15 classic Birmingham holiday events to make your season bright

The holiday season is here, and it’s the perfect time to begin, or carry on, your cherished annual traditions. Birmingham boasts all sorts of beloved events that locals look forward to each year, from bustling markets to dazzling light shows.

Scroll on to discover some Magic City favorites you’ll want to weave into your celebrations this year.

1. Santa’s Wonderland @ Bass Pro Shops, Leeds

• What: One of the best spots to visit Santa and his magnificent wonderland is at Bass Pro Shops in Leeds. It’s decorated to the max with faux snow, elves + reindeer, craft section, a mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa and a carousel for festive rides. The best part: The long red carpet leading to Santa, where you can get that perfect holiday photo.
• When: Begins Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5PM | Daily from 10AM-5PM beginning Sunday, Nov. 2
• Where: Bass Pro Shops
• Cost: Free admission
  • 1 free 4×6 photo with Santa, 1 free shareable video + photo packages available for purchase
• Details

2. Pecans for Autism fundraiser @ Participating locations + online

• What: Give a little, get a little when you shop Glenwood’s Pecans for Autism fundraiser this season. When you purchase, you aren’t just buying delicious pecan snacks—you’re helping make a difference in others’ lives. Sale runs Nov. 1-Jan. 11—so get your orders in now! 
• When: Saturday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Jan. 11
• Cost: Varies with purchase
• Details

3. Train rides at the North Pole Express @ The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

• What: All aboard the North Pole Express, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the beloved movie classic “The Polar Express.” During this enchanting adventure, enjoy a live holiday story, festive carols and a magical visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  • Tip: Arrive early for warm drinks and bites from local vendors, then sit back and relax during this unforgettable holiday ride filled with cheer, treats and a special keepsake ornament.
• Where: The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
• Cost:
  • Coach: $30
  • Entertainment Coach: $40
  • First Class: $50
  • Premium Table Car: $250 per table, seating up to 4
  • Kids (ages 2 and under): Free admission
• Details

4. Christmas Village Festival @ BJCC Exhibition Halls

• What: This holiday event puts the “extra” in “extravagant!” For five days, the BJCC’s North, South + East exhibition Halls will be jam-packed with yuletide fun. Shop 700+ booths featuring handcrafted artisans + food, plus a photo opp with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
• When: Wednesday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 9 | Hours vary by ticket type
• Where: BJCC Exhibition Halls
• Cost: Adults $16-$20 | Kids (ages 6-12) $5 | Kids (ages 5 and under), free admission with paying adult
• Details

5. Market Noel @ Finley Center, Hoover

• What: Celebrate the season at this festive event supporting the Junior League of Birmingham. Explore 100 unique vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to tasty treats, and enjoy special activities like Brunch with Santa and an exciting preview night featuring a Diamond’s Direct diamond drop giveaway. 
• When:
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7-10PM (Preview Noel)
  • Thursday, Nov. 20 | 10AM-8PM
  • Friday, Nov. 21 | 10AM-6PM 
  • Saturday, Nov. 22 | 9AM-5PM 
• Where: Finley Center
• Cost:
  • General Admission: $15
  • Brunch with the Big Guy: Adults $28 | Children $12
  • Preview Noel: $57
• Details

6. Tamale Sale @ The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!)

• What: DYK the ritual of preparing and sharing tamales at Christmas goes back centuries for Latino cultures? This holiday season, you can join in the fun by ordering this special cuisine during The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama’s (¡HICA!) annual tamale sale. Along with enjoying a great meal, you’ll be supporting ¡HICA’s! mission of empowering Latinos in Alabama.
• When:
  • Order online: Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Dec. 7
  • Order pick up: Thursday, Dec. 11 between 8AM-6PM
• Where: The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (HICA!)
• Cost: Varies by order
• Details

7. Lights of Noel @ Birmingham Race Course

• What: If you love dazzling light displays, this drive-thru holiday light show at the Birmingham Race Course is a must-experience. As you enter the race course, you’ll tune your car radio to the provided channel, then watch as each light display blinks and flashes along with the music. It’s perfect for families, date nights or anyone looking for something festive to do this season.
• When: Nov. 21-Sunday, January, 4 2026 | Nightly from 5PM-12AM
• Where: Birmingham Race Course
• Cost:
  • Monday-Thursday: $25 per car
  • Friday-Sunday: $35 per car
• Details

8. Glow Wild @ Birmingham Zoo

• What: The Birmingham Zoo lights up this holiday season with the return of Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration. This year’s dazzling display will show off hundreds of larger-than-life installations and more than one million lights. Add in hot chocolate, rides on the Red Diamond Express Train, live entertainment + more and it’s a must-experience for all ages.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 | 5-9PM
  • The Birmingham Zoo is closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, Wednesday, Dec 24 + Thursday, Dec. 25.
• Where: Birmingham Zoo
• Cost: Adults $18.95+ | Kids (ages 2-17) $11.95+
• Details

9. Annual Regions Tree Lighting

• What: Holiday lightings are a big deal around the Greater Birmingham Area, and one you won’t want to miss is the annual Regions Center building lighting downtown. Since the 1970s, this Magic City tradition has transformed the tower into a dazzling holiday display featuring bright trees, a wreath and a giant stocking. The building will blink to life the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 28, and shine through New Year’s Day.
• When: Friday, Nov. 28
• Where: Regions Center Building
• Cost: Free admission

10. The Magic of Model Train @ McWane Science Center

• What: As we roll into the holiday season, the Magic of Model Trains is a delightful first stop to help you get into the festive spirit. The beloved event chugs into McWane for its 20th year this November, with over a dozen displays featuring model trains of every shape and size—all meticulously designed to scale. You’ll also discover a miniature, true-to-life city with everything from covered bridges and downtown storefronts to a drive-in theatre and people waiting for a train. Bonus: All trains included in the exhibit really work! You can even pretend to be a conductor and operate a few of them.
  • Extra event: The Polar Express will be on the big screen at McWane’s IMAX Theatre on Dec 14th at 1:30PM + 3:30PM. Be sure to grab your tickets—and snacks—for one of the most magical movies of the season.
• When: Saturday, Nov. 22-Jan. 2026 | Wednesdays-Fridays, 9AM-5PM | Saturdays, 10AM-5PM | Sundays, 12PM-5PM
• Cost: Included in general admission to McWane.
• Details

11. Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular

• What: Red Mountain Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular returns this December, and if you’ve never seen it, this is your year to discover why it’s a Birmingham favorite. The annual event celebrates everything you love about the season with 75 performers taking to the stage with classic carols and modern music, plus lots of special surprises you won’t want to miss.
• When: Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 21 | Wednesday-Friday 7:30PM | Saturday-Sunday 2PM
• Where: Red Mountain Theatre
• Cost: $40+ with discounts for kids ages 2-12
• Details

12. CahaBAZAAR

• What: Knock out your holiday shopping in one stop at this year’s CahaBAZAAR. There will be 150+ artists and makers to shop, live music and free caricatures. Plus, enjoy food trucks, craft beer and festive cocktails from Cahaba Brewing, along with free coffee and hot chocolate. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 | 12PM-5PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Company
• Cost: Free Admission
• Details

13. Holiday films at the Alabama Theatre

• What: Nothing’s more Birmingham holiday tradition than seeing your favorite Christmas movie at the Alabama Theatre. Each year, the theatre is decked out in gorgeous decor, including a stunning, ceiling-high tree that’s perfect for pics. This year’s lineup includes classic films like “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf” and more, but you’ll want to hurry to get tickets—they sell out quick!
• When: Friday, Dec. 12-Monday, Dec. 22 | Time varies by film date
• Where: Alabama Theatre
• Cost: $10–$15 per person
• Details + lineup

14. The Nutcracker with Alabama Ballet @ BJCC Concert Hall

• What: The Alabama Ballet takes you on a fantastical adventure to a magical world of mischievous mice, sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers in the ultimate holiday tradition—The Nutcracker. Alabama Symphony Orchestra will also accompany the show for its first three performances.
  • Fun Fact—George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” is one of only eight ballet companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece!
• When: Saturday, Dec. 13‑Tuesday, Dec. 23 | Time varies by performance date
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall
• Cost: $66.75+
• Details

15. Vulcan’s Magical Nights

• What: Nothing’s more Birmingham than Vulcan, so spend some time with him during the holidays. You expect lots of holiday activities like special appearances from Santa and others, local food and drink vendors and more. As you wander the grounds of Vulcan Park and Museum, be sure to look up—Vulcan will be decked out in a colorful light display as he illuminates the Birmingham skyline.
• Where: Vulcan Park & Museum
• When: TBD
• Cost:
  • Adults: $10
  • Kids (5‑12): $7
  • Kids (under 4): Free admission
• Details

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