14 holiday open houses + markets you need to check out

With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming right around the corner, Birmingham is embracing the holidays by hosting open houses and markets for the whole city to enjoy.

Here in The Magic City, festive fun and holiday splurging is one of our many specialties.

Keep reading to find the many ways to get in the festive mood this holiday season.

Holiday home tours

This time of year, everyone loves driving around and looking at all of the decorated neighborhoods. Make it extra fun and actually TOUR some of these beautiful homes here in Birmingham this year!

1. Samford Legacy League’s Christmas home tour

• What: Samford Legacy League’s 14th annual Christmas home tour featuring 5 beautiful homes (including shoppes and treats at the Samford President’s home)

• When: Thursday, December 12, 10AM-2PM & 4-8PM
• Where:
  • Amy & Matt Kelly, 318 La Prado Circle, Homewood
  • Mary Catherine & Scott Laney, 504 Dexter Avenue, Mountain Brook
  • Nancy & Ron Rowell, 2421 Chestnut Road, Vestavia Hills
  • Marianne & Patrick Strong, 503 Eastwood Place, Vestavia Hills
  • Julie & Beck Taylor, Samford President’s Home, 1994 Shades Crest Road, Vestavia Hills

Tickets and more info

2. Independent Presbyterian Church Holiday House Tour and Tea

• What: IPC’s 75th annual Holiday House Tour featuring 3 homes and afternoon tea
• When: Saturday, December 14
  • Home tours: 10AM-4PM
  • Afternoon Tea: 1-4PM
• Where: Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Avenue Birmingham, AL 35205

Tickets and more info

Mountain Brook Villages holiday open houses

Personally, I think holiday shopping with friends and family is one of the best ways to start the season. If that’s your vibe, the Villages of Mountain Brook have got you covered. Be sure to stop by all of their open houses for some treats and fabulous shopping at some local loves.

3. Crestline Village

• When: Thursday, November 21, 4-8PM
• Where: Crestline Village, Mountain Brook, 35213

4. Mountain Brook Village

• When: Thursday, December 5
• Where: Mountain Brook Village, Mountain Brook, 35223

5. English Village

• When: Thursday, December 12
• Where: English Village, Mountain Brook, 35223

Local Birmingham organizations and shops

There are plenty of Greater Birmingham Area stores and organizations to support this holiday season. These places are having events, open houses, fundraisers and festive celebrations of their own.

6. Pepper Place

• What: Enjoy local shopping, restaurants, festive activities + more
• When: Wednesday, November 20, 4-7PM
• Where: Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

7. Festival of Trees | City Walk BHAM

• What: Purchase and decorate your own tree to showcase at City Walk BHAM
• When:
  • Tree Purchase: October 1 – November 21
  • Decorating Days: November 22 – November 26
• Where: City Walk Social, 875 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Tree purchase and more info

8. Prescott House Child Advocacy Center

• What: Enjoy appetizers, drinks, a silent auction, + more.
• When: Thursday, December 5
• Where: Prescott House, 1730 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205

9. Hoover Helps | Hoover Randle Homes and Gardens

• What: Over a dozen trees decorated by local organizations, pictures with Santa, live performances, + more.
• When: Sunday, December 8, 2-5PM
• Where: 2255 Tyler Rd, Birmingham, AL 35226
• Tickets and more info

Holiday markets

A classic holiday market is tough to beat. With tons of local vendors, great food, and tons of festivities, these local markets are a must-do this year.

10. Market Noel

• What: Indoor market featuring 50+ vendors, special events (ticketed + non-ticketed) + more.
• When: November 20-23
• Where: Finley Center, 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244

Tickets and more info

See our other article on how you can make the most of this experience 👀

11. North Pole Expo

• What: Indoor market featuring 70+ vendors, food, entertainment, a visit with Santa + more.
• When: November 22-23
  • Friday: 9AM-6PM
  • Saturday: 9AM-4PM
• Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville Clay Rd, Trussville, AL 35173

12. Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market | City Walk BHAM

• What: Outdoor market and tree lighting ceremony with a bar, food, music + more
• When: Sunday, December 1, 4-9PM
• Where: City Walk Social, 875 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

13. CahaBAZAAR Holiday Market | Cahaba Brewing Company

• What: Outdoor market featuring 150+ local vendors, drinks, food + more.
• When: Saturday, December 7, Noon-5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222

14. Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Market

• What: Indoor market featuring food and drinks, jewelry, handmade crafts, and fashion from local businesses, merchants and craftsmen.
• When: December 14-15
  • Saturday: 11AM-8PM
  • Sunday: 12-6PM
• Where: Riverchase Galleria, 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244

Let us know @bhamnow which of these events you’re going to, or which ones we missed!