25 festive December events in Birmingham including Glow Wild

Get ready for 25 fun events in Birmingham this December. From magical markets to spectacular performances, plan now for what’s ahead. 

1. Festival of Trees @ City Walk BHAM

• What: Celebrate the season at City Walk Social’s Festival of Trees this December while strolling through stunning displays of uniquely decorated trees created by local companies and more.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 1-Jan. 12, 2025
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

2. Museum Store Sunday @ Birmingham Museum of Art

• What: Attend this holiday shopping experience featuring unique, artist-inspired gifts by local creators. 
• When: Sunday Dec. 1 | 12PM-5PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

3. Mini Cow Snuggles @ Goat Yoga BHM

• What: Want to love on some mini farm animals? Join this family farm for a memorable day with Ginny, a lovable mini cow from Goat Yoga Bham, and her three friends from Grass Puppies Farm in Chelsea.
• When:
  • Sunday, Dec. 1 | 12:30-1:30PM, 2-3PM, 3:15-4:15PM
  • Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12:30-1:30PM, 2-3PM, 3:15-4:15PM
• Cost: Tickets are available below.
• Details

4. Tree lighting @ City Walk BHAM

• What: Get ready for live entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony at this special holiday event. There will also be a candlelight carol stroll to City Walk Social where you can enjoy a bar, food trucks, the Festival of Trees, a DJ, gaming, a selfie station, and more!
• When: Sunday, Dec. 1 | 4-9PM
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

5. The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays @ The BJCC

• What: Want to bring the family out for a night of magic and mystery? The Illusionists have got you covered. You’ll Witness some of the world’s most talented entertainers deliver a thrilling performance perfect for the whole family.
• When: Tuesday, Dec. 3-Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 7:30PM
• Cost:  $58-$101
• Details

6. Holiday Spectacular @ Red Mountain Theatre

• What: Birmingham’s beloved holiday tradition returns this December to Red Mountain Theatre. This event will feature dazzling dance routines and unforgettable moments, showcasing some of the city’s most talented performers.
• When: Dec. 5-22
  • Wednesday-Saturday | 7:30PM
  • Saturday + Sunday Matinees | 2PM
  • Special performance Sunday, Dec. 22 | 7:30PM
• Cost: $40+
• Details

7. CahaBAZAAR holiday market @ Cahaba Brewing Company

• What: Enjoy this bi-annual vendor + artisan market featuring 60+ vendors, food trucks, live music, craft beer + cocktails.
• When: Saturday Dec. 7 | 12PM-5PM
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

8. It’s a Holiday Feeling! with the ASO + Friends @ The BJCC

• What: Join the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a festive holiday concert performing classics like Carol of the Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Enjoy surprises, a visit with Santa, and holiday treats at this magical celebration of music and holiday cheer!
• When: Friday, December 6 | 7PM
• Cost: Prices start at $60
• Details

9. 76th Birmingham Bowl @ Protective Stadium

• What: Get ready for some football! The Birmingham Bowl is set for December 27 at Protective Stadium.
• When: December 27 | Kickoff TBD
• Cost: Prices vary.
• Details

10. The Nutcracker @ The BJCC

• What: The Nutcracker returns to The BJCC this holiday season, featuring Alabama Ballet’s stunning performance of George Balanchine’s classic. From toy soldiers to sugar plum fairies and accompaniment by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, you’ll love this show from beginning to end.
• When: Friday, Dec. 13-Monday, Dec. 23 | Showtimes vary
• Cost: $48-$68
• Details

11. Birmingham Jingle Bell Run/Walk @ Patriot Park (Homewood)

• What: Slip on your sneakers and get ready to run during this year’s Jingle Bell Run. Your participation will help raise awareness for the Arthritis Foundation.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 7 | 8AM-12PM
• Cost: $40+
• Details

12. Magical Nights: Vulcan’s Holiday Experience @ Vulcan Park & Museum

• What: Grab the fam for a joyous night at Vulcan Park and Museum. During this event, the Park will become a holiday wonderland with lights, msuic, Santa + extended hours. There will also be food, hot chocolate, wine + beer available for purchase.
• When: Monday, Dec. 9 | 6-8PM
• Cost: Adults (ages 13+) $8 | Kids (ages 5-12) $5 | Kids (under ages 4) FREE
• Details

13. Alabama Founder Fest Event @  Innovation Depot + Regions Field

• What: Attend this action-packed Pitch Blitz at Innovation Depot, featuring the best startups from Techstars, gener8tor and Alabama Launchpad. There will be over 50 founders to cheer on as they pitch their innovation ideas. Plus, you can vote for your favorites.
• When: Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 9:30AM-12:30PM
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

14. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo

• What: The Birmingham Zoo knows how to create unforgettable moments! Get ready for Glow Wild, the annual event filled with stunning illuminated lanterns and non-stop fun. It’s back for another year of magic!
• When: Friday, Nov. 17-Monday, Jan. 15, 2025
• Cost: Adults $13.95-$23.95 | Children(ages 2+) $10.95-$14.95 | Children (under age 2) FREE
• Details

15. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve Tour @ The BJCC

• What: The mesmerizing Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns The BJCC this December with a mind-blowing performance. From Christmas-themed rock opera music set to a dazzling light show and explosive pyrotechnics, this is a holiday show you have to see.
• When: Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7PM
• Cost: $60-$295
• Details

16. Christmas Parade @ Downtown Trussville

• What: Celebrate the season at the Christmas Parade in Downtown Trussville. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas” and will feature cool floats, a chance to win prizes and more.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2PM-4PM
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

17. Birmingham SantaCon @ Carrigan’s Public House

• What: Enjoy this festive event that lets you tour the best local bars, each decked out in holiday cheer.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4PM-8PM
• Cost: $10.99+
• Details

18. 7th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl: Birmingham @ Tin Roof + more

• What: Grab your ugly sweater and join in the fun at this bar crawl around Birmingham. This is a 21+ event.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 14 | 5PM-12AM
• Cost: $15
• Details

19. Alabama Winds Presents: Sounds of the Season @ Thompson High School

• What: Join Alabama Winds for a fun holiday experience with the timeless classic Sounds of the Season.
• When: Sunday, Dec.15 | 3PM-4PM
• Cost: Admission is free
• Details

20. Holiday shows @ Alabama Theatre

• What: Spend the season at the Alabama Theatre during their Holiday Film Series all December. You can see all the holiday favorites from Elf to It’s a Wonderful Life.
• When: Show times vary
• Cost: $15
• Details

21. Menorah Lighting Ceremony @ UAB Campus

• What: Attend this annual menorah lighting of the 9-foot menorah at UAB.
• When: Friday, Dec. 27 | 12PM-1PM
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

22. Reindeer Dash @ Downtown Vestavia Hills

• What: Ready, set, dash! Take part in the 8th Annual 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run at Pure Fitness in Vestavia Hills. Come dressed in your favorite holiday attire and bring your family and friends. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 7:30AM-10:30AM
• Cost: $25-$35
• Details

23. Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story @ Birmingham Children’s Theatre

• What: Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol in this heartwarming holiday tale of redemption, festive music and Scrooge’s transformation from miser to friend.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Saturdays only at 11AM
  • Special Cookies & Cocoa Night: Friday, December 20 | 7PM
• Cost: $24-$28
• Details

24. The Molly Ringwalds @ Iron City

• What: Don’t miss popular local band the Molly Ringwald live at Iron City this December. Tickets are going fast!
• When: Friday, Dec. 20 | 8PM
• Cost: $25
• Details

25. Christmas with C.S. Lewis @ Lyric Theatre

• What: This must-see show lets you spend Christmas Eve with C.S. Lewis in his Oxford home. Watch as he hosts a group of American friends, sharing joyful stories that reveal how a conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien transformed his view of Christmas.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 2PM + 7PM
• Cost: $65
• Details

Looking for live music? See our guide for 70 concerts happening this December.

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