12 local Christmas tree lightings to see this year

The holidays are always a special time to be in Birmingham. We’ve got all sorts of ways to celebrate the season here in The Magic City, but some of the best are our local Christmas tree lightings.

If you’re looking to add a bit more of that holiday magic to your calendar this year, keep reading to see our list of some of the best places to go.

1. Leeds Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting

Take a short trip to Leeds for their Christmas tree lighting and celebration this year. You can enjoy all of the festivities at the tree lighting and maybe some holiday shopping while you’re at it!

• When: Thursday, November 21 | 6-7:30PM
• Where: Leeds Arts Council, 8140 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094
• More info

2. Trussville Community Caroling and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Nothing says Christmas more like gathering around a tree singing carols and sipping hot chocolate with cookies. Trussville has all of this and more for you and your loved ones this year.

• When: Sunday, December 1 | 4-6PM
• Where: Trussville West Mall, 360 N Chalkville Rd, Trussville, AL 35173
• More info

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

This event loaded with all kinds of holiday fun. Be sure to bring your friends and family to see the tree lighting, shop around at their market, eat some amazing food + more!

• When: Sunday, December 1 | 4-9PM
• Where: City Walk BHAM, 875 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• More info

4. Vestavia Hills Tree Lighting Festival

Stop by Vestavia Hills to see their beautiful tree lighting festival. Following the lighting of the tree, they’ll have tons of festive activities in the Civic Center for all attendants to enjoy!

• When: Tuesday, December 3 | 6PM
• Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Complex, 1032 & 1090 Montgomery Highway 35216
• More info

5. Hoover Christmas Tree Lighting

To kick the holiday’s off, Hoover is giving their tree lighting a little something extra with a special entrance by Santa. Be sure to go check it out along with their other holiday goodies this year.

• When: Tuesday, December 3 | 6PM
• Where: Hoover City Hall, 100 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
• More info

6. Montevallo Christmas Parade

The Montevallo Christmas Parade is definitely a must-do, but be sure to catch the tree lighting beforehand.

• When: Thursday, December 5
  • Tree lighting: 5:30PM
  • Parade: 6-7PM
• Where: Downtown Montevallo, Main St, Montevallo, AL 35115

7. Christmas on the Mountain at Heardmont Park

Enjoy a beautiful tree lighting and a vendor’s fair at Heardmont Park this holiday season.

• When: Thursday, December 5 | 5:30-9PM
• Where: Heardmont Park, 5458 Cahaba Valley Rd, Birmingham, AL United States

8. Irondale’s Polar Express Adventure Parade and Tree Lighting

If you’re looking for an extra dose of fun for your holiday celebration, Irondale has just the thing. A themed parade, a tree lighting, hot chocolate, cookies and Santa. Come check it out!

• When: Friday, December 6
  • Parade: 6PM
  • Tree lighting immediately following the parade
• Where:
  • Parade begins at Irondale Community School, 225 16th St S, Irondale, AL 35210
  • Tree lighting at City Hall, 101 20th St S, Irondale, AL 35210

9. Helena Christmas Holiday Market and Tree Lighting

Join Helena in kicking off the holidays with their Christmas tree lighting and holiday market!

• When: Friday, December 6 | 5-9PM
• Where: Downtown Helena, 4151 Helena Rd, Helena, AL 35080

10. The City of Birmingham’s Tree Lighting and Holiday Block Party

If there’s anywhere to kick off the holidays Birmingham style, this is it. This is a great event for the whole family to enjoy. With live music, food trucks AND the lighting of the Christmas tree, it’s guaranteed holiday fun for everyone.

• When: Sunday, December 8 | 4-7PM
  • Tree lighting: 5:30PM
• Where: Birmingham City Hall, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• More info

11. Homewood’s Lighting of the Star and Christmas Parade

Homewood is doing it all with their lighting of the star, Christmas parade, AND a tree lighting. Be sure to catch all of the holiday fun in Homewood!

• When: Tuesday, December 10 | 6:30-7PM
• Where: Homewood City Hall, 2850 19th St S, Homewood, AL 35209
• More info

12. Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail in Gardendale

Gardendale’s biggest, most festive event is almost here. The Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail supports the Dick Lee Memorial Scholarship at Gardendale High School.

Stop by, see over 100 Christmas trees and indulge in a holly jolly tradition.

• When:
  • Tree lighting: Thursday, December 5 | 5PM
  • Trail dates: December 5-27
• Where: Main Street, Gardendale, AL

Which of these tree lightings are you headed to, Bham? Tell us @bhamnow or let us know what we missed!