts, hot chocolate + and a chance to take photos with the Grinch himself.
• When: Saturday, December 9, 10AM-5PM + Saturday, December 17, Noon-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Tickets: $26.40 Adults | $23.10 Children | $25.30 Seniors

14. Ugly Sweater Crawl

• What: Get a ticket, wear your ugly sweater and grab a lanyard to guide you + hundreds of new friends to 5+ Birmingham bars (with drink deals along the way). Make it to the after-party and receive a holiday-themed giveaway.
• When: Saturday, December 9, 5PM-Midnight
• Where: Check-in point at Tin Roof, 2709 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Tickets: $17-$22

15. Christmas Party Brunch, Avenue D Events

• What: Avenue D is known for only the best, most festive events. The Christmas Party Brunch is no exception—eat, drink and be merry with this Birmingham event space.
• When: December 10, 1PM-December 11, 4PM
• Where: Avenue D Events, 3008 4th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233
• Tickets: $10-$20

16. Chelsea Christmas Parade

• What: Make plans to attend the annual Chelsea Christmas Parade. Get festive at this family event attended and loved by locals and newcomers alike.
• When: Saturday, December 16, 10AM
• Where: Parade starts at Chelsea Middle School + ends at Winn Dixie

17. Candlelight: Holiday Special

• What: Experience the magic of live holiday-inspired music right here in Birmingham. Get your tickets and enjoy music under the candlelight.
• When: December 16-December 22
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd, Birmingham, Al
• Tickets: Starting at $30

18. Christmas Follies on Ice

• What: This annual holiday ice show features skaters from the Pelham Skate School, the Birmingham Figure Skating Club, UAB Figure Skating Club + Pelham Hockey. Another fun part—after the 3PM show, you can meet the cast + take part in the public skating.
• When: Sunday, December 17, 3-7PM
• Where: Pelham Civic Complex,
• Tickets: $15 Adults | $10 Children

19. Christmas Camp at Pelham Rec Center

• What: Parents, this one is for you. Let the kids spend a couple of hours at the Pelham Rec Center so you can make sure your holiday shopping list is checked twice. They’ll have basketball, games, holiday-themed crafts, provided lunch + more.
• When: Tuesday, December 19, 10AM-1PM
• Where: Pelham Recreation Center, 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
• Register: $15 per child (Ages 7-12)

20. Soul of Christmas

• What: Join an evening of festive vibes, seasonal magic + good music. From Christmas classics to contemporary hits, the Soul of Christmas ensemble will take you on a rhythmic journey through the soul of the season.
• When: December 21-December 23
• Where: Encore Theatre, 213 Gadsden Hwy Suite 108, Birmingham, AL 35235
• Tickets: $39

What events did we miss? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know how you’re spending the holidays around Birmingham!