Reviewed by: Grace Howard
21 weekend events, including the must-see Holiday Spectacular—Dec. 20-22
Reading time: 7 minutes
The weekend Is officially here, and we have a great list of events for you to experience across Birmingham. Read on for what’s happening, December 20-22, including the Holiday Spectacular, Glow Wild, the Coca Cola Holiday Caravan and more.
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Continuing events in Birmingham
1. Magic of Model Trains @ McWane Science Center
- What: The beloved model train display is back in Birmingham for its 19th year. Explore model trains of every shape + size, ride the McWane Train + more.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
- Cost: General Admission to the McWane Science Center
- Details
2. Glow Wild @ The Birmingham Zoo
- What: Spend the night strolling past stunning illuminated lanterns during this unforgettable annual event.
- When: Now-Jan. 20 2025
- Cost: Adults $13.95-$23.95 | Children (ages 2+) $10.95-$14.95 | Children (under age 2) FREE
- Details
3. MAGICAL NIGHTS: Vulcan’s Holiday Experience @ Vulcan Park & Museum
- What: Vulcan Park and Museum will transform into a delightful wonderland filled with lights, holiday music, special guest appearances and Santa this December. There will also be food, hot chocolate, wine and beer for purchase. Plus, you’ll have more time to browse for holiday gifts because The Anvil Gift Shop will have extended hours until 8PM.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 1-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | 4-8PM
- Cost: Adults (ages 13+) $8 | Kids (ages 5-12) $5 | Kids (ages 4 and under) Free Admission
- Details
4. Magic of Lights @ Alabama Adventure
- What: Enjoy a stellar drive-through holiday light show this season at Alabama Adventure.
- When: Now-January 4, 2025 | Monday-Thursday 5:30-9PM + Friday-Sunday 5:30-10PM
- Cost: Standard Vehicle $24 | Limo/Party Bus $50
- Details
Friday, December 20-Saturday, December 21 events in Birmingham
5. Handel’s Messiah @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
- What: This weekend, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra renews one of its most beloved traditions with a performance of Handel’s Messiah. The 18th-century oratorio, which tells the story of Jesus’ life, has become a Christmas tradition for many, particularly its iconic Hallelujah chorus performed by over 90 voices.
- When: Friday, Dec. 20, 7PM | Saturday, Dec. 21, 2:30PM
- Cost: $12-$76
- Details
Friday, Dec. 20-Sunday, Dec. 23
6. Holiday Spectacular @ Red Mountain Theatre
- What: It’s the final weekend to see this year’s Holiday Spectacular at Red Mountain Theatre. One of Birmingham’s favorite holiday traditions featuring show-stopping singing and dance numbers showcasing some of The Magic City’s most talented performers.
- When:
- Friday, Dec. 20 | 7:30PM
- Saturday, Dec. 21 + Sunday, Dec. 22 | 2PM + 7:30PM
- Cost: $44-74 | Discounts for children under 12.
- Details
7. Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan in Birmingham @ Varying locations
- What: The Coca-Cola Caravan is traveling through Birmingham this holiday season. Come get your picture taken with Santa, enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola beverages, send a letter to a loved one and explore the magic of the holiday season.
- When:
- Friday, December 20:
- Cost Plus Calera, 11028 AL-25, Calera, AL 35040 | 12PM-2:30PM
- Walmart, 630 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Alabaster, AL 35007 | 6-8PM
- Saturday, December 21:
- Walmart, 9248 Parkway East Birmingham, AL 35206 | 12PM-2:30PM
- Mi Pueblo, 3060 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124 | 6-8PM
- Sunday, December 22:
- Jack’s, 700 Roebuck Dr, Birmingham, AL 35215 | 12PM-2:30PM
- Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223 | 6-8PM
- Friday, December 20:
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
8. It’s a Wonderful Life Live! @ Virginia Samford Theatre
- What: Step back in time to the 1944 radio broadcast of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Virginia Samford Theatre. You’ll be captivated by a stellar cast, a vintage musical underscore + live foley sound.
- When:
- Friday, Dec. 20 | 7:30PM
- Saturday, Dec. 21 + Sunday, Dec. 22 | 2:30PM
- Cost: $30
- Details
9. Alabama Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® @ BJCC Concert Hall
- What: The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies licensed to perform this holiday masterpiece. Your whole family will be swept away by beloved melodies that transport you to a magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers.
- When:
- Friday, Dec. 20 | 7PM
- Saturday, Dec. 21 + Sunday, Dec. 22 | 1:30PM
- Cost: $58+
- Details
Friday, December 20 events in Birmingham
10. Christmas Movies & Popcorn @ East Ensley Library
- What: Get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas movie + fresh popcorn this Friday afternoon.
- When: Friday, Dec. 20 | 3PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
11. Yule Services and Craft Night @ Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham
- What: If you love crafts, you’ll enjoy this welcoming family-friendly event.
- When: Friday, Dec. 20 | 6PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
Saturday, December 21 events in Birmingham
12. 5th Annual ECDC Christmas Showcase @ East Village Arts of Birmingham
- What: Support local East Village Arts students as they perform in this special music recital.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 10AM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
13. Kwanzaa Family Workshop @ Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- What: Grab the family for a festive Kwanzaa event with the Birming Civil Rights Institute this Saturday. You’ll have the chance to explore the seven principles and symbols of this annual celebration of African-American family, community, and culture. RSVP to reserve your spot.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 10AM-12PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
14. Santa and The Princesses @ City Walk BHAM
- What: This festive musical event brings together the beloved princesses of fairytale fame and the one and only Santa Claus for an unforgettable celebration of song. Join Santa & the Princesses for a day filled with classic Christmas carols, Disney classics, food trucks, glittery hair tinsel and so much more.
- When: Saturday, December 21 | 10AM-1PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
15. A Christmas Story @ Alabama Theatre
- What: Nothing says Christmas like seeing this beloved movie at the Alabama Theatre. Haven’t seen it? The story follows a young boy named Ralphie in the 1940s who tries to convince his parents, teacher and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun is the perfect gift.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 2PM
- Cost: $15
- Details
16. Mistletoe Jam: A Luther Vandross Tribute Party @ Sidewalk Film
- What: Don’t miss this exciting party with Sidewalk Film. There will be a screening of the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, an R&B dance party with a live DJ, official Luther Vandross merch giveaways, extra swag, specialty cocktails + more.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 6PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
17. T.U.B.’s Christmas Show @ Avondale Brewing Company
- What: See T.U.B.’s Annual Christmas Show this Saturday as they perform classics and new favorites from the Grateful Dead, Phis and Widespread Panic. Must be 21+ to attend.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 7:30PM
- Cost: $10
- Details
Sunday, December 22 events in Birmingham
18. Vivatia Plants Pop-Up @ Houseplant Collective
- What: Love plants? Join Houseplant Collective for a special pop-up with Vivatia Plant Care Services this Friday.
- When: Friday, Dec. 20 | 6PM
- Cost: $30
- Details
19. Free Family Movies @ Woodlawn Theatre
- What: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with a festive double feature of two holiday favorites: Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 22 | Elf 2PM, How the Grinch Stole Christmas 4:30PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
20. Carol Sing @ Triangle Park
- What: Need some holiday cheer? Take part in the annual Forest Park Neighborhood Carol Sing this Sunday. There will be visits with Santa, festive carols, cookies + milk, music + more.
- The festivities start at 3 pm. Santa arrives at 4 pm sharp!
- When: Sunday, Dec. 22 | Event begins at 3PM, Santa arrives at 4PM
- Cost: Free admission
- Details
21. 9th Annual Music Gallery 9th Annual Christmas Special @ Jazzi’s on 3rd
- What: Don’t miss this year’s joyous Christmas Special with great music, spirited entertainment + more.
- When: Sunday, Dec. 22 | 6-9PM
- Cost: $25
- Details
More events in Birmingham
- A Viennese Celebration @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center—Dec. 31
- New Year’s Eve Reveillon @ Workplay—Dec. 31
- New Year’s Eve in the Magic City: Havana Nights NYE @ Marriott Birmingham—Dec. 31
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